Ankle & Foot
About Ankle Arthroscopy
A minimally invasive procedure that involves the placement of a small camera into the ankle. The inside of the ankle can be visualized on a monitor. Through a separate small portal, a probe can be inserted to examine the structures within the ankle. Based on direct visualization and probing, damaged tissue can be found and a diagnosis can be made. This is a useful procedure to establish a diagnosis related to ankle pain, weakness or instability. In most cases these problems can be immediately addressed at that time.
The Benefits
The benefits of this minimally invasive procedure to the patient include a quicker recovery with less pain and less ankle stiffness.
About Ankle Fractures
Fracture of the leg, ankle and foot is a common injury pattern. These injuries typically result from a twisting injury or direct impact. The resulting skeletal injury is typically evident immediately as a result of rapid swelling, pain and difficulty or inability to bear weight in the injured leg. The bone(s) involved and the pattern of the fracture dictates the treatment method of choice. Certain fractures are so stable that no casting or immobilization is required. Nondisplaced fractures are often adequately treated with cast immobilization. Displaced fractures, fractures that involve the joint surface or fractures that disrupt the integrity of the ankle socket typically require surgical treatment.
The Procedure
At Regional Orthopedics, we have mastered the surgical approaches and implants that are available for treatment of these fractures. The method of surgical exposure and implant choice is customized to each injury and patient for the purpose of achieving the goals of minimal invasion, anatomic fracture reduction and rigid internal fixation. When these goals are achieved and early rehabilitation is instituted, the patient can be assured the best possible clinical outcome.
About Ligament Repair
Ankle sprains are a common injury that cause damage to the ligaments around the ankle. The most commonly injured ligament is the lateral ligament complex, which is composed of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL). In many cases, the injury to the ligaments is incomplete and/or the ligaments heal in a manner that stability is restored to the ankle joint. In some cases, however, the ligaments heal poorly and the result is an unstable ankle joint.
The Symptoms
The symptoms of ankle instability are pain, swelling, recurrent ankle sprains and ankle weakness. Initial treatment is a program of exercises and bracing to attempt to control the instability by utilizing secondary stabilizers. If this fails then surgical treatment is recommended.
The Procedure
At Regional Orthopedics, this condition can be repaired on an outpatient basis utilizing a 3-inch incision over the lateral aspect of the ankle. The torn ligaments can be repaired and tightened. In some cases the ligament tissue is insufficient and a tissue graft is needed to reconstruct the ligament. This can be accomplished utilizing local tissue from the area when necessary. Recovery time is 4 weeks in an ankle brace followed by 4-6 weeks of rehabilitation.
Fascia Tear / Tendon Tear
About Fascia/Tendon
Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, posterior tibial tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, etc. are all degenerative/overuse conditions that result in damage/tearing of the fascia and tendon of the ankle and foot. Symptoms of these conditions are pain, swelling, limping, and painful shoe wear. These conditions can often be initially treated with oral anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, orthotics and physical therapy. If unresponsive to medical treatment, surgical repair is often recommended. At Regional Orthopedics, surgical debridement and repair of the fascia and/or tendon is performed on an outpatient basis. Recovery time is variable depending on the extent of the procedure.
