Foot and ankle surgeries
Surgery can be one strategy to addressing a wide range of foot and ankle conditions – ranging from bunions and tendon tears to severe arthritis and fractures. While surgery is typically considered only after nonsurgical treatments have failed, some acute injuries may require immediate intervention.
Volunteer Podiatry offers various surgical procedures depending on the condition and its severity. Whether the goal is to realign broken bones, fuse painful joints, remove excess tissue, or repair torn ligaments and tendons, our goal is to help you restore mobility and function.
What is bunion surgery?
Osteotomy, also known as bunion surgery, relieves pain and corrects foot deformities caused by bunions, which develop from prolonged joint stress, tight shoes, genetics, or arthritis.
Before considering surgery, your podiatrist may recommend supportive footwear, splints, orthotics, or medication for arthritis-related pain. If non-surgical treatments don’t help, surgery may be needed to realign the bone, remove excess tissue, or fuse a damaged joint. The exact procedure depends on the severity of the bunion and your podiatrist’s approach, but bunion surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day.
While not cosmetic, bunion surgery can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility, helping you return to daily activities with greater comfort.
What is Lapiplasty?
Lapiplasty is a minimally invasive surgery that corrects bunions at the root by realigning the metatarsal in three dimensions, addressing underlying instability. This approach offers a more stable, lasting solution with smaller incisions and less tissue disruption.
What’s the difference between Lapiplasty and traditional bunion surgery?
Traditional bunion surgery involves cutting and shifting the bone to reduce the visible bump. However, this method does not correct the underlying instability in the foot, which is why bunions can often come back.
Lapiplasty, on the other hand, uses specialized instrumentation to realign the bone in all three dimensions and secures it with titanium plates. The minimally invasive approach means less tissue trauma, reduced post-op pain, and a faster recovery compared to traditional techniques.
What is posterior tibialis tendon surgery?
Posterior tibialis tendon surgery is performed to repair or reconstruct the posterior tibialis tendon, which plays a crucial role in supporting the arch of the foot and controlling foot movement. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), which can lead to flatfoot deformity and pain.
What happens during Posterior Tibialis Tendon Surgery?
During posterior tibialis tendon surgery, the surgeon may repair or reconstruct the damaged tendon, often by making an incision along the inside of the ankle or foot. In some cases, a tendon transfer or fusion procedure may be necessary to restore proper foot function. The surgery is generally performed under anesthesia, and post-operative rehabilitation is key to regaining mobility and strength.
What is ankle replacement surgery?
Ankle replacement surgery, also known as total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), is a procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function for patients suffering from severe ankle arthritis, deformities, or injuries. This surgical option replaces the damaged ankle joint with a prosthetic implant, providing a long-term solution for patients who have exhausted other treatments like medication and physical therapy.
What happens during ankle replacement surgery?
During ankle replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged portions of the ankle joint and replaces them with metal and plastic components. The surgery is typically performed under general or regional anesthesia, and rehabilitation is essential for restoring strength and mobility post-surgery.
What is the success rate of an ankle replacement?
Ankle replacement surgery has a high success rate, with 80-90% of patients experiencing pain relief and improved mobility within 10 years. Outcomes vary based on factors like age and health, but advancements in surgical techniques and implants have enhanced long-term success. As with any surgery, risks like infection or implant complications exist, but following post-surgery instructions can help ensure a smooth recovery.
What is Achilles tendon repair surgery?
Achilles tendon repair surgery is performed to fix a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This surgery is typically necessary for individuals who have sustained significant tendon damage, often due to trauma or overuse.
During the surgery, the surgeon will reattach the torn ends of the Achilles tendon, either using sutures or anchors. The procedure is usually done under anesthesia, and the surgeon may make an incision along the back of the lower leg to access the tendon. In some cases, a tendon graft may be used for repair.
What is recovery like for Achilles tendon repair surgery?
Recovery after Achilles tendon repair surgery involves rest, elevation, and physical therapy. Patients are typically required to wear a protective boot or cast for several weeks, followed by gradual weight-bearing and rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and flexibility. Full recovery can take several months, depending on the extent of the injury and surgery. Your
What is lateral ankle ligament reconstruction?
Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction surgery is a procedure designed to restore stability to the ankle by repairing or reconstructing damaged ligaments, typically the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). Using either sutures or a graft, the surgeon reinforces the weakened ligaments to improve ankle support, reduce the risk of future injuries, and restore normal function.
You might need this surgery if one or more of the ligaments on the outside of your ankle has loosened or stretched, leading to chronic ankle instability. This condition can cause chronic pain, repeated ankle sprains, and an ankle that often gives way when walking or performing activities. Recovery typically involves physical therapy to regain strength, mobility, and balance.
What is ankle fusion surgery?
Ankle fusion surgery, or arthrodesis, is a procedure that permanently joins the bones of the ankle joint – typically the tibia, fibula, and talus – to eliminate pain caused by severe arthritis or injury. By fusing these bones, the surgery removes movement at the joint, reducing pain and improving stability.
It is often recommended for patients with end-stage arthritis, deformities, or chronic instability that has not responded to other treatments. The procedure involves removing damaged cartilage, positioning the bones for proper alignment, and securing them with screws or plates until they heal together. While ankle fusion limits flexibility, it can significantly improve function and quality of life by providing a stable, pain-free joint.