The goal of amputation is to remove unhealthy tissue and create a remaining leg that is less painful and more useful. Just like many reconstructive orthopaedic surgeries, the surgical goal is to improve a patient’s pain and function. Amputation can improve quality of life for many patients.
A below-knee amputation (BKA) is an amputation often performed for foot and ankle problems. The…
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate is made from fluid taken from bone marrow. The bone marrow aspirate contains stem cells that can help the healing of some bone and joint conditions. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate is obtained with a minimally invasive procedure that avoids the risks of an open bone graft procedure.
Stem cells can be used to help with bone healing, cartilage repair and…
Brisement is the injection of fluid into the space between a tendon and its lining, or sheath. This procedure breaks up scar tissue and stimulates healing of a tendon. While most commonly used for the Achilles tendon, brisement can be performed in any tendon of the foot and ankle.
The Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker, or CROW, is a rigid boot designed to accommodate and support a foot with Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN).
CROW consists of a fully enclosed ankle/foot orthotic with a rocker-bottom sole. It is a common treatment used to minimize further deformity and prevent ulcer development after acute CN has calmed down.
CN occurs when bones and joints in…
Distraction arthroplasty is a distraction (stretching out) of the ankle joint. The ankle is held in this distracted position for a period of time. This technique is used to unload the ankle joint and allow healing of the damaged joint. It may be recommended for a patient who has ankle arthritis.
The major goal of this treatment is healing of damaged tissue that occurs from arthritis.…
Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive method that uses pressure waves to treat various musculoskeletal conditions. High-energy acoustic waves (shock waves) deliver a mechanical force to the body’s tissues.
A ganglion is a cyst that forms on top of a joint, ligament, or tendon. The cyst is filled with fluid. Because the ganglion is not cancerous and may disappear in time, if you do not have symptoms such as pain, your doctor may recommend observation only to make sure that no unusual changes occur.
The procedure to remove a ganglion is called ganglion resection. The initial treatment of a…
The gastrocnemius and the soleus are two muscles that make up the calf. The gastroc is the larger and more superficial of the two muscles. The soleus is a deeper muscle within the lower leg. The gastroc tendon combines with the soleus tendon to form the Achilles tendon.
Tightness in the calf can limit how for the ankle can flex up. This may make it difficult to walk with the heel on the…
Many patients have questions about the hardware that is used in foot and ankle surgery. If you are having foot or ankle surgery, ask your physician if you will need implants like those discussed below.
A joint injection is a procedure your doctor uses to introduce medication into a joint. The injection is done under sterile conditions using a syringe and needle.
The goals of a joint injection are to relieve pain and improve joint function. Your foot and ankle orthopaedic specialist also may confirm your diagnosis when giving a joint injection.