Foot & Ankle

Foot and Ankle Surgery and Procedures

At the Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County, our foot and ankle surgeons are trained in the latest advancements to offer you much needed healing. Several of the procedures we offer are explained below:

Ankle Fusion, Transfibular

This surgical procedure treats severe arthritis or injury of the ankle joint. By removing damaged bone and cartilage, our doctors can then refuse and reshape the bones so that they are aligned properly. Once aligned, the bones are stabilized and incisions are closed, and over the next several weeks, the bones fuse together permanently. Physical therapy is typically recommended, and patients are usually back to normal routines within 3-6 months.

Arthroscopic Ankle Cartilage Repair

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that stimulates the growth of fibrocartilage in the injured ankle. Once one of our surgeons has located and inspected the damaged area, they will use arthroscopic instruments to clear away any damaged cartilage and then create tiny holes on the bone’s surface to stimulate growth. Blood flows to the stimulated area which promotes a natural healing response in the body, and the fibrocartilage with gradually form. The healing process usually lasts a period of months, and sometimes therapy is necessary.

Bunionectomy with Distal Head Osteotomy

A painful bunion, or hallux valgus, is a deformity of the toe joint that can be treated with a bunionectomy. A surgeon re-corrects the toe’s alignment by removing the bunion, or bony bump, and by releasing tendons when necessary. A distal head osteotomy can be performed to further correct the toe’s alignment by removing a wedge of bone and shifting the toe into its proper place, and then stabilizing it with screws or pins.

Endoscopic Plantar Fascia Release

Plantar Fasciitis is a common chronic foot problem that occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue in the sole of the foot, becomes inflamed. To perform an endoscopic plantar fascia release or endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, the surgeon creates a small incision on the either or both sides of the foot and inserts a slotted tube called a cannula against the plantar fascia.
The surgeon inspects the plantar fascia through small camera called an endoscope and then uses a cutting instrument to carefully cut sections of the plantar fascia, allowing it to stretch, lengthen, and relax. The foot is typically placed in a surgical shoe, splint, or cast for the healing process.

Excisions of Morton’s Neuromas

Morton’s Neuroma, an enlarged nerve that gets pinched between bones and ligaments, can cause pain and pressure in the foot. A surgeon can ease the pain caused by the neuroma one of two ways. In order to keep the nerve intact, the surgeon can cut the deep transverse metatarsal ligament, which causes no loss of feeling in the toes. The surgeon can also remove the neuroma entirely, which may lead to a loss of feeling. The healing process is typically brief, around three weeks.

Podiatric Care

Surgical procedures are not always necessary for common foot and ankle problems, like corns, bunions, sprains, heel spurs, etc. We have doctors on staff also trained in non-surgical podiatric care.

Cures for Common Foot Problems, Without Surgery

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One of our talented surgeons can help determine what surgical procedure is necessary to ease your pain and get you on the road to recovery in an efficient and safe manner. If you’re in pain, it’s time to get relief. To schedule an appointment, contact us or call 561-967-6500. The Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County is happy to assist you in any way we can.