Frequently Performed Surgeries

Foot and ankle surgeries address various conditions that cause pain, instability, and deformity. As a foot and ankle specialist, I frequently perform several procedures designed to restore function and alleviate discomfort. Here’s an overview of the most common surgeries we perform. 

Ankle fractures are common injuries from sports, falls, or accidents. Surgery realigns the bones and stabilizes them with plates and screws, ensuring proper healing and joint function.

• Why it's done: To restore alignment and stabilize the ankle after a fracture.
• Recovery: Non-weight-bearing for several weeks, followed by physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

Achilles tendon ruptures occur during high-impact sports or from degenerative changes over time. Surgery stitches the torn tendon ends together, allowing for proper healing and restoring function.

• Why it's done: To repair the Achilles tendon and allow patients to return to normal activities.
• Recovery: Requires a cast or boot followed by gradual weight-bearing and physical therapy.

Fractures of the fifth metatarsal, located on the outer side of the foot, are common in athletes. Surgical repair with screws or plates is often needed to stabilize the bone and ensure proper healing.

• Why it's done: To promote healing and prevent complications such as nonunion.
• Recovery: Non-weight-bearing for several weeks, with gradual return to activity.

Repeated ankle sprains can lead to chronic instability. Surgery tightens or reconstructs the damaged ligaments, restoring ankle stability and preventing future injuries.

• Why it's done: To correct chronic ankle instability and reduce the risk of future sprains.
• Recovery: Cast or boot wear followed by physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.

Peroneal tendon injuries, including tears or chronic instability, often occur alongside ankle sprains or due to overuse. Surgery may involve tendon repair, cleaning out damaged tissue, or stabilizing the tendons to prevent them from dislocating.

• Why it's done: To relieve pain, improve function, and restore tendon stability.
• Recovery: Non-weight-bearing initially, followed by rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.

Midfoot injuries, such as Lisfranc fractures or dislocations, often require surgery to realign and stabilize the bones. ORIF involves placing screws or plates to restore the anatomy of the midfoot.

• Why it's done: To stabilize the midfoot and restore function after injury.
• Recovery: Non-weight-bearing for several weeks, followed by gradual rehabilitation.

Flatfoot deformity can cause pain and dysfunction in the foot and ankle. Surgery often includes tendon transfers, osteotomies (bone cuts), or fusions to realign the foot and restore the arch.

• Why it's done: To relieve pain, restore alignment, and improve function in patients with flatfoot.
• Recovery: Non-weight-bearing for several weeks, followed by structured rehabilitation.

Ankle replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial implants, relieving pain while maintaining joint motion. This is a common alternative to fusion in patients with severe arthritis.

• Why it's done: To relieve arthritis pain while preserving joint motion.
• Recovery: Non-weight-bearing for several weeks, followed by a gradual return to weight-bearing with physical therapy.

Ankle fusion permanently fuses the bones of the ankle joint to eliminate painful motion in patients with severe arthritis. This option is used when ankle replacement is not viable.

• Why it's done: To alleviate pain and provide stability in cases of severe arthritis.
• Recovery: Recovery includes several weeks of non-weight-bearing, followed by physical therapy.

Bunion surgery corrects the deformity at the base of the big toe. This typically involves cutting and realigning the bone (osteotomy) and stabilizing it with screws or plates.

• Why it's done: To relieve pain and correct the deformity of the big toe.
• Recovery: Non-weight-bearing for several weeks, with gradual return to normal activity.

These common foot and ankle surgeries can relieve pain, improve stability, and restore function. While recovery requires time and commitment to rehabilitation, these procedures can significantly enhance patients’ quality of life. If you experience foot or ankle pain or instability, consult with an AOFAS member to explore treatment options.