Foot and Ankle Surgical Procedures
Surgery is a common treatment used for many foot and ankle conditions. Surgery includes everything from arthroscopic procedures to joint replacement surgery.
Surgery is considered for treatment of a bunion when shoe modifications are not enough to relieve symptoms. Surgery for the treatment of bunions has several potential complications. If the decision to have surgical treatment of bunions is made, patients must be ready for a lengthy rehabilitation.
Bunion surgery may be recommended for people who have failed to improve with simple treatments for their bunion. Determining if surgery is necessary can be a difficult decision. Deciding on surgery for a bunion should focus on pain and not appearance of the foot.
A cheilectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove bone spurs from the base of the big toe. Bone spurs form as a result of arthritis and can cause pain and stiffness of the big toe. A cheilectomy is performed to remove these spurs.
Treatment of heel spurs can be a difficult problem. Non-surgical treatments are always attempted. Treatments include shoe inserts, splints, and medications. If these treatments do not relieve the pain, should the heel spur be removed?
Ankle fusion surgery is a treatment for severe arthritis of the joint. In an ankle fusion surgery, the damaged joint is removed, and the ankle is secured in a proper position. The ankle fusion then permanently holds the joint in this position, alleviating pain, but eliminating motion of the joint. Ankle fusion is the most commonly performed procedure for severe arthritis.
Ankle replacement surgery is a treatment for severe arthritis. Ankle replacement is most often performed in patients who are older and less active because of concerned that the implanted ankle replacement joint can wear out over time. As ankle replacement implants are being better designed, the results of this surgery are improving.
