2 Complex Surgical Techniques Podiatrists Use Often
Prevention is the best medicine, and conservative treatments can be incredibly effective, but sometimes surgery is the optimal answer. Foot and Ankle Associates of Cleveland is fortunate enough to have plenty of surgical expertise on the team, so we’ve decided to share some info regarding procedures most folks aren’t aware of. This blog will cover two innovative techniques that boast serious complexity and deliver incredible results as well.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a cutting-edge technique that allows podiatrists to diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems with greater precision and less disruption.
- The podiatrist makes small incisions and inserts an arthroscope – a slender instrument equipped with a fiber-optic camera.
- This offers a clear view of internal joint structures, enabling the diagnosis of issues like damaged cartilage or injured tissue.
- The arthroscope can even be used for surgical corrections like removing debris or repairing joint damage.
- Often performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia, arthroscopy can provide a quicker recovery path for some patients. Its use minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues, leading to reduced swelling, faster healing, and a lower chance of infection.
Charcot Reconstructive Surgery
In some cases, surgical intervention might be needed to restore function and stop the progress of chronic pain. Charcot foot, a complication associated with diabetes and nerve damage, is one example.
- Charcot Foot involves a weakening of the bones in the foot, making them more vulnerable to fractures.
- These fractures can heal improperly, causing deformities that alter the foot’s shape and increase pressure that might lead to wounds and ulcers.
- Surgery, which is most often performed on patients with chronic deformities, instability, or severe ulcers, involves realignments in the hindfoot, midfoot, and ankle regions.
- Podiatrists might use internal fixation devices for added support or perform osteotomies (bone removals) to address protrusions on the foot’s sole.
Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, Dr. Jim Swienconek, Dr. Rachel Robinson, and Dr. Courtney Yoder can help you learn more about foot and ankle surgery and whether it’s right for you. If you’re in pain, call Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio, at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We treat patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties, proudly serving Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, and Twinsburg, too.