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Department of Orthopaedics

Department of Orthopaedics
 

Foot & Ankle

From Ankle Sprains to Total Replacement
 

The division of Foot and Ankle surgery at CU Orthopaedics offers foot and ankle procedures from ankle sprain treatment to total ankle replacement. We offer a full range of on-site service, including digital radiography, MRI, and casting. Our orthopaedic surgeon is fellowship trained in foot and ankle service, and the orthopaedic clinical staff will ensure a pleasant and professional office experience.

 

 Common Procedures

 
Removal of Hardware

Includes the removal of hardware such as plates or screws from previous surgeries. The surgery can be done either because of pain caused by the hardware or the removal is necessary to perform a different surgery.

Osteotomies

An osteotomy is performed to realign any bone and to correct the placement of that bone; the surgeon can use an allograft (bone from a donor) or an autograft (bone from the patient), if needed.

Transfer/Transplant of tendons

This surgery is performed to correct deformities of the foot or to fix ruptured a tendon. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, with no overnight stay required in the hospital.

Tibial-talar Arthrodesis

Defined as fusion of the distal portion of the ankle bones. Surgery is performed to restore ankle function as a result of degenerative diseases of the ankle, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. Patients are generally hospitalized for 1 to 4 days. Post-operatively, there can be no weight-bearing on the fused ankle for six to eight weeks depending on healing. At six to eight weeks you may begin to bear some weight on the fused ankle in a boot cast. Between 3-6 months you may be able to resume normal activity.

Total Ankle Replacement

This procedure replaces the ankle joint with an implant and an alternative to Tibial-talar arthrodesis. Surgery is performed to restore ankle function as a result of degenerative diseases of the ankle, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. Patients are generally hospitalized for 1 to 4 days. A period of physical therapy is often required after ankle replacement. Within two weeks of surgery, you can wear a cast boot and start to put weight on the new joint. Around two months post-op, you can slowly begin to not use the boot and around 4-6 months you can resume normal activity.