Podiatric surgeons at Orangewood Surgical Center specialize in the diagnosis and medical treatment of disorders affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Podiatric surgery is often recommended to treat fractures, tendon tears and pain, bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis.
Achilles Tendon Repair:
Achilles Tendon Repair is a surgical procedure designed to repair a torn and damaged Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is located at the back of the ankle, and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. The tendon connects muscles to the bones and helps with the movement of your ankle, feet and toes. Repairing the function of an Achilles tendon is critical for walking.
The surgeon will make a small incision to the back of the leg in order to repair the torn Achilles tendon. The surgeon will then sew the tendon back together, and then close the incisions.
Arthroscopic Repairs of Soft Tissue:
An arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure designed to reduce ankle pain and improve overall function. Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat different disorders of the joint including arthritis, fractures, instability, infection and more.
The surgeon will use a thin fiber-optic camera, called an arthroscope, that will magnify and transmit images of the ankle onto a video screen. Small incisions are then made in the ankle to repair the soft tissue.
Bunionectomy:
Bunionectomy is designed to relieve pain and restore normal alignment of a joint by removing or excising a bunion. A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. This surgical procedure is often recommended for individuals who have bunions, and are experiencing severe pain while walking and performing other activities.
A surgeon will make an incision on the great toe and remove a small piece of the bone (bunion), to correct the deformity.
Debridement:
Debridement is a surgical procedure designed to clean dead and contaminated material from a wound to promote healing. Not only does dead skin prevent the development of healthy new tissue, but it makes the affected area more susceptible to infection. Wounds normally heal faster once dead tissue is removed. Contaminated material, such as infection, can also prevent wounds from healing and can cause a life-threatening illness.
A surgeon will use surgical instruments to excise the dead or contaminated material from a wound. A dressing is then applied as it helps control the bleeding.
Foot and Ankle Fracture Repair:
Fractures of the foot and ankle (which are characterized by a break in the bone) can be repaired with minimally-invasive podiatric surgery. If the fracture is unstable and the foot or ankle feels loose, screw placement is often recommended. In this approach, the surgeon makes a small incision on the foot or ankle, to access the fracture. Using surgical instruments, the bones that are affected by the fracture are realigned and then secured together in place with screws and plates.