Outpatient Foot & Ankle Surgery

Located at the juncture of the shinbone (tibia) and upper foot, the ankle is susceptible to a range of injuries and ailments, including arthritis. Held in place by tough tissue bands, called ligaments, the ankle can be bent and straightened to enable successful movement and agility. If the joint becomes damaged, balance, walking and other basic physical actions can be significantly affected.

In cases of severe or advanced ankle damage, the entire joint may be replaced with a prosthesis, or artificial implant. This surgical procedure can provide substantial pain relief, as well as improve ankle movement and overall mobility. Improvement to joint motion can help alleviate stress on surrounding bone structures, leading to long-term reduction in arthritis and progressive damage risks. Joint replacement is most often only recommended in cases of destroyed ankle components and an inability to execute day-to-day physical activities.

The foot is a complex structure made up of 26 bones and 33 joints, all connected through a network of muscles, ligaments, and nerves. With each step taken, the foot experiences excessive force from carrying the weight of the body, oftentimes leading to painful injuries that are accelerated by natural wear-and-tear. It is no wonder that 75 percent of all Americans will experience foot problems at one point or another in their lifetimes.