Foot and Ankle Reconstruction
Foot and Ankle reconstruction encompass a variety of surgeries performed to correct the structures of the foot and/or ankle, and to restore the natural functionality of the foot and/or ankle that has been lost due to injury or illness. Ideally, any foot or ankle surgery for reconstruction is done to improve the alignment and function of the foot so that patients can maintain their quality of life.
The foot is formed by several bones, ligaments, joints and muscles, which function collectively to control the various movements like walking and running. This complicated structure of the foot and ankle permits them to resist heavy forces every day. As the feet are a common area for wounds and injuries, they are susceptible to various mistreatments in the form of ill-fitting shoes, sports injuries, work-related trauma, or the strain of walking. Various outside forces tend to harm the feet and cause pain and discomfort.
Indications for foot reconstruction:
A variety of reconstructive procedures are designed to treat many foot disorders and restore your foot back to its original health and function.
Following are the indications:
- Common foot ailments like bunions or hammertoes
- Postural deformity such as severe flat feet
- Deformity due to injury and mal-alignment
- Difficulty wearing shoes
- Problems with standing or other movements of the foot
- Fractures sustained because of accident/trauma
- Athletic injuries like Achilles tendon tears, foot/ankle fractures, ligament injuries and several others
- Heel and bone spurs
- Joint or bone deformities due to arthritis
- Changes in the foot or ankle due to metabolic disease such as diabetes
Foot reconstruction surgery:
The primary objectives of foot reconstruction are reduction of pain, the restoration of function and appearance. The surgery to be performed depends on several factors such as the age of the individual, type of foot disorder, and severity and duration of the symptoms. Reconstructive foot surgery facilitates to correct birth defects, correct malalignment, diseases and other foot ailments that can greatly benefit patients’ medical and aesthetic needs. It is often recommended when conservative treatments fail to resolve the symptoms, surgery is good choice in permanently treating various foot disorders.
With the new advancements in surgical technology, the traditional method of treating some foot disorders has been replaced by a minimally invasive technique which can limit pain and swelling. These procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia. Several tiny incisions are made by Dr. Mesnier to insert an arthroscope or miniature surgical instruments to treat the joints or realign the bones. For arthroscopy, the camera attached to the arthroscope displays the internal structures on a monitor and your surgeon uses these pictures to evaluate the joint and direct the small surgical instruments either to repair or remove the damaged bone or tendon depending upon the extent of injury.
At the end of the procedure, the surgical incisions are closed by sutures or protected with antimicrobial agents, and a soft dressing pad is applied. Depending upon the surgery, Dr. Mesnier will place a boot or a splint to prevent movement of the foot until it regains normal functioning capacity.
Some of the advantages of arthroscopic surgery include:
- Minimal trauma to the surrounding structures
- Shorter recovery time with less post-surgical complications
- Greater range of motion with less post-operative pain
- Decreased muscle atrophy
Post-operative care:
Following are the post-surgical guidelines to be followed after reconstruction:
- Make sure you get adequate rest. Avoid using the affected foot for a few weeks.
- Take medications to help alleviate pain and inflammation as prescribed by your doctor.
- Apply ice bags over dressing to the affected area for about 15-20 minutes to reduce post-operative pain and swelling.
- Compression dressings (ace bandage) are used to support the foot to reduce swelling. Take care not to wrap too tightly which could constrict the blood vessels.
- Keep the foot elevated at or above the level of your heart. This helps minimize swelling and discomfort.
- Start rehabilitation (physiotherapy) as recommended by your Dr. Mesnier between 3 to 7 weeks, depending on the procedure, to improve range of motion.
- Crutches or a walker may be used to maintain balance or stability while walking. You should begin appropriate exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles.
- Cover the splint while showering to keep it clean and dry.
- Return to sports once the foot has regained normal strength and function with your surgeon's approval.
The outcome of foot reconstruction surgery is greatly improved when you, Dr. Mesnier, and the physical therapist work together as a team.
