Post-traumatic reconstruction is sometimes necessary after experiencing a car or a work-related accident. It can help restore function to your foot and ankle, allowing you to return to the activities you once performed with ease.
If you are interested in learning more about the post-traumatic reconstruction procedure for feet and ankles, speak to one of our orthopedic surgeons at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center today! We serve patients throughout the Greater Columbus area.
Visiting an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t mean that surgery is necessary. Our orthopedic doctors always prefer to use non-surgical procedures to treat injuries.
“Very professional but still able to have the down to earth friendly care you want in a medical provider. They listened to everything and gave you their medical opinion and options to the solution.” — Eric K.
Post-traumatic reconstruction of the foot and ankle is a surgical procedure used to correct the malformation of bones and soft tissues after foot or ankle trauma. Your orthopedic surgeon may use one of several techniques to perform reconstructive surgery, including the following:
Traumatic injuries to the foot and ankle can cause damaged bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. As a result of the injury, you may experience significant pain. There may also be a form of disability, and the cartilage in your joint could start to wear down.
The goals of reconstructive surgery include the following:
You may require reconstruction surgery after a traumatic injury. The following list provides some of the conditions that might require reconstructive surgery:
In order to prepare for reconstructive surgery, you may need to follow the steps below.
Reconstructive surgery can be performed using either the open or arthroscopic approach.
Open surgery is where the surgeon makes an incision of one or two inches in the foot or ankle. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses smaller, procedure-specific instruments and a camera to perform the surgery.
The following procedures may be performed during a post-traumatic reconstruction of the foot and ankle:
It may take 6 or 12 months to fully recover from foot and ankle reconstructive surgery. Recovery time will depend on the procedure used.
During recovery, you will be required to take antibiotics to defend against possible infection. Keeping the surgical site clean and dry will also help with the healing process. You can also use ice and NSAIDs to reduce swelling and pain.
You will need to begin with a period of rest. However, once the swelling begins to ease, you may start a course of physical therapy. The exercises given will help restore strength and stability to your foot and ankle and restore the range of motion.
Schedule your appointment now with one of our orthopedic surgeons at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center. We specialize in post-traumatic reconstruction of the foot and ankle. We have multiple locations within the Columbus, OH area. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!
Medically Reviewed by: Roberto A. Brandão, DPM, FACFAS
