Foot and Ankle
Arthroscopic Ankle Cartilage Repair
Arthroscopic ankle cartilage repair is a minimally invasive procedure performed to treat cartilage damage in the ankle. Cartilage damage is often caused by trauma or injury, but it may also be caused by everyday wear and tear. Cartilage is the gliding surface of the joint and damage to the ankle cartilage can cause severe pain and arthritis.
If the damage is in an area where cartilage does not receive good blood flow, this procedure may be used to stimulate the area and encourage cartilage growth. Dr. Elkhechen will consult with you to decide about removing or rebuilding the cartilage, or both.
Foot and ankle
Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
The procedure of Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction, commonly referred to as ALR, is the process of restoring stability in the ankle, especially if it has not responded to previous treatment. The goal of this surgery is to restore normal stability to the ankle. This should also fix a patient’s feeling that the ankle “gives way.”
Surgery is recommended when you have an unstable ankle that has not responded to nonsurgical treatments. It is recommended to have up to six months of nonsurgical treatment before undergoing a lateral ankle ligament reconstruction surgery, but after a physical examination and a few X-rays, Dr. Elkhechen will determine what’s right for you.
Foot and Ankle
Jones Fracture Fixation (Intramedullary Screw)
What is a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture? This is a break in the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe. A fracture in the main bone of the little toe is called a Jones fracture. This type of fracture is difficult to treat because the fifth metatarsal receives less blood and is thus more prone to difficulties in healing. A Jones fracture can either be a stress fracture or an acute sudden break. Most Jones fractures are caused by overuse, repetitive stress or trauma. This type of fracture is most common among athletes.
Without surgery, these fractures may not heal properly, leading to more fractures and other problems. With the patients long-term health in mind, doctors have started fixing Jones fractures with special screws. Overall, this method seems to be successful.
Foot and Ankle
Tight Rope Fixation for Ankle Syndesmosis
The ankle syndesmosis is the joint between the distal tibia and distal fibula. TightRope fixation is a technique used to stabilize an ankle after injury. It can be used to repair a high ankle sprain, which damages the soft tissue structures between the tibia and fibula and causes these bones to separate. It can also be used to stabilize a fracture of the fibula. The TightRope system anchors the ends of the tibia and fibula together with a braided polyethylene cord, rather than with a rigid surgical screw, to restore the original position of the bones and to allow for proper healing.
Tightrope fixation is a relatively new technique that has many advantages. With this new technique there is no need for routine removal and no second procedure needed for removal of broken metal screws, it has eliminated any complications that arise from broken screw complications and the patient may be able to weight-bear earlier than with older screw fixation techniques. Clinical results have shown that the TightRope procedure provides the patient with overall improved outcomes.