Foot and Ankle
Complex, intricately designed, and subjected to constant stress, the foot and ankle are some of the most frequently injured areas of the body.
At St. Jude, we offer fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and board-certified podiatrists committed to improving the health of the foot and ankle. Our specialists offer surgical and non-surgical treatments for a wide range of problems, including injuries, arthritis, deformities, and nerve conditions. Whether the solution is custom orthotics, muscle strengthening and retraining, minimally-invasive repair or complex reconstruction, we are experts in relieving pain and helping patients get back on their feet.
Areas of expertise include:
- Ankle instability
- Arthritis
- Athletic injuries
- Bunion and hammer toe correction
- Cartilage replacement and transplantation
- Complex reconstruction
- Chronic ankle sprains
- Foot deformities, including flatfoot and arch problems
- Fractures and traumatic injuries
- Ligament repair and reconstruction
- Nerve disorders and entrapment
- Tendon grafting, repair and reconstruction
Specialized Services
Surgeons within St. Jude’s Orthopedic Institute are using a new minimally-invasive surgical technique—called PARS—to successfully repair Achilles tendon ruptures through an inch-long incision. Recovery is much quicker than with either a traditional open repair or conservative approaches—and the finished result is stronger, with less chance of re-rupture.
Instead of “cleaning out” the ruptured and frayed tendon ends, the new technique uses the damaged tissue – stitched into an hourglass shape with the healthy tendon tissues—to help repair the tear, improving healing and strength.
Because the ankle absorbs the body's full impact, pain from rheumatoid or trauma-related arthritis can be especially severe and debilitating. For many people suffering from an injured or diseased ankle, ankle replacement surgery can eliminate the pain and help them return to everyday activities. Using the newest techniques and materials, our board certified foot and ankle surgeon replaces the injured ankle joint, allowing a natural, pain-free motion.
Not every patient is a good candidate for ankle replacement. For some, ankle fusion—where the damaged joint cartilage is removed and the bones around the ankle are knit together into a solid painless structure—will offer better outcomes.