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Foot and ankle surgery

Surgery to get you moving again

Foot or ankle pain from injury, wear-and-tear or disease can stop you in your tracks. Allina Health Orthopedics offers surgical solutions as part of your whole body health—from common foot and ankle problems to complex conditions. 

Surgery isn’t always the right choice. But when it is, we provide a full scope of expert surgical care.

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Common types of foot and ankle surgeries

  • Arthroscopy: Your surgeon makes tiny incisions and uses special instruments to view, assess and sometimes repair damage in the foot or ankle. It is a minimally invasive kind of surgery that can be used to diagnose or repair a number of conditions, such as chronic inflammation, impingement, bone fracture, infection and more.  ​
  • Ligament repair and reconstruction surgery: This surgery is sometimes performed to treat sprains and instability.  
  • Achilles tendon repair: Traumatic injury can rupture the Achilles tendon. This surgery reconnects the severed ends of the tendon together. 
  • Cartilage repair: Using arthroscopic surgery, the damaged cartilage is removed, allowing for healing and new cartilage to grow. 
  • Lisfranc injuries: This injury occurs when there is damage to the bones or ligaments in the middle of the foot. Surgery is sometimes needed to realign and return fractured bones to their normal position. 
  • Repair of ankle and foot fractures: Some fractures are complex and may require surgical repair. The surgeon may use a plate, metal or absorbable screws, staples or tension bands to hold the bones in place. 
  • Ankle replacement: If your ankle has been damaged by trauma or disease, a total ankle replacement (ankle arthroplasty) may be the answer. In ankle replacement, parts of the joint are replaced with artificial material.

Foot and ankle surgeries are good for treating

  • Tendon and ligament disorders
  • Trauma/fracture care
  • Achilles tendon rupture and disorders
  • Old and new foot or ankle injuries
  • Sports injuries 
  • Lisfranc injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Cartilage injures
  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Painful flat or high arched feet
  • Heel pain
  • Ankle pain or instability
  • Reconstructive foot/ankle surgery  
  • Heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis

What you should know about foot and ankle surgery

  • A foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon is a sub-specialized, fellowship-trained medical doctor; he or she has completed five years of residency training in orthopedic surgery, followed by another year of advanced training in foot and ankle care.
  • Many procedures done by a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon can be done on a day-surgery basis. Whether inpatient or outpatient surgery is indicated, all Allina Health hospitals and out-patient surgery centers observe the highest standards of quality and best practices.

What to expect if you choose surgery

Once you’ve decided to have surgery, your doctor and his or her supporting staff will offer information and resources to prepare you for the upcoming procedure. You’ll receive instructions on how to prepare for the operation, learn what to expect in the hospital or surgery center, and get helpful information on how to plan for recovery at home.

Related links

Reviewed by: Andrew Houghton, MD, CAQ, orthopedic physician

First published: 10/26/2020
Last reviewed: 10/26/2020

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