Most people walk thousands of steps each day, all thanks to the support of the bones and ligaments that make up the foot and ankle. Because of the repetitive motions and stress that these bones and muscles endure each day, foot and ankle pain are extremely common.
In most cases, this type of pain will subside on its own or with the help of non-invasive treatments. However, when other methods prove ineffective, ankle surgery addresses bone and joint problems to relieve pain for patients.
At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, Dr. Andrew Ebert offers a comprehensive range of ankle surgery techniques. He performs a thorough evaluation to diagnose the exact cause of foot and ankle pain for each patient so that appropriate treatment can be administered. Among the surgical techniques that he offers is calcaneocuboid fusion treatment. Our Austin, TX patients can rely on this treatment to get them back on their feet without pain or discomfort.
Treatment Candidates
Calcaneocuboid fusion treatment is a procedure that stabilizes the ankle joint to restore functions and alleviate pain. Although this surgery offers high success rates with minimal risks, it should still be considered as a final resort only after non-invasive treatment methods (such as medication and physical therapy) have been unsuccessful in relieving pain.
Potential candidates for calcaneocuboid fusion treatment include those who are experiencing foot and ankle pain as a result of one of the following conditions:
- Arthritis
- Traumatic injury
- Flat foot
- High arch
- Club foot
- Ankle deformity
Dr. Ebert will carefully evaluate patients to determine if they are ideal candidates for calcaneocuboid fusion before performing surgery.
The Procedure
Calcaneocuboid fusion treatment is performed with the patient under the effects of general anesthesia. This allows them to rest comfortably throughout the procedure without feeling any pain.
Dr. Ebert will begin treatment by making a small incision on both the outer and inner side of the ankle. This incision will grant him access to the ankle joint. Dr. Ebert will open up the ankle joint and make any necessary adjustments to address damage or deformities. He will then place screws to hold together the calcaneous and cuboid bones, which are both part of the hindfoot. Once all necessary alterations have been made, the incisions will be closed. As the bones heal, the screws will hold them together so that they fuse and lock up the ankle joint.
Recovery
Patients can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days following calcaneocuboid fusion treatment. The ankle will be swollen, so the patient will need to rest with the foot elevated. Once swelling goes down and surgical incisions heal, the foot and ankle will be cast.
The cast holds the bones in place so that they can fuse as they heal. Patients will need to refrain from putting any weight on the treated ankle for at least six weeks. The cast will stay in place until x-rays show that fusion has taken place.
When the cast is removed, patients should wear a supportive brace for at least a month, as the bones get used to carrying weight again.
Contact Us
If you are experiencing pain that is diminishing your quality of life or limiting physical functions, Dr. Andrew Ebert and the team at Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin can help. Contact us at your earliest convenience by calling (512) 476-2830.