ANKLE SURGERY

ANKLE TRAUMA

Distal Fibular Plate

187 out of 100,000 individuals annually suffer an ankle fracture, or a break in the bones that constitute the ankle, the tibia and fibula. These injuries are usually due to either a rotational injury or a traumatic fall or collision. An ankle fracture causes incongruence of the ankle joint which can result in pain, inability to walk, deformity, and early onset arthritis. The goal of ankle fracture care is to restore and maintain the ankle joint. This is accomplished utilizing low profile steel or titanium plates and screws. In some cases, these injuries can be successfully managed with minimal or stab incisions to place hardware.

If you suffer an ankle twisting injury or you're involved in a traumatic incident of the ankle, do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Blanken for same day or next day evaluation. Schedule an appointment.

ANKLE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

INBONE™ with PROPHECY™ Surgical Technique

Ankle arthritis can be due to previous trauma, systemic arthritic condition, or deformity of the ankle causing abnormal wear and tear to the ankle joint. Up until the last decade, the standard of care to address a stiff and painful ankle joint was to perform an arthrodesis (ankle joint fusion). With the advances of patient specific instrumentation and surgical training, individuals suffering with longstanding ankle pain can benefit from an ankle arthroplasty (total ankle replacement). In total ankle replacement surgery, the patient first undergoes a CT scan to aid in creating specific 1 of 1 implants. Surgery involves removing the arthritic joint followed by installation of metal to replace the joint and a polyethylene spacer. The goal of this procedure is to restore painless range of motion to the ankle. If you are suffering with deep constant ankle pain, do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Blanken for consultation.

ANKLE CARTILAGE RESTORATION AND ARTHROSCOPY

BioCartilage® Extracellular Matrix and Arthrex ACP® Double Syringe System in the Talus

Talar dome lesions, ankle impingement, and ankle pain may require assessment and restoration of the cartilage (joint surface) of the ankle. Following a sprain, repetitive microtrauma, or injury to the ankle, the surface of the joint may be compromised, which can cause pain and scarring. If conservative management fails and advanced imaging reveals damage to the joint, ankle cartilage restoration treatments may be indicated. If the lesion size and extent permit, cartilage restoration can be accomplished with arthroscopy, or by stab incisions alone to visualize and treat the damaged ankle joint. Through stab incisions alone, Dr. Blanken can effectively identify, treat, and restore damaged ankle cartilage within the joint. Ankle cartilage restoration can involve simple removal of scar tissue and damaged joint surface, marrow stimulation of damaged cartilage, or even implantation of particulate allograft cartilage matrix to provide a suitable scaffold for joint surface healing. Lingering ankle pain may be a sign of cartilage damage.

Do not let ankle pain progress to the point where walking becomes a chore, ankle arthroscopy and cartilage restoration surgery may be effective in preventing ankle fusion or replacement. Schedule a consultation with Blanken Podiatry today.

ANKLE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

DX Knotless FiberTak® Anchor Repair

Ankle Sprains are very common twisting injuries to the ankle that are the most common reason for missed athletic participation. If testing and imaging demonstrate a moderate to severe sprain (tear) of the ankle ligaments, surgery to repair and bolster the native ligament can be accomplished. Through a small incision, the ligament is repaired and augmented with suture material. This solution repairs and braces the ligaments with a knot-less metal-free construct. This low profile system allows for strong repair and for seamless return to pre-injury level activity.

Dr. Blanken believes all ankle sprains and injuries should be evaluated in order to prevent the need for surgery, but in certain circumstances, surgery may be necessary. Schedule a consultation today.