Foot and ankle injuries are very common, especially for people who are athletes who push their bodies and train hard. Some injuries may require foot and ankle revision surgery.
These injuries may be caused by:
Although ankle surgery is largely safe, unfortunately not all patients receive their anticipated positive outcomes. Therefore, if a patient is still suffering from chronic pain or complications due to an initial surgery, they may need to undergo revision surgery to improve the results of an unsuccessful procedure. Foot and ankle revision surgeries can correct deformities that may have resulted from a previous surgery and to restore the function of damaged joints in the foot and ankle. Revision operations are also done to alleviate the chronic pain associated with these injuries that was not resolved with the first operation.
Common foot and ankle revision surgeries involve repairing or repositioning ligament, bones, and ligaments. In addition, removing misaligned or damaged joint surfaces as well as realigning damaged or misplaced joints may be necessary. This may be from these commonly revised procedures:
In some cases, removing previously inserted internal fixation devices that were used in the initial operation may be necessary, especially if these devices are contributing to chronic pain. Conversely, new fixation devices may need to be inserted during a revision to lead to a better, more improved outcome for a patient.
Generally, a revision operation takes a longer time to complete compared to the initial operation. This is because it is more challenging due to the increased risk of complications. Some complications may include the inability of bones to heal on their own postoperatively, postoperative infections, and damage to nerve and blood vessels. Patients may expect a similar recovery time for a revision surgery as their initial operation. Recovery will likely involve the use of orthotic braces in addition to activity or weight restrictions and physical therapy. To assist in the healing process, Dr. McAlister often uses regenerative medicine to aid in the post-operative recovery.
Dr. McAlister has extensive experience in the care and revision of complex foot and ankle problems. He is fellowship-trained with specific training in the complexity of foot and ankle revision surgeries and has performed many of these procedures.
If you have had a failed foot or ankle surgery and are interested in learning about additional options for recovery, please contact Dr. McAlister for an appointment. He will discuss all treatment options with you to determine the best option to meet your goals and lifestyle.
Your trust podiatrist in local Scottsdale Arizona. www.phoenixfai.com
