New Jersey Foot Procedures

We depend on their feet to hold us upright, keep us balanced, and to make it possible to move ourselves from one place to another. For most people, the feet do a remarkable job on all three fronts throughout their lives. Because the feet are in weight-bearing use so much of the time, however, foot problems severe enough to require surgery from a foot surgeon are quite common.

When dealing with a seriously painful foot problem, it is best to consult with an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the foot and ankle. This type of surgeon not only has more training in conditions of the foot, but has had a great deal more surgical experience operating on feet and ankles than does a general orthopedist. Connecting with a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon enhances the likelihood of good outcome of your foot surgery with the lowest rate of complications. When you choose Dr. Hubbard as your foot and ankle surgeon, you can be sure that you are engaging a surgeon who has successfully treated your particular foot disorder a number of times in the past.

Orthopedic Foot Surgery Performed by Dr. Hubbard in New Jersey

Dr. Hubbard routinely performs the following surgical procedures when other treatments methods, such as physical therapy, orthotics, or cortisone injections have failed to provide relief:

Bunion Removal

Bunion (hallux valgus ) is a common foot problem in which an abnormal bony bump develops at the joint of the big toe, causing the joint to swell outward and become painful. Numerous surgeries may be performed to treat bunions. The most common is an osteotomy and soft tissue release. Other surgical procedures include tarsometatarsal fusion (lapidus) or capsular arthroplasty

Posterior Tibial Tendon Reconstruction

This procedure is performed to correct one of the most common deformities of the foot and ankle: acquired flatfoot (posterior tibial tendon dysfunction).

Spring Ligament Repair

The spring ligament is connects the heel bone to the bone at the top of the foot. Its function is to support the foot and stabilize the arch. The ligament may be injured by trauma or progressive flatfoot, requiring surgical repair.

Lisfranc Injury Fixation

Surgery for a Lisfranc injury is performed when a fracture or ligament tear has occurred within the midfoot or when the joints have moved into a misaligned position. The primary goals of Lisfranc injury fixation are to realign the joints of the midfoot. Fixation devices may be used to secure placement until healing is complete.

Hammertoe Correction

A hammertoe is an abnormally crooked, contracted toe that takes the shape of an inverted “V.” Hammertoes occur for a number of reasons, including hereditary abnormalities, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic injury, or the wearing of poorly fitted or high-heeled shoes.When the condition is severe, arthroplasty or fusion surgery may be necessary to straighten the toe.

Neuroma Excision

A neuroma is a painful swelling of a nerve in the ball of the foot. Sporadic pain, burning, tingling or numbness of one or more toes results when one or more nerves  are pinched between the metatarsal and the overlying ligament. The most common neuroma is a Morton’s neuroma which occurs between the third and fourth toes. If the nerve is permanently damaged, it may have to be surgically removed.

Sesamoidectomy

The sesamoids are two small bones embedded in the tendon under the first metatarsal joint of the big toe. Like other bones, sesamoids can fracture. When chronic fractures occur, the sesamoids can lose some of their blood supply –- a condition known as avascular necrosis. When the condition is severe, one of the sesamoids may require surgical removal.

Cheilectomy for Hallux Rigidus

Hallux rigidus, meaning “stiff big toe,” is a type of degenerative arthritis affecting the joint located at the bottom of the big toe, causing the toe to stiffen and become painful, eventually causing severe mobility issues. As the arthritis worsens, bone spurs develop along the top of the big toe joint. Cheilectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the bone spurs, so relieving pain and improving flexibility.

Subtalar Fusion

The subtalar joint is found beneath the ankle joint. It is the joint at which the talus bone, which connects the foot to the ankle, meets the heel bone. This joint permits the foot to make the sideways motions that are especially important when walking on uneven surfaces. Subtalar fusion, or arthrodesis, is the surgical procedure used to fuse the bones involved to decrease pain and swelling and maximize stability and function. At times, a bone graft is necessary for this procedure.

Foot Fracture Fixation

Foot fractures are breaks that occur in the bones of the feet, the bones that provide the body with vital support and the ability to move comfortably. Foot fracture fixation is usually necessary when severe fractures involving misalignment of the bones has occurred. Fixation requires implanting surgical steel or titanium devices to hold the bones in place as they heal.

Foot Revision Surgery

Many foot injuries require surgery to relieve persistent pain, correct deformity and restore function to weakened or damaged joints in the foot. While foot surgery is considered safe and effective, not every patient who undergoes surgery will experience a positive outcome. If the patient continues to suffer from problems related to the foot injury, such as debilitating pain, foot revision surgery may be necessary. Foot revision surgery generally takes longer to complete than initial foot surgery, and is often more challenging since there is a greater risk of complications.

Living in pain does not have to be a part of your life. Many people suffer needlessly with foot pain or an impaired gait as a result of un-repaired sports injuries, inherited defects or accidents. If you are living with foot pain, please call our office to find out what can be done to relieve your pain and restore your quality of life. For more information or to request an appointment please contact us or fill out the form below.