Reconstructive Foot Surgery


Reconstructive foot surgery from expert podiatrists in Woodbury Heights, Haddon Heights, Voorhees, & Pine Hill, NJ

Our podiatric surgeons at Prime Foot & Ankle are experts in reconstructive foot surgery.

Foot reconstruction surgery is performed to correct anatomical problems and restore function in the foot. Common indications for the surgery include trauma, congenital disabilities, infection, and other illnesses. 

The surgery should aim to improve the appearance and function of the lower extremities so that the patient can maintain or improve their quality of life. 

Your feet are extremely complicated, comprising dozens of bones, ligaments, joints, and muscles. When performing actions like walking or running, these structures must work synchronously. With heavy daily forces, injuries, and wounds on the feet are common. 

Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery is the final option for such conditions. If the condition is worsening or causing a severe impact on your mental health and personal and social life, then reconstructive surgery may be the only solution.

What are the indications for foot reconstruction surgery?

It has numerous potential causes. The condition is almost always severe, and the surgery must be capable of restoring your foot back to its original health and function. 

Here are the major indications of ankle and foot reconstruction surgery:

  • Foot trauma. Major foot injuries from work-related or motor vehicle accidents commonly need reconstruction, depending on the injury's extent. Foot trauma severity is classified into the following levels:

    • Type I: soft tissue loss of less than three square centimeters

    • Type II: soft tissue loss greater than three square centimeters without bone involvement

    • Type III: significant tissue loss with bone involvement

  • Vascular disease. Damage to the arteries or veins can lead to ulceration, tissue death, and infection. If so, reconstruction foot surgery may only be the  option to improve functioning.

  • Metabolic disease. Conditions like diabetes, gout, and alcoholism can all impair the blood and nerve supply to the foot. These conditions can result in painless, crater-like foot ulcers and other significant damage if left untreated.

  • Infection. Foot or ankle infections are most common in vascular disease or diabetes but can also result from trauma. 

  • Tumors. Melanomas, epitheliomas, and sarcoma are less common indications for foot reconstruction surgeries.

  • Congenital defects. Malformations like clubfoot or spina bifida require reconstructive surgery to avoid permanent, lifelong deformity.

What to expect from reconstructive surgery?

With a large number of indications, the surgery can take a variety of forms. Additional factors include the individual's age, severity, and duration of the symptoms. 

Before the surgery, your podiatric surgeon will review your condition. Several blood tests may be ordered to ensure you're healthy enough for foot reconstructive surgery and don't have any conditions that could affect your recovery. 

Depending on the kind of surgery, you may receive local anesthesia, a nerve block, or general anesthesia. For more severe cases, general anesthesia is used — you may need to stay in the hospital overnight. 

New advances in foot reconstruction surgery mean the operation is no longer as invasive. Small incisions are made to insert an arthroscope and miniature surgical instruments.

The surgeon will use these instruments to repair or remove damaged bone, tendons, and ligaments. Dead or scarred tissue may also be debrided as part of the operation. Your small incision will then be sutured shut. 

Afterward, your surgeon will review your condition to ensure your foot reconstruction surgery recovery is progressing. You'll typically see a physical therapist for muscle strengthening to speed up recovery.

Nevertheless, you may need a wheelchair or crutches for several days following the procedure.

 FAQs

  • No. As part of the operation, some form of anesthesia will be administered. You should not feel any pain. After the operation, you may feel some pain or discomfort. Your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medications like opioids or acetaminophen until you fully heal.

  • Your recovery depends on the extent of the operation. You may return to normal after a few days or weeks for minor reconstruction foot surgery. In more severe cases, several weeks or months may be needed for the operation to heal fully.

  • Reconstructive surgery is typically essential to restoring your lower extremities to normal (or close to normal) function. Therefore, it is commonly covered by more insurance plans.

  • All reconstructive foot surgery aims to restore the patient's foot and ankle to normal. While this may not be possible in all cases, most patients can function as they did previously.

    Schedule a consultation with Prime Foot & Ankle Specialists today for expert care and optimal recovery.