​​​​​What is the difference between an Orthopaedic Surgeon and a Podiatrist?

 

Orthopaedic surgeons study for four years in a college/university, four years in medical school in addition to five years in an orthopedic residency program. Orthopaedic Surgeons typically train in a specialty area, Dr. Acevedo specializes in the treatment of the Foot and Ankle. Orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors. Orthopaedic surgeons have a holistic understanding of the muscoloskeletal system, enabling a complete diagnosis of underlying foot and ankle conditions.

Podiatrist study for four years in addition to receiving their initial Bachelors. Podiatrist receive a D.P.M (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine). Podiatrist treat the foot exclusively. 

 

 

What To Expect After Foot and Ankle Surgery?

 

 

 

Most of the surgery that we perform will require immobilization after surgery. This will depend on the type of surgery. Each category has a different recovery time. Because ligaments take on the average 6 weeks to heal, we need to immobilize the leg to make sure the repair does not spread apart. The suture is often not strong enough to allow full weightbearing right away. Once the ligaments have healed, we allow progressive weightbearing and motion to strengthen the newly scarred repair and to accelerate remodeling of the ligaments and tendons. This is done carefully first with a weightbearing cast and then a brace or boot walker. Finally, we believe physical therapy is important to rehabilitate our patients back to their original strength and balance.

 

 

•          After your surgery has been completed, you will be accompanied to the recovery room where you will spend the next hour recovering from                the anesthesia.

 

•          Depending on the type of surgery you had, your anesthesiologist may have administered a popliteal block, anaesthetic block in back of                     knee. This usually happens in the hour prior to foot or ankle surgery, and can be helpful for post-operative pain relief.

 

•          Before going home, a splint will be applied, and the nursing staff will review and confirm your prescription and post-operative instructions.

 

•          Anticipate swelling for 6 to 8 months 

 

For Further Information, Please view Post Operative Instructions: Foot and Ankle Surgery 

 

 

What are Sports Medicine Specifications for Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery?

 

Sports Medicine

 

• Ankle Arthroscopy

• Cartilage Transplants

• Ankle Replacements

 

 

Sports medicine and our advance techniques require specialized recovery plans. These are individualized based on our patients’ needs and requirements. A thorough recovery plan will be outlined by your doctor before surgery. The important test before returning to sports or any aggressive activity is balance.

 

Our athletes must be able to do:

 

• Single limb heel rise 20 times.

• Single limb stand with eyes closed for 20 seconds.

 

 

We have found that these two simple tests are excellent indicators of full recovery

 

For Further Information, Please View What To Expect After OrthoPedic Foot & Ankle Surgery.

 

 

What to expect in Forefoot Surgery?

 

Forefoot Surgery

 

• Bunion Surgery

• Hammertoe/ Clawtoe Surgery*

• Excision Interdigital Neuroma

• Excision Ganglion Cyst

• Cheilectomy*

• 1st MTP Fusion*

• Bunionette Surgery

• Interposition Arthroplasty*

 

Forefoot surgery has the advantage that most patients can walk on their heels. Because we find that our patients are careful during the recovery time, we allow our patients to put full weight on their heels immediately after forefoot surgery. A postop shoe (the ugly sandal you see many of our patients wearing!) is prescribed. This shoe assists in putting weight on your heels. It also prevents you from bending your foot while walking. It forces you to walk stiff legged and slows down the walking pace. All these factors allow our patients to full weight bear and to protect the surgery while they are recovering.

 

 

What to expect in Hindfoot Procedures?

 

SOFT TISSUE PROCEDURES

 

 

•   Ankle Stabilization

•   Brostrum Repair

•   Evans Procedure

•   Ankle Arthroscopy with Thermal Capsular Shift

•   Ankle Arthroscopy with Repair of Osteochondral Defect

•   Peroneal Tendon Repair

•   Posterior Tibial Tendon Repair with or without a Calcaneal Osteotomy

•   Tendon Transfers

•   Repair Achilles Tendon with or without Partial Excision of Calcaneus

•   Tarsal Tunnel Surgery

•   Plantar Fascia Release

 

 

    Our standard protocol for soft tissue procedures are:

 

•   Follow up to the office 1 week after surgery. Keep the postoperative dressing dry. Elevate the leg for comfort. Ice for comfort 20 minutes on and         20 minutes off.

•   3-4 weeks in a hard cast/splint nonweightbearing. We do allow you to stand on the cast but no walking is allowed. Crutches, walker, knee               roller, or a wheelchair is needed.

•   3 weeks (6-7 weeks after surgery) in a hard cast/boot walker. Full weightbearing with no assistive devices is allowed. Exercising on a                        stationary bicycle or a healthrider is allowed. Weight training limited to upper body exercises are allowed as well.

•   3 weeks (9 weeks after surgery) in a boot walker. This is taken on and off to shower/bathe, sleep, and to drive. Motion is encouraged when the          boot is taken off. Consider a compression stocking if you are having trouble with swelling.

•   3-6 weeks (13 weeks after surgery) Physical Therapy. Careful attention to bring back strength, motion, and flexibility. We have several                      customized protocols for your rehabilitation. If appropriate for your type of surgery this protocol will be provided to your therapist.

 

 

 



Foot Condition Information:

 

Please Refer To : www.FootEducation.com

 



 

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