Overview
Podiatry, or podiatric medicine, is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. Podiatric surgery is performed to treat many foot and/or ankle conditions that have not responded to more conservative treatments, allowing patients to live without foot or ankle pain. Podiatrists are doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM) who can be board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery or American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
Click for List of USC Podiatric Surgeons
Common Procedures at UnaSource Surgery Center:
Bunionectomy
- A bunionectomy is performed to reduce the pain and correct the deformity caused by a bunion. Formally called hallux valgus, a bunion is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe or at the base of the little toe.
Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement)
- An arthroplasty is a surgery to remove a damaged joint, replacing it with a prothesis (artifical joint). This procedure is done to alleviate pain, restore function and/or improve range of motion. Many conditions contribute to the need for a foot arthroplasty, such as bunions, fractures, and arthritis.
Arthrodesis (Joint Fusion)
- Arthrodesis fuses bones together to eliminate movement in a joint. This procedure is done to alleviate pain, correct deformities or improve stability.
Osteotomy
- Osteotomy is used to realign and reshape the bones of the foot. The word “osteotomy” essentially means “bone cut.” This procedure can be done to relieve arthritis pain, repair a damaged joint, shorten or lengthen bones, or correct angle or alignment.
