Ankle

Ankle Sprain

Ankle Sprains are common injuries that occur from over stretching or tearing of the ligaments that support the ankle. The ankle is composed of bones forming a joint and ligaments are the elastic structures which are responsible for holding these bones in their proper place. Ligaments and other soft tissues function to prevent abnormal movement such as twisting, turning, and rolling of the foot beyond the normal range.

Osteochondral Lesions

The ankle joint is an articulation of the end of the tibia and fibula (shin bones) with the talus (heel bone). Osteochondral injuries,also called osteochondritis dissecans, are injuries to the talus bone, characterized by damage to the bone as well as the cartilage covering it. Sometimes the lower end of the tibia or shin bone may also be affected.

Ankle Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation resulting from the degeneration of cartilage in the joint causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints resulting in restricted movements. Arthritis of the foot and ankle joint can occur due to fracture, dislocation, inflammatory disease, or congenital deformity.

Ankle Fractures

The ankle joint is composed of three bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus which are articulated together. The ends of the fibula and tibia (lower leg bones) form the inner and outer malleolus, which are the bony protrusions of the ankle joint that you can feel and see on either side of the ankle. The joint is protected by a fibrous membrane called a joint capsule, and filled with synovial fluid to enable smooth movement.

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

The posterior tibial tendon passes through the ankle to attach the calf muscle with the bones of the mid foot. It provides stability to the arch and supports the foot while walking. Inflammation or a tear of this tendon as a result of injury may cause dysfunction, leading to pain and the development of flatfoot.

Talus Fracture

The talus is a small bone at the ankle joint that connects the heel bone and the two bones of the lower leg, enabling the up and down movement of the foot. Fractures in the talus bone may occur due to a fall from great heights, motor vehicle accident or twisting of the ankle. The symptoms include severe ankle pain, inability to walk, swelling and tenderness.

Ankle Instability

Ankle instability is a chronic condition characterized by a recurrent slipping of the outer side of the ankle. It usually results from repeated ankle sprains. It is generally noticed during movement of the ankle joint but can also occur during standing.

Dance Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are common in the dancing population. Dr. Harris has treated many professional dancers with minimally invasive techniques. These dance injuries can include stress fractures and posterior ankle impingement.

Ankle Replacement

The ankle joint connects the leg with the foot and provides free movement to the foot. It is formed by connecting the bones of the lower leg, tibia and fibula, with the talus, or ankle bone.

Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an arthroscope, a small, soft, flexible tube with a light and video camera at the end, is inserted into the ankle joint to evaluate and treat a variety of conditions. An arthroscope is a small, fiber-optic instrument consisting of a lens, light source, and video camera. The camera projects an image of the inside of the joint onto a large screen monitor allowing the surgeon to look for any damage, assess the type of injury, and repair the problem.

Posterior Ankle Arthroscopy

Dr. Harris commonly uses the arthroscope to relieve pan and pressure in the posterior (back) part of the ankle. This allows his patients to recover faster and with small, minimally invasive, incisions.

Brostrom Procedure

The Brostrom procedure is an ankle stabilization procedure that can help secure and stabilize and ankle that is chronically loose and unstable. This can be done with minimally invasive techniques and sometimes, completely arthroscopically.

Pilon Fractures

The tibia and fibula are long shin bones,which articulate with the thigh bone on one end and ankle joint at the lower end. The part of the tibia that articulates with the talus (ankle bone)is called the tibial plafond or pilon.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel is the gap that is formed between the underlying bones of the foot and the overlying tough fibrous tissue. Tarsal tunnel syndrome refers to a condition where the posterior tibial nerve that lies within the tarsal tunnel is compressed. The condition occurs when the tibial nerve is pinched.

Stem Cells

Dr. Harris is very interested in the use of stem cells for diseases of the foot and ankle. Often stem cells can be used in the office setting and can preclude a patient from needing a surgery.