Leading surgeons focus on advancing best practice
Media Contact: Melissa Matusek
Public Relations Manager, 773.693.9300, ext. 1306
melissa.matusek@acfas.org
Twitter: @FootHealthFacts.or
CHICAGO—March 2, 2010: A record number foot and ankle surgeons from across the nation came together this week to discuss the latest advances and innovations in foot and ankle health at the 68th Annual Scientific Conference of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons in Las Vegas.
Conference Highlights and Hot Topics
Surgeons Rethink Approaches to End-Stage Ankle Arthritis for Baby Boomers
Baby Boomers are more active than ever and don’t want to be held back by painful arthritis. While in the past pain-relieving ankle fusions were the gold standard for care, new surgical techniques including arthroscopic ankle surgery, total ankle joint replacements and bone or cartilage replacement are offering hope for those wanting to remain active.
These advancements come at an opportune time since foot and ankle surgeons are seeing more patients with end-stage ankle arthritis as the population of older adults increases.
One treatment option that has seen some of the most advancement is the use of ankle implants. “While still changing, the quality and design of the implants have drastically improved over the years,” Pittsburgh-based foot and ankle surgeon and conference speaker Robert W. Mendicino, DPM, FACFAS, said. “Implants are now even more customized to the patient’s size, gender and uniqueness of their arthritis; it’s no longer a-one-size-fits-all world. This is especially important for maintaining functionality and range of motion in the ankle.”
Importance of Proper Treatment and Rehabilitation for Sports Injuries
Athletes often misunderstand how serious an injury can be and try to rush back into competition without appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Some of the most difficult cases seen by foot and ankle surgeons are those in which athletes have continued to play after an injury. ACFAS conference speaker and Orlando, Florida, foot and ankle surgeon, Robert Duggan, DPM, FACFAS, says, “Athletes often make the mistake of ignoring what seems like a minor foot or ankle injury because they are able to walk. Serious injuries can exist even when the foot or ankle is able to accept weight or pressure.”
Battling Heel Pain in Adults
Heel pain continues to be the most common reason patients seek care. Surgeons advise the best defense to keeping pain in control is early treatment. “If treatment is sought early, all but a small percentage of patients suffering will experience relief with conservative therapies such as limiting activities, footwear modifications, anti-inflammatory medications, and stretching exercises,” Conference speaker and South Carolina foot and ankle surgeon Michelle Butterworth, DPM, FACFAS, says.
Opening session speaker and physician, Sigvard T. Hansen, MD, FAAOS, launched the 68th Annual Scientific Conference of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeon’s in Las Vegas last week. A record number of over 1,475 foot and ankle surgeons from around the nation gathered to collaborate on the latest advances in foot and ankle health.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is a professional society of 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in 1942, the College’s mission is to promote research and provide continuing education for the foot and ankle surgical specialty, and to educate the general public on foot health and conditions of the foot and ankle through its consumer web site, FootHealthFacts.org.