Link To Parnassis Heights Podiatry Group

http://weloveyourfeet.medem.com/

phone: 415.759.2014
fax: 415.759.2015

Ankle Brance Links

Links to ankle braces...

http://www.ankleshop.com/proddetail.asp?prod=XP%2D816%2DX&cat=338
http://ankleshop.com/proddetail.asp?prod=11%2D0346&cat=203
http://ankleshop.com/proddetail.asp?prod=110111010X0X0X&cat=203

how to measure for the 3rd one...
http://bracesupport.com/malleotr.htm

Pre Op Appointment

Had two pre-op appointments today - 1 for an EKG and CBS(bloodwork) - Dorothy was my main RN for that - nice - to the point.

Second appointment was with Dr Clark's office - him, Allan(intern), and Dr Marato(?) a resident. Dr. Marato, if that's her correct name - rocked. She gave me an exam almost as extensive as Dr Clark's original and was 'impressed' by how she could pop my right foot in and out of position/socket - due to partial tear of the ATF ligament. She also heard what she thinks is a grade 1 heart murmur. She was very thorough and not rushed about questions or anything. I was impressed by her work perhaps more than any other Dr. I've seen yet. Confident, thorough, patient.

I may want to tell her I've had headaches when working out recently.

Ankle Surgery

Procedure involves suturing the the affected tendon(s), peroneal brevis and/or longus. This means kind of ruffing up the edges so they adhere better and then suturing. About a 4 inch incision will be made to get in there. After suturing tiny little wholes will be made in the tendon to facilitate vascularity (blood flow).

The procedure is outpatient. Takes about an hour then I'll be around the hospital for about another 4 hrs to monitor that all is okay, I can 'void', etc. The I'll be discharged. Should be a same day procedure.

I will wake up in a boot. Weight baring - no crutches. Walk out. 3 weeks in the boot then start physical therapy. 8 weeks to full 100% recover is the prognosis without complications.

Possible complications include:

1. Problems with a nerver that runs close to the area.
2. Problems with the scar and a show rubbing up against it.

Both these problems were described as 'extremely' rare.

The rehab procedure using the micro fibulator - Dr Clark has been doing it for about a year. He has seen really good results with it.

As explained by Dr. Clark the MRI report shows both have partial longitudinal tears but he can't be sure both or torn until he goes in; surely at least one is torn per him

Questions

1. Need to ask about the ligament - will that be repaired? I don't think it's part of the plan. Why not?
2. Microfibulator? Will this be inserted? What's the name of it again and who makes the device? 'Arthur Care' makes the thing per main intern on this visit.
1. possible conflict of interest here - promoting/testing a new product procedure
   

Today met with Dr. Clark and two interns - Tyler(2nd year) and another guy(Asian 3rd year) - what was his name?

2nd Opinion and Tried More Rest

Need to follow up here with Dr and Physical Therapist names. Basically, got a 2nd opinion from a general practitioner, non-surgeon, woman, specializing in sports medicine. She suggested 1 month of physical therapy and re-evaluate. Then PT guy, Matt, suggested there is not much we can do until it heals. Well, it's been a month and it hasn't healed and perhaps getting worse.

There is much more detail but this is the gist of it from my perspective so I'm meeting with Dr. Clark again to schedule the surgery.