Foot and Ankle
Learn the general principles and basic science behind treatments for diseases and conditions affecting the foot and ankle.
If you want to expand your knowledge on foot and ankle care, rely on the expertise of Jennifer Gurske-dePerio, MD, whose research interests include ankle fracture patterns.
Our foot and ankle rotation gives you experience evaluating and diagnosing common foot and ankle conditions and formulating treatment plans.
You’ll strengthen your knowledge of obtaining a thorough patient history, and we’ll familiarize you with the details of physical exams and the interpretation of appropriate radiographic and diagnostic studies.
Additionally, we’ll instruct you on both surgical and nonsurgical treatments, and you’ll participate in clinical discussions on the care of foot and ankle conditions.
Our foot and ankle rotation will provide you with experience in multiple settings within our training site, including:
- orthopaedic offices and clinics
- emergency room
- main operating room
- ambulatory surgery center
Focus on Developing Different Skills Each Year
Second-year residents
As a second-year resident, you can expect to deepen your understanding of the biomechanics and anatomy of the foot and ankle. You’ll participate in the study of anatomical foot and ankle dissections.
Our faculty will help you develop your ability to describe the pathogenesis and treatment alternatives for:
- fractures, dislocation and arthritis of the ankle, hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot
- great or lesser toe deformities
- heel pain
- tendon injuries and ankle sprains
- diabetic foot problems such as neuropathy, Charcot arthropathy, ulcers and infection
- nerve injuries and compressive neuropathies of the foot
- cavus of flat foot deformities
We’ll also teach you to interpret X-rays for trauma, infection, degenerative and inflammatory conditions.
Fifth-year residents
As a trainee in your fifth year, you will become proficient with clinical examination, investigation and nonoperative and operative treatment of patients with traumatic, inflammatory, degenerative and neuropathic conditions affecting the foot and ankle.
With the guidance of our faculty members, you will initiate investigations, recommend treatment plans and manage postoperative follow-up.
You can expect to develop surgical skills in managing:
- pilon, talus, midfoot and calcaneus fractures
- LisFranc injuries
- ankle, hindfoot and forefoot fusions
- rheumatoid hind and forefoot problems
- neuromuscular disease
- amputation surgery of the lower extremity
- diabetic foot surgery for ulcers, infection and Charcot deformity
- cavus and flat foot deformities such as posterior tibial dysfunction and acquired flatfoot deformity
- ankle arthroscopy
Length of Rotation
- Fifth-year residents: 10 weeks
- Second-year residents: 10 weeks
Patient Population
You will have opportunities to see patients with conditions including:
- ankle fractures
- cavus and flat foot deformities
- diabetic foot problems
- tendon injuries
- Lisfranc injuries
- ankle sprains