On Ankle Fusion
“Today is the first anniversary of my subtalar fusion. Thank you! As Dr. Buchanan predicted, my foot stopped swelling, and the pain is gone. I’m back to a regular life (which includes a lot of dog training), and it’s wonderful.” ~~L. B.
On Fractures
“When the X-rays indicated that I had a broken bone in my foot, I was really bummed. The thought of having to live with the inconvenience of walking with crutches was downright depressing. Dr. Buchanan’s encouragement and genuine caring really helped me to make the best of it. He helped me to recover the spring in my step!” ~~Jody
On Total Ankle Replacement
“On vacation, I mentally said ‘thank you’ to Dr. Buchanan as I hiked up 444 stairs one day and 365 stairs then next. I was also able to ski for four hours. No ankle pain.” ~~Diane Barbour “Thank you for giving us back our life.” ~~David Coward (Diane’s husband)
On Physical Therapy
“For the first time in over a year I played S O F T B A L L on Saturday. You thought it might be a while before I could skip. I CAN SKIP! I did it with Matt and Ashley’s physical therapy and the determination you gave me. Thank you both.” ~~Christy Controras
Toe Alignment
“I had surgery for Freiberg’s infraction of my left second metatarsal (toe surgery) after a long and frustrating diagnosis by other physicians. I only wish I had found your practice sooner. I am thrilled to say I’m running marathons again and am working 12 hour shifts with no difficulty. Your knowledge and professionalism are outstanding.” ~~Heather Winslow.
On Surgical Excellence
“What a difference the right people make! Even the scar I will have is thin and delicate compared to the enormous keloids I have from previous work done by other surgeons. Thank you for your humanitarian attitude Dr. Neufeld and your associates and Mrs. Brown who even made me a fresh pot of coffee in Post-Op! I’m so grateful I was referred to your practice. I wish everyone could have the positive experience I had.” ~~Nancy Melito
On Severed Achilles Tendon
“The treatment I received made me feel very comfortable and relaxed considering the pain of the injury. I have met others with similar injuries whom were treated elsewhere and are still in a walking cast…“While I have not fully recovered, I am capable of conducting day-to-day activity, only after nine full months. Others I have spoken with have told me their treatment is expected to last 18 months. Overall, I had an extremely positive experience with the Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center.
During physical therapy, Matt and his team provided excellent treatment and ensured I clearly understood what it was going to take to recover fully. The rehabilitation process for any injury is challenging, but everyone was bright and cheerful every day I was there.
At a point near the end of my formal treatment billing problems arose due to several factors, such as improper billing codes, lack of response, or new requirements levied by the health insurance provider. The staff at your center took the initiative to work with me and help resolve the issues with the insurance provider really well. I don’t recall the individual’s, but she proved to be very helpful, forthright, and professional, in ensuring the health insurance provider paid their share of the bill.” ~~Gary
On Achilles Tendon and Bone Spur
“Today I started to walk and exercise again because of your great skill as a surgeon.
The repair of my Achilles tendon and removal of a very prominent bone spur has made me pain free. The many wonderful referrals of your skill as a surgeon, your competence, and charismatic orthopaedic surgeon are true! Your staff was always courteous and the on-site physical therapy with Matt Bernier was a most important aspect of my recovery. I actually looked forward to physical therapy appointments. It has only been three months since my surgery but I feel terrific. I look forward to a routine of exercise and wearing high heels again!” ~~Jeanette Schecht
On Overall Experience
Believe me, it’s a pleasure to spread good news these days. There is so much negativity out there regarding our doctors and our health care system in this country. While life is not perfect, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t want to be sick anywhere else in the world! 
Here’s a photo of me getting ready to compete in the Philadelphia Women’s Triathlon in July, 2006. I was part of a relay team and rode the 17-mile segment around the Schuylkill River in Philly. Our team won the silver medal for our age group. That was six surgeries ago! I went down with a bad back and haven’t ridden since. A bad ankle and two bad knees exacerbated the problem. Everything broke down at once.
I’ve had a rough 26 months. Two knee scopes, a major shoulder surgery, spinal fusion, the ankle and a gall bladder removal for good measure. I need another back surgery in September to fuse another segment. I am basically starting from ground zero. I used to ride a 100 miles per week to train for these events. It truly was my way to stay in shape, decompress and also provided solace when my mother passed away a few months before the race. I was inconsolable, and exercise was critical in keeping my spirits alive. The rotation of the pedals became very painful after awhile with the bum ankle, so believe me when I tell you that getting on the stationary bike in PT was heaven. Although I was winded after five minutes and had lost so much strength in my legs, the thoughts of a better future kept me going. The other message that I would also like to get out there is taking responsibility for one’s own recovery. I have never worked as hard in any PT as I have with the ankle. The great skills of “Big Matt” (the surgeon) and “little Matt” (the PT guy) can only take you so far. I have to do the rest.
The staff is wonderful. From the front desk, to the artisans who make casting an “art form,” the nurses, PA’s, PT crew and everyone else in between, you guys have created a real family atmosphere. ~~Patti
On Ankle Surgery – Subtalar Fusion
“My improvement since the surgery has been remarkable. Last week I walked the length of the San Diego zoo. Of course, the foot still gets stiff and sore My goal is to continue working on my gait so I can compete with my dogs in obedience in the Fall. I’m already training them!” ~~Liz
On Fractured Ankle
“A co-worker highly recommended Dr. Neufeld to me. When I arrived for my first appointment, I was afraid. I had never broken any bones, and the thought of surgery was terrifying to me. Your kindness and compassion immediately put me at ease. Thank you for taking the extra time to introduce yourself and tell me of your qualifications before we discussed the surgical procedure, it might seem like a small thing, but it reduced my stress considerably…“The first procedure where you fixed the break and installed a pin and screws went superbly. My recovery time was short and I was back working remotely the week after the procedure with very little pain.
Your physical therapy department was outstanding. They had me walking without stiffness just a few weeks after the follow-up appointment for surgery. The second procedure completed March 16, 2009 to remove the pins and screws also went extraordinarily well. I was done with pain meds 2 days after surgery and I was able to walk on the foot without pain within that same week.
I would also like to extend my thanks to your administrative staff for their work. All paperwork, follow-up appointments, questions, and billings to my insurance company were handled seamlessly. The staff was always kind, courteous, and efficient in all my dealings with them.
I will always be grateful for your care and treatment. While I hope that I won’t have a return trip to your office anytime soon, I have been telling everyone I know about your practice and the fantastic results you have achieved for me.” ~~Dorothea
On Procedure
“My foot looks great and I am once again able to fit into my shoes. The procedure was a complete success and I could not be happier with the results. Your ability to reconstruct my foot and undo the damage that was done by the first operation amazes me. If only I had the sense to go to you in the first place I may have saved myself months of agony.” ~~ Joseph
On Physical Therapy
“Seldom have I seen a more competent, caring, courteous, and professional staff. My problems were corrected in a very short period of time. Quite seriously, it was a pleasure to go to my physical therapy appointments. In addition to treating my problems, Matt also provided a professional sounding board concerning activities that I should and should not pursue after the therapy was complete. How fortunate you are to have these folks in your organization. They are truly one of a kind.” ~~Ray H., Brigadier General, U. S. Army Retire
