The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics is redefining the way musculoskeletal care is delivered across the region with locations throughout Maryland, DC, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
My initial medical issue was a Osteochondral Defect and ligament damage that occurred while playing basketball. I had a divot taken out of the cartilage in my ankle and the cartilage was dead.
What did your pain or other symptoms prevent you from doing?
My pain was major at the occurrence of the injury and I actually was not diagnosed with the injury until 8 months after it occurred. I was constantly rolling the ankle and it had serious structural issues. I tried to play golf and other sports with the injury, but the longer I was on my feet the more swollen and painful my ankle would get. Every night my ankle would swell almost as it did on the date of the injury.
Why did you choose Dr. Neufeld and Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center?
I was actually referred by a local Radiologist who sent his daughter to Dr. Neufeld. They had outstanding results from him and could not have been happier with him and his team. Being from Fredericksburg, VA I had to drive over an hour to visit Dr. Neufeld, so it is safe to say that we trusted the source of the referral.
What procedure/treatment did you have done?
I received an Osteochondral graft from a cadaver as well as ligament tightening and repair. My surgery was short and the treatment afterward was mainly focused on non-weight bearing in the ankle for over 6 weeks. I used crutches and a knee scooter for the majority of 6-7 weeks and was completely non-weight bearing. For the first 2 months after surgery, I visited Dr. Neufeld 3 times to check in and change the apparatus that was holding my ankle. I had an air cast for the first two weeks, then I moved to a hard cast for the next 2 weeks, then after that I went to a boot, and finally I went to just a brace.
How did you feel after your treatment?
The recovery process was more inconvenient than it was painful. I really did not have any significant pain after the surgery, it was certainly uncomfortable sleeping in the various casts and braces, but there was never agonizing ankle pain. The only discomfort I had was a rash on the top of my foot from being in the cast and other braces. It took me about 3 months to feel confident enough to walk without any assistance, and I am currently on the 4 month mark. I am no longer wearing my brace, and am walking with confidence. Physical Therapy has been very helpful in building the confidence and rebuilding my strength in my calf and ankle. I still am not back to the point where I am able to play sports just yet, but I know that my foot will be better than it was before the surgery.
Do you have any advice for other patients?
My advice for other patients is to completely trust in Dr. Neufeld and every member of his team. From top to bottom this team is 100% the most professional and kind group of individuals. Not only are they nice, but they are confident in their abilities and services to the point where everything is seamless. The most important thing you can do, is remain non-weight bearing after the procedure. I was worried that the ankle would not ever get back to where I was before (I actually had another doctor tell me that it never would be back) but Dr. Neufeld assured me that he performs this procedure all of the time and he was confident that he could get me back to 100%. I am not at 100% yet, but I can already tell my ankle feels better than it did before the surgery. Follow the guidelines, listen to what the team tells you to do, and know that you are in good hands. This procedure is just as hard to cope mentally that you are immobile as it is to actually be immobile.