Foot Reconstructive Surgery Course

Lesson 1 • Pathological Biomechanics and Deformity

Identifies how structural abnormalities alter force transmission and joint mechanics. Prepares students to recognize deformity patterns that drive reconstructive decision-making.

Lesson 2 • Osseous Architecture of the Foot

Covers tarsal, metatarsal, and phalangeal bone morphology and articulations. Establishes the skeletal framework needed to understand deformity correction and fixation strategies.

Lesson 3 • Soft Tissue Anatomy of the Foot

Examines ligaments, tendons, fascia, and neurovascular structures of the foot. Provides the anatomical basis for tissue preservation and reconstruction during surgery.

Lesson 4 • Imaging Interpretation for Surgical Planning

Teaches radiographic, CT, and MRI assessment of foot pathology. Integrates imaging findings with anatomical knowledge to guide preoperative planning.

Lesson 1 • Comorbidity Evaluation and Risk Stratification

Assesses systemic conditions affecting surgical outcomes, including diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. Enables risk-adjusted planning and appropriate patient selection.

Lesson 2 • Deformity Analysis and Correction Planning

Applies angular and translational measurements to quantify deformity and plan correction vectors. Links measurement accuracy to predictable surgical outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Informed Consent and Patient Education

Covers disclosure of risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes in foot reconstructive surgery. Ensures patients make informed decisions and have realistic postoperative expectations.

Lesson 4 • Clinical History and Physical Examination

Structures a focused history and systematic foot examination relevant to reconstructive surgery. Establishes baseline clinical data that drives diagnosis and procedure selection.

Lesson 1 • Bone Preparation and Osteotomy Techniques

Covers saw, osteotome, and burr use for precise bone cuts and joint preparation. Accurate bone work is foundational to achieving stable fixation and correct alignment.

Lesson 2 • Incision Planning and Soft Tissue Handling

Teaches incision placement to protect neurovascular structures and optimize wound healing. Directly impacts complication rates and exposure quality in all foot procedures.

Lesson 3 • Internal Fixation Techniques

Demonstrates screw, plate, and staple insertion with correct trajectory and compression. Builds technical proficiency in achieving rigid fixation for reliable bone healing.

Lesson 4 • Intraoperative Alignment Verification

Uses fluoroscopy, clinical assessment, and alignment guides to confirm correction intraoperatively. Prevents malunion and ensures the surgical plan is executed accurately.

Lesson 1 • First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis

Teaches joint preparation, positioning, and fixation for first MTP fusion in severe deformity and arthritis. Achieves durable pain relief and stable alignment.

Lesson 2 • Hallux Rigidus Management

Addresses cheilectomy, osteotomy, and arthroplasty options for hallux rigidus by stage. Restores motion or eliminates pain based on joint preservation potential.

Lesson 3 • Distal and Proximal Metatarsal Osteotomies

Covers chevron, scarf, and proximal osteotomy techniques for hallux valgus correction. Matches osteotomy selection to deformity severity and bone quality.

Lesson 4 • Hallux Valgus Pathology and Classification

Analyzes deformity components, radiographic parameters, and severity grading for hallux valgus. Provides the diagnostic foundation for procedure selection.

Lesson 1 • Plantar Plate Repair and MTP Stabilization

Addresses plantar plate tear diagnosis and surgical repair for MTP joint instability. Restores static stabilizers to correct crossover and subluxation deformities.

Lesson 2 • Fifth Ray and Tailor's Bunion Correction

Covers lateral condylectomy and fifth metatarsal osteotomy for tailor's bunion deformity. Restores fifth ray alignment and relieves lateral forefoot pain.

Lesson 3 • Metatarsal Osteotomies for Pressure Relief

Teaches Weil and oblique metatarsal osteotomies to redistribute plantar pressure and correct metatarsalgia. Addresses the osseous component of forefoot overload.

Lesson 4 • Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Procedures

Covers arthroplasty and arthrodesis of the PIP joint for hammertoe correction. Balances deformity correction with toe length and functional preservation.

Lesson 1 • Flatfoot Deformity Reconstruction

Addresses adult-acquired flatfoot through medializing calcaneal osteotomy, lateral column lengthening, and tendon reconstruction. Corrects multiplanar deformity systematically.

Lesson 2 • Ankle Arthrodesis Techniques

Covers open and arthroscopic ankle fusion with correct positioning and rigid fixation. Provides durable pain relief for end-stage ankle arthritis.

Lesson 3 • Total Ankle Replacement Principles

Introduces implant design, patient selection, and surgical technique for total ankle arthroplasty. Contrasts motion-preserving replacement with arthrodesis for appropriate case selection.

Lesson 4 • Subtalar and Midtarsal Arthrodesis

Teaches isolated and combined hindfoot fusions for arthritis and deformity correction. Achieves pain relief and stable alignment while preserving adjacent joint motion.

Lesson 1 • Diabetic Ulcer Management and Closure

Addresses wound debridement, offloading, and surgical closure strategies for diabetic plantar ulcers. Integrates wound biology with reconstructive technique for durable healing.

Lesson 2 • Charcot Foot Reconstruction Surgery

Covers exostectomy, osteotomy, and beaming arthrodesis for Charcot midfoot and hindfoot deformity. Restores plantigrade foot to prevent ulceration and amputation.

Lesson 3 • Charcot Neuroarthropathy Pathophysiology

Explains the neurovascular and inflammatory mechanisms driving Charcot foot destruction. Establishes the biological rationale for staged surgical intervention.

Lesson 4 • Limb Salvage Decision-Making

Applies functional, vascular, and quality-of-life criteria to determine salvage versus amputation. Guides ethical and evidence-based decisions in complex diabetic foot cases.

Lesson 1 • Wound Healing and Suture Management

Monitors wound healing stages and manages suture removal timing and wound complications. Identifies early signs of dehiscence and infection for prompt intervention.

Lesson 2 • Physical Therapy and Functional Rehabilitation

Prescribes range-of-motion, strengthening, and proprioception exercises following foot reconstruction. Restores functional mobility and prevents long-term stiffness and weakness.

Lesson 3 • Immediate Postoperative Care

Covers dressing application, elevation, pain management, and early complication monitoring. Prevents wound breakdown and thromboembolic events in the acute postoperative period.

Lesson 4 • Weight-Bearing Protocols and Offloading

Defines non-weight-bearing, protected, and progressive weight-bearing timelines by procedure type. Balances bone healing demands with patient mobility and compliance.