Jonathan Deland, M.D. and Scott Ellis, M.D., orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), were recently honored at the annual meeting of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Drs. Deland and Ellis received the prestigious J. Leonard Goldner Award, a recognition that highlights the most outstanding research paper presented at the AOFAS annual meeting. According to the October 28, 2014 news release, “The researchers found that the best results after a flatfoot reconstruction were achieved in patients whose foot was not corrected too much with a procedure called ‘lateral column lengthening.’”
“In this procedure, a bone graft of various sizes can be placed in the side of the foot to shift the flatfoot. Patient outcomes were measured by the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, which was validated in a previous HSS study for patients with flatfoot. This information may help guide surgeons at the time of flatfoot surgery, according to Dr. Ellis and Dr. Deland.”
Dr. Ellis told OTW, “The most interesting aspect for me was that we found that worse outcomes correlated directly with the x-ray parameters of over-correcting the foot. This recognition means that we can help improve outcomes after the surgery by paying strict attention to how much correction we perform.”
Dr. Deland commented to OTW, “This study shows how to minimize the chance of a classic problem with correcting a severely collapsed foot, that of lateral overload. The severely collapsed foot is usually from posterior tibial tendon insufficiency, a not uncommon condition. In a severe flatfoot, when a lateral column lengthening (lengthening a bone on the outside of the foot) is necessary, this study shows how to minimize the chance of lateral overload. Lateral overload puts too much weight on the lateral side of the foot and causes lateral discomfort or pain. This has been a significant problem and is not so easy to avoid.”
“The meaning of this award for us is that the AOFAS recognizes the importance of our work and, just as significantly, recognizes the value of good research.”
I HAVE BEEN TREATED BY BOTH OF THESE OUTSTANDING SURGEONS AND I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE OUTCOME OF MY SURGERY ON BOTH OF MY FEET AND ANKLES. DOCTOR ELLIS EVEN TOLD ME TO HAVE DR DELAND TAKE CARE OF MY RIGHT ANKLE/FOOT AS I WILL NEED TO HAVE AN ANKLE REPLACMENT ON MY RIGHT ANKLE.
IN NOVEMBER OF 2013 DR DELAND CORRECTED THE CONDITIONS OF MY RIGHT ANKLE/FOOT SO THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO RECEIVE A ANKLE.
REPLACEMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
THE OFFICE STAFF OF BOTH THESE DOCTORS ARE TOP NOTCH.
THOMAS LYNCH
Thomas…my right foot is very very bad. Total collapse of the foot. Had flat feet since birth and then rheumatoid arthritis. I am afraid to have the surgery but if it works it will improve my life. I am 54 years old. Tired of not being able to walk around. Any info you could give me would be appreciated
My 18-year-old son has been in and out of orthotics since he was 12 and unable to do sports anymore or even walk without pain. He’s been told by a surgeon in New Jersey he needs sx to correct flat feet. I don’t know which physician had the most experience with this condition- Dr. Deland, Dr Ellis, Dr Drako, or Dr Elliott??
Any information you can offer is greatly appreciated.
Clare Cook