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Ankle surgery helps ‘girl on the go' get back on the run
“I just love being active,”says Andrea. So last June, when Andrea twisted her ankle during her summer job, she wasn't about to sit around and wait to see if it got better. “I made an appointment with my primary care doctor the next day,” says Andrea. "She wanted me to see an orthopedic physician and knew right where to go, because I already had one from an unrelated soccer injury.” James Bruno, MD is an orthopedic surgeon at the Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clinic in Hartland, not too far from Andrea's parents' home. A specialist in sports medicine, Dr. Bruno has particular expertise in foot and ankle problems. “I love his practice style,” says Andrea. “He did everything he could to help me get ready for my last year of college sports.” Symptoms of persistent pain and instabilityWhat initially appeared to be a simple ankle sprain, however, turned out to be a more complicated ligament tear causing significant instability and inexplicable pain in the joint. After one month of conservative treatment that included anti-inflammatory medication, rest, wearing a stability boot and participating in physical therapy at the Aurora Sports Medicine Institute in Oconomowoc, Dr. Bruno suggested that Andrea have surgery. “She really had several things going on in that ankle, but we were able to find and fix everything in one operation at the Aurora Health Center in Waukesha,” says Dr. Bruno. “Diagnostic surgical arthroscopy on the inside of her ankle allowed me to locate and remove the damaged cartilage and smooth out bone that had chipped,” he explains. “Then, on the outside of her ankle, I performed a ‘Brostrom' procedure, which involves a small open incision to find the torn ligaments, remove the scar tissue, and tighten the ligaments to the exact right length needed to restore a stable ankle without sacrificing full range of motion." Dr. Bruno, who has been performing the Brostrom for many years explains, “Other surgical techniques for chronic unstable ankles do not always get the same results. With this procedure, I am able to achieve both stability and mobility. There is no ‘overtightening,' which compromises function.” Now six months post surgery Andrea says, “I'm not hindered by ankle problems at all anymore. I'm back to jogging, swimming, walking, biking." With her first school year as a teacher about to begin, being comfortable on her feet all day is obviously important. “I really can't say enough about Dr. Bruno and all of the people at Aurora,” says Andrea. “They went all out to accommodate me. I was working odd hours and they worked to fit me in at Dr. Bruno's office in Hartland and at the Aurora Sports Medicine Institute in Oconomowoc for physical therapy. When I went back to college, they had to work around my being able to come home for surgery at the Aurora Health Center in Waukesha. Then, I was thrilled to learn that I could continue my physical therapy at an Aurora clinic in Fond du Lac when I started student teaching there last fall. My care was completely coordinated,” says Andrea. “I felt that everyone was in touch with one another, and if I had a question or concern about anything, it was all very well communicated.” “It's a great example of our ability to provide seamless care because of the network of providers we have throughout southeastern Wisconsin,” notes Dr. Bruno. “Overall I have nothing but good things to say,” says Andrea. “My care was exceptional, and my ankle continues to improve everyday!” Causes of chronic ankle painAccording to Dr. Bruno, some possible reasons for chronic ankle pain in conjunction with a strain or sprain include:
For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Bruno, call the Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clinic in Hartland at 262-369-6903.
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By
her own definition, 23-year-old Andrea Oppermann of Jefferson is a “girl on the
go.” The recent college graduate and soon-to-be first-year teacher has played
high school and intercollegiate sports. 