Ankle deformity can quietly steal a person’s mobility. It starts with subtle changes: the foot drifting inward or outward, a feeling of instability, or pain that comes and goes. Over time, the deformity becomes structural, leading to arthritis, tendon imbalance, and difficulty walking.

At the Advanced Foot and Ankle Center of San Diego, deformity correction of the ankle is a major focus of care, and Dr. Wrotslavsky brings over two decades of experience in limb reconstruction, limb lengthening, and complex deformity analysis to every case.

Why Ankle Deformity Happens

Ankle deformity typically develops from one of the following:

• Post-traumatic injuries
Fractures, ligament tears, and cartilage injuries can change alignment even years later.

• Arthritis
Both post-traumatic and degenerative arthritis can cause progressive varus or valgus tilt.

• Neuromuscular imbalance
Conditions affecting nerves or muscles can cause one group to overpower the others.

• Congenital or developmental causes
Some patients are born with alignment issues that worsen over time.

Regardless of the cause, the underlying problem is the same: the ankle joint is no longer lined up to take weight evenly. Once that happens, the joint wears down rapidly.

Dr. Wrotslavsky’s Approach: Precision Deformity Analysis

Dr. Wrotslavsky is fellowship-trained in deformity correction and limb reconstruction, including advanced training at one of the world’s premier limb lengthening centers. His approach combines:

• Detailed deformity mapping
Using long-standing X-rays, CT scans, and mechanical axis analysis to understand exactly where the deformity originates.

• Soft-tissue assessment
Evaluating ligament instability, tendon imbalance, and contractures that may be contributing.

• Functional gait evaluation
Understanding how the deformity affects movement and loading during walking.

This type of analysis ensures the treatment plan is not just aimed at the joint but at the full biomechanical chain from knee to foot.

Treatment Options: From Subtle Corrections to Advanced Techniques

✅ Nonsurgical Management

Some early deformities can be stabilized without surgery:

• Custom bracing

• Orthotics

• Physical therapy

• Targeted injections

• Activity modification

But once the joint begins shifting or arthritis sets in, surgery becomes necessary to prevent long-term deterioration.

Surgical Options for Ankle Deformity

1. Osteotomies (Bone Realignment Surgery)

This is often the preferred approach for younger and active patients. By precisely cutting and repositioning the bone, the surgeon restores normal alignment, allowing the ankle to bear weight evenly again.

Dr. Wrotslavsky performs:

• Distal tibial osteotomies

• Supramalleolar osteotomies

• Calcaneal osteotomies when foot alignment contributes to the deformity

These procedures preserve the natural joint while dramatically reducing pain.

2. Complex Frame-Based Correction

For multiplanar deformities or limb-length differences, external fixation systems such as circular frames allow gradual, highly accurate realignment.

Dr. Wrotslavsky is widely experienced in:

• Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF)

• Ilizarov techniques

• Gradual correction for severe deformity and limb salvage cases

This approach is especially effective for patients with deformities that cannot be corrected in a single operation.

3. Ankle Arthritis Reconstruction

When deformity has already caused significant joint damage, correction is combined with reconstructive procedures:

• Ankle arthroscopic debridement with realignment
• Ankle fusion (arthrodesis)
• Total ankle replacement with deformity correction

Dr. Wrotslavsky’s experience in realigning the limb before or during joint reconstruction helps ensure better long-term outcomes and implant longevity.

What Sets Advanced Foot and Ankle Center of San Diego Apart

Patients often come after being told nothing more can be done, yet precise deformity correction opens options that were not previously considered. What stands out is:

• Expertise in complex deformities others may avoid

• Deep experience in limb salvage

• Integration of biomechanics, reconstruction, and joint preservation

• Over 20 years treating everything from subtle instability to severe post-traumatic deformity

It’s a comprehensive, thoughtful, and highly individualized approach.

When to Consider Deformity Correction

A patient should be evaluated if they experience:

• Visible tilting of the ankle

• Chronic instability

• Pain on uneven ground

• Limited range of motion

• Progressive arthritis

• A history of ankle fractures with lingering deformity

Early intervention can dramatically improve long-term mobility.

Conclusion

Ankle deformity isn’t just a structural problem; it’s a mechanical challenge that requires precision, experience, and a deep understanding of limb alignment. At the Advanced Foot and Ankle Center of San Diego, Dr. Wrotslavsky brings world-class expertise in deformity correction, limb reconstruction, and advanced surgical techniques to help patients regain stability, function, and quality of life.