Foot and ankle
surgery is more an art than any other specialty of orthopaedic
surgery. Traditionally, aesthetics of the foot have always played
an important role, dating back to Greek and Egyptian times. An
expert foot and ankle surgeon will use all his or hers knowledge
and experience to return the shape of a deformed foot to its normal
appearance.
However, foot
and ankle surgery is not about good looks. The normal function
of the foot and ankle deeply depend on their normal anatomy. Even
a slight deformity, such as in hallux valgus or flat foot, can
significantly impair function and cause pain and disability. Expertise
in foot and ankle surgery is the capability to return both appearance
and function of a diseased foot back to normal.
If you are
a patient in search for a physician, be advised: the result of
foot and ankle surgery depends almost exclusively on the surgeon.
Traditional techniques, which have evolved over the past 100 years
and more, are the gold standard. New technologies and implants
are rarely needed. Make sure your surgeon has the expertise to
fully correct whatever deformity of joints, bones or soft tissues
may be present.
Tübingen
University Hospital is one of the largest foot and ankle centres
serving the primarily the Southwest of Germany. It is also a referral
centre for many patients from central Europe and from around the
world. As many as 550 major surgical procedures are performed
here per year, covering all disorders of the fore- and hind foot
and the ankle.
Education
has been a primary focus of foot and ankle surgery in Tübingen.
The largest international foot and ankle surgery course was organized
here for almost one decade. Several renown publications originated
here, including an international Atlas of Foot and Ankle Surgery
with many contributors from around the world.
Professor
Wülker is the Chairman of the Orthopaedic Department of Tübingen
University. He is an internationally acknowledged expert who has
lectured at courses and performed foot and ankle procedures around
the world. He was the founding editor of the international Journal
of Foot and Ankle Surgery and has long served as the secretary
of the European specialty society.
Please see
the specialty sections on the left for further comprehensive information
on foot and ankle disorders and their treatment in Tübingen.
