C. Thomas Haytmanek, MD & Jonathon Backus, MD - Sports Foot & Ankle

04/16/2026

Scenario: A 62-year-old avid golfer. Severe ankle arthritis limited walking and playing. X-rays showed joint degeneration.

Decision: Opted for the INBONE Total Ankle System with PROPHECY preoperative navigation.

Outcome: Surgery went smoothly, featuring precise alignment, minimal fluoroscopy, and faster recovery. Patient returned to the golf course in months with less pain and improved mobility.

Lesson: Customized surgical planning with PROPHECY can improve accuracy, reduce procedural complexity, and support a quicker return to activity.

Complex Ankle Surgeons Are you experiencing joint pain the ankles due to arthritis or a degenerative disease? If so, you may be a candidate for an INBONE Total Ankle Replacement. This is an advanced, specialized hardware that is used to replace the damaged ankle. INBONE hardware can

04/15/2026

What happens during an ankle replacement?
1️⃣ General anesthesia
2️⃣ 1–2 incisions to remove damaged bone & scar tissue
3️⃣ Metal implants attached to remaining bone
4️⃣ Durable plastic added to mimic cartilage
⏱ Surgery takes ~1.5–2 hours, often guided by a custom CT scan!

Complex Ankle Surgeons Are you experiencing ankle pain due to arthritis? If so, you may be a candidate for an ankle replacement. Ankle arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis can all lead to worn down cartilage in the ankle. Over time, this will result in severe pain and

04/14/2026

At elevation, both literally and professionally, the 2026 University of Colorado Foot and Ankle Alumnus Meeting brought together leaders in foot and ankle care.

Dr. Backus presented on the future of ankle arthritis management and the expanding role of the Arthritis Foundation in driving innovation and patient outcomes.

Dr. Haytmanek explored ankle instability in a setting nearly as challenging as the condition itself:Treating the Lateral Ankle Ligaments at 8100’

Proud to share, learn, and connect with colleagues committed to advancing the field.

04/14/2026

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses your body’s own healing powers to treat chronic pain and injuries. Studies show:
🔹 Less osteoarthritis pain
🔹 Tendon healing improvement

Effectiveness depends on YOU: age, health, activity level, injury type, and more.
Curious if PRP is right for your foot or ankle? Ask your doctor!

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Doctors Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a nutrient-rich blood component that is vital for injury repair. PRP is often used in conjunction with various orthopedic procedures and has been found to be useful in helping certain injuries heal quicker. Platelet rich

04/10/2026

Achilles Tendon Surgery

1. Surgery isn’t always required – Most Achilles tendonitis cases improve with conservative care. Surgery is considered only when nonoperative treatment fails.

2. Type of surgery depends on tendon location & damage – Insertional vs non-insertional tendonitis requires different approaches.

3. Calf tightness can be addressed surgically – Gastrocnemius recession releases fascia to improve flexibility and relieve tendon strain.

4. A damaged tendon may need repair or reinforcement – Severe tears sometimes require removing diseased tissue and reinforcing with a tendon transfer (commonly flexor hallucis longus).

5. Recovery differs by procedure – Minimally invasive procedures like Tenex allow immediate weight bearing in a walking boot, while open surgeries or tendon transfers require a period of non-weight bearing for optimal healing.

Achilles Tendon Specialists Have you experienced a recent ankle injury that resulted in pain or swelling above and around the ankle? If so, you may have experienced an injury to the Achilles tendon. Injuries to this tendon can occur in athletes and non-athletes who participate in activities

04/08/2026

Hammer toe isn’t just a cosmetic concern; it can become painful and limit mobility over time.

For more severe cases, surgical treatment may be recommended. Procedures vary depending on the rigidity and alignment of the toe and may include:
• Tendon or ligament lengthening to improve movement
• Joint fusion to stabilize the toe and prevent recurrence
• Use of wires or implants to support proper positioning

The good news? Most hammer toe surgeries are outpatient, and with proper recovery and physical therapy, patients can return to normal activities.

Hammer Toe Specialists Are you experiencing stiff toes that are flexed at the proximal joint? This is a condition called hammer toes and it may be caused by ill-fitting shoes, unequal muscle tension in the foot, or other medical conditions. Hammer toes can be very painful and

04/07/2026

Management of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) depends on skeletal maturity and lesion stability.

Non-operative care includes immobilization, bracing, NSAIDs, and rehabilitation—often effective in younger patients.

Surgical intervention is indicated for persistent symptoms or larger lesions and may involve fixation or removal of unstable fragments.

Structured recovery supports optimal outcomes and return to activity.

Osteochondral Injuries Specialists Adolescents and young adults can be prone to a specific type of ankle injury which can lead to ankle can lead to an osteochondral lesion, sometimes called osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). These types of injuries involve the bone and the cartilage of the ankle and

04/03/2026

Chronic heel pain doesn’t have to be permanent.
When plantar fasciitis persists despite stretching, orthotics, and other non-surgical treatments, we begin discussing next steps.

Plantar fascia release is a targeted procedure designed to reduce tension at the heel, decreasing inflammation and improving mobility.
✔️ Outpatient procedure
✔️ Minimally invasive options available
✔️ Often combined with bone spur removal if needed

Most patients recover within 6–12 weeks with guided rehabilitation.

The goal isn’t just pain relief, it’s getting patients back to doing what they love.

Plantar Fascia Release Surgeons Are you experiencing heel pain that is severe enough to affect sports participation and even walking? If so, you may have a foot condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is often treated without surgery, however severe cases may need surgical treatment ca...

04/02/2026

Common signs include:
• Pain and swelling along the outer ankle
• Ankle instability or “giving out”
• Bruising at the site of injury
• Pain that worsens with weight-bearing

Symptoms vary depending on severity: partial tears may be subtler than complete ruptures. Early diagnosis = better recovery.

Calcaneofibular Ligament Tear Specialists Are you an athlete who participates in skiing, snowboarding, or other similar sports? If so, you may be at risk of sustaining a high-impact injury from a hard twisting fall. Injuries of this type can cause the calcaneofibular ligament to tear. A tear to this...

03/31/2026

Ankle pain that won’t go away? It might be more than a sprain.
Posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL) and deltoid ligament tears are serious injuries often missed early on.

How are they diagnosed?
👉 An MRI is the gold standard because it shows soft tissue damage clearly.

🦶Deltoid ligament injuries are graded as:
• Grade I: Stretched, not torn
• Grade II: Partially torn, still intact
• Grade III: Completely torn

Early diagnosis = faster recovery and better outcomes.

Ankle Ligament Tear and High Ankle Sprain Specialists The posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL) and the deltoid ligament are located on the outside and inside of the ankle and are responsible for stabilization. PITFL sprains typically occur with grade III “high” ankle sprains and may ...

03/27/2026

In sports medicine, we see midfoot injuries that are frequently misdiagnosed. A Lisfranc injury affects the foot's central stabilizing ligament and can be debilitating if untreated.
From our experience:
• Pain in the midfoot
• Swelling and bruising
• Difficulty bearing weight

Advanced imaging (weight-bearing X-rays, CT, MRI) helps us determine the extent of ligament or bone involvement and plan the right treatment strategy. Early recognition protects long-term performance. Here is what else you should know ⬇️

Lisfranc Injury Specialists Are you an athlete participating in a sport that involves twisting or putting weight on the foot with pointed toes? If so, you may be at an increased risk of developing a Lisfranc injury. Lisfranc injuries occur when there is damage to a ligament

03/25/2026

America’s next great rock climber isn’t just talented...he’s built from the ground up. 🧗‍♂️

After a mind-boggling ascent in British Columbia, his strong ankles, feet, and core were key to conquering every hold. Strength starts from the ground.

After completing a mind-boggling ascent in British Columbia, the 22-year-old is no longer the climber of the future—his time is now.