01/10/2013    

PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 1

FL Podiatrist Performs ORIF Repair

At 61, Rosemarie Danchik had never stepped foot in a podiatry office until last week, after she fell through her attic into her garage. Dr. Peter Walimire, 33, a foot and ankle surgeon with Athletic Orthopaedic and Reconstructive Center, suggested that she undergo surgery Monday. In the hospital, he performed a repair called an ORIF, or open reduction internal fixation of the calcaneus, or heel bone, which Danchik had broken in three places.

Dr. Peter Walimire discusses treatment options with patient Rosemarie Danchik (Photo: Andrew West)

Reconstructive surgery is Walimire’s specialty, and Southwest Florida adults could have a variety of reasons to need his services. Problems with feet tend to increase with age and are often the first signs of serious illness. Podiatry is sometimes seen as the step-child of medicine, but the specialty involves much more than ingrown toenails.

Source: Dayna Harpster, News Press [1/8/13]