foot and ankle

Recognized as one of the nation’s top orthopaedic centers, the Duke Division of Foot and Ankle is a leader in both clinical excellence and innovation. Our surgeons bring unmatched expertise to the treatment of even the most complex conditions, including advanced ankle replacement procedures.

Over the past four years, our team has performed more than 20,000 surgical procedures, underscoring our role as a high-volume center dedicated to advancing patient care. We are at the forefront of research in ankle replacements, 3D printing, and other emerging technologies—continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in foot and ankle surgery.

With access to world-class resources and a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, Duke Orthopaedics is uniquely positioned to tackle the field’s most challenging questions, improving outcomes and enhancing the patient experience.

Who We Are

The Duke Foot and Ankle surgeons are among the world’s most experienced. They are trained to treat even the most complex foot and ankle conditions. They have pioneered ankle replacement surgery, as well as other novel techniques to repair cartilage, tendons, and fractures in the ankle bone and ankle joint.

Fellowship

At Duke Orthopaedics, we are dedicated to training the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons through comprehensive, hands-on fellowship experiences. Our fellows gain in-depth exposure to the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including hallux valgus, flatfoot deformities, and all forms of ankle arthritis. Training also includes the management of rheumatoid arthritis involving the foot and ankle, as well as trauma-related injuries such as fractures of the ankle, talus, calcaneus, and midfoot. In addition, fellows develop expertise in treating sports-related ankle injuries, ligamentous instability, and the use of arthroscopy in both diagnosis and treatment.

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Patient Care

As one of the nation’s top-ranked orthopaedic centers, Duke Orthopaedic Specialists in Raleigh and Durham offer advanced treatment options for all types of foot and ankle pain or injury. Our team also leads the way in testing promising new therapies and implants, helping patients return to active, healthy lives with confidence.

Research

The Duke Division of Foot and Ankle is advancing the field through a wide range of research initiatives, including:

  • Slowing the progression and managing the pain of ankle arthritis
  • Exploring natural compounds like curcumin (from turmeric) and resveratrol (from grape leaves) to prevent arthritis progression
  • Investigating potential chemical links between osteoarthritis and depression
  • Using a patient’s stem cells (via bone marrow aspirate) to treat soft-tissue and bone conditions
  • Developing custom titanium scaffolds through 3D printing to fill bone voids caused by trauma or disease
  • Advancing techniques in ankle replacement and flatfoot reconstruction

These efforts reflect our commitment to improving outcomes and expanding treatment options for patients with complex foot and ankle conditions.