Q: Your interest in orthopedic surgery started from an early age from watching your father establish an orthopedic clinic. Tell me more about that!
A: We lived in South Africa when I was young and my father was starting an orthopedic clinic at a hospital. I remember I would see so many cool X-Rays and he would establish such a good connection with his patients that they would come over for dinner. I enjoyed watching him and it spurred me to pursue the same career.
Q. How long have you been practicing orthopedic surgery?
A. I did my residency in UC San Francisco and I came to Portland to do my fellowship . I have been practicing for 14 years and joined Orthopedic and Fracture Specialists 2-3 years ago. It is a great group and they are really geared to providing great care to their patients. I love how I can continue to do what I do best – treat patients suffering from lower extremity trauma and fixing hip fractures.
Q. What spurred your interest in lower extremity orthopedics?
A. I was first of all most interested in limb deformities, which encompassed deformity corrections and reconstructions; and that led me into my sub-specialty and fellowship in foot and ankle deformities.
Q. What are some of the philosophies you have surrounding the foot and ankle joint?
A. I am not a big believer in orthotics. I think it is important to try to keep a natural, strong foot via intrinsic strengthening. I’m also not married into the notion that there is an ideal foot type – I’ve seen patients with flat feet, but so long as they are strong and flexible, the patients fare well. I do think there are a lot of problems in the foot that result from tight calves as these patients’ midfoot take a lot of strain during gait, running and activities.
Q. What tips would you have for a patient who is recovering from your surgery? How can they ensure the quickest recovery?
A. The key is to get them moving – and by that I don’t necessarily mean weight-bearing. There’s a lot that can be done without needing to stand or walk, and it’s important to get the ankle joints moving after surgery so the patient can regain function. It’s also important to not do things too quick or too soon in their recovery, or else the patient risks more inflammation.
Q. What type of surgeries do you perform regularly?
A. I see a lot of patients after lower extremity trauma, patients with ankle arthritis, limb and ankle deformities, hip fractures. I also perform total ankle and knee replacements as well.
