Over time, when bones in the foot disentigrate, surgeons have to rebuild. In a typical surgery, they insert a metal rod through the heel and up the center of the leg bone.

Individuals with diabetes and arthritis are more vulnerable to complications in the foot. Surgery to fuse the ankle is a last resort, and in many cases, the only way to avoid amputation.

The goal is to stabilize the foot so the patient’s heel is back under the leg bone. A bone graft from the patient’s hip helps speed the healing. This means a month on crutches and another month in a walking boot.

"It's not normal, but I tell them they'll usually walk better, and have a better functional life after than they do before," says Dr. Timothy Fitzgibbons.,

Find out more about Timothy Fitzgibbons, M.D., a surgeon with the Alegent Health Orthopaedic Institute.

Pat will never wear spike heels again, but that’s ok with her – it’s sensible shoes and padded inserts. "It’s a wonderful relief to be able to walk," she says.

Find out more about the Alegent Health Orthopaedic Institute at www.alegent.com/ortho.