It was very early Christmas morning, and Michelle D. wanted to get a run in before the Christmas celebrations commenced. She was walking down the steps of her home when she suddenly lost her footing and fell. She immediately knew something was very wrong. Her right ankle was extremely painful and was bent at an awkward angle. She was unable to put any weight on it.

In the emergency department at Columbus Regional Hospital, she was diagnosed with a dislocated and fractured right ankle. The fracture/dislocation was able to be manipulated into place by the emergency department staff, but it was clear that surgery was required. It was then that Dr. Ansgar Olsen, DPM, PhD of Columbus Foot and Ankle Clinic, PC was consulted.

“Although the Emergency Department did a great job with reducing the fracture/dislocation, her fracture was quite unstable and needed to be fixed surgically. We were able to accomplish this after the swelling was controlled through the use of compression dressings” states Dr. Olsen.

After 6 weeks of not being able to bear weight on her right ankle, Michelle was finally able to slowly transition back to her normal activities. “My whole experience was wonderful. We had full confidence in Dr. Olsen and his surgical skills, and the staff at Columbus Foot and Ankle Clinic was very supportive and extremely professional and knowledgeable. They helped us through a very difficult time,” states Michelle D.

Michelle is back to her previous level of activity. She is even able to walk her dog “Ziggy” (whose picture is now on the famous Columbus Foot and Ankle Clinic dog picture board) without pain.

“Michelle was a model patient” states Dr. Olsen. “She followed instructions to the letter, which helped her get back on her feet quickly after such a traumatic injury.”