Dr. H’s biggest passion, talent and practice focus is the comprehensive but minimally invasive surgical treatment of ankle fractures. This approach aims to address every aspect of your ankle fracture: the bones, the ligament injuries and the cartilage inside the joint. He lectures internationally to other surgeons on the importance of this approach which very few other surgeons employ. Read below to learn how Dr. H takes extra steps in treating your ankle fracture to try and obtain the fastest and most superior recovery.

Advanced Ct Imaging

Dr. Hodgkins obtains 3-Dimensional CT scans (Computer Aided Tomography Scan or CAT scan) on most fractures to know exactly what your fracture pattern is and how best to fix it. Even simple fractures present surprises. Dr. H does not want surprises in the operating room. He wants to know the 3D anatomy of your injury before surgery to know the absolute best approach with the smallest possible incisions for the best possible result. The CT scans are displayed on large screens in the operating suite for Dr. H to reference them during your surgery. Dr. H has access to one of very few weight bearing CT scanners in South Florida. If possible Dr. H will show you the CT scan before surgery so that you fully understand your injury and the surgical plan.

Nanoarthroscopy

Dr. Hodgkins utilizes a new mini arthroscope, the Nanoscope. He was one of the first surgeons IN THE WORLD to use this camera in an ankle. In this picture the screen shows the inside of the joint. Dr. H finds and treats problems in the joint in over 50% of the ankle fractures that he treats proving the value of this approach and reinforcing the importance that your surgeon looks inside your joint when treating your ankle fracture, when appropriate. Dr. H shows you all the pictures and x-rays of your joint during your first post operative visit. We can provide you with a copy to keep.

Ligament Injuries

Ankle fractures almost always involve injuries to the ligaments which many times get ignored. Dr. H strongly believes that ignoring the ligament injuries leads to poor outcomes and is therefore very aggressive about looking for and addressing the ligament injuries surgically. Using special advanced techniques and equipment, Dr. H ensures he finds and addresses all the problems. He utilizes the ‘Tightrope’ and ‘Internal Brace’ (Arthrex, Naples) to help fix these injuries. These devices have recently helped the Alabama Quarterback “Tua” Tagovailoa and New Orleans Saints NFL Quarterback get back to play very quickly.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Mini Incision Camera Assisted Surgery
Dr. Hodgkins uses an arthroscope (mini camera) during most of his fracture surgeries. This allows him to look for and treat damage to the lining of the joint (cartilage) which would otherwise be missed and lead to possible poor outcomes. It allows him to check the alignment of your fracture giving you the best possible reduction of your fractures. The arthroscope also helps him to detect and treat ligament instability. The arthroscope often allows Dr. H to keep your fracture incisions smaller. This is a special skill that very few fracture surgeons have or utilize and puts Dr. H in a different category of surgeons.

Modern Implants

Dr. H uses the latest and greatest techniques and implants to ensure you receive the best and most up to date treatment, when appropriate. He is involved in the design and improvement of many of these devices. Particularly, Dr. H is the one of highest volume surgeons IN THE WORLD, using a new fibula nail which allows fixation of ankle fractures through much smaller incisions leading to, potentially; quicker surgery, less post op pain and swelling, faster healing and quicker return to work and sports. It is groundbreaking and Dr. H lectures around the country and worldwide on its role. This is the future of ankle fracture surgery and Dr. H is by far one of the most experienced surgeons in USA and the majority of the world in using this implant. If you have an ankle fracture, you need the best, from the best.

Accelerated Aggressive Rehab

The surgery is only part of your treatment. The post op recovery is very important. Dr. H helps look after many elite athletes who need to return to play in perfect condition as soon as possible. Due to the techniques Dr. H uses during surgery, he is so confident in the strength of your fracture fixation and the ligament repairs that he employs a very aggressive rehab program to get you walking and moving ASAP. We utilize modern equipment and therapy techniques to make sure you are treated like an elite athlete. We keep a close eye on you after your surgery to ensure you are on track.