Increasing access to podiatric surgeons who perform total ankle replacements in rural populations

Key Points

• Access to podiatric surgeons significantly impacts the availability of total ankle replacements in rural areas, leading to care disparities.
• The need for total ankle replacements may rise, but access to trained podiatric surgeons remains limited in these populations.
• Assessment involves analyzing current healthcare delivery models and identifying barriers for rural communities.
• Highlighting improved access to podiatric surgeons may support better health outcomes and lead to equitable care.