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Regain stability, motion, and lasting relief.

Advanced Surgical Care for Leg, Foot, Ankle, and Knee Pain

If chronic pain in your leg, foot, ankle, or knee hasn’t improved with medications, therapy, or injections, The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction offers highly specialized surgical treatments that address the underlying cause of your pain to restore comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

Talk to a Leg, Foot, and Knee Pain Specialist

Explore Life-Changing Stories

Is Chronic Leg, Foot, or Knee Pain Controlling Your Life?

When pain becomes a daily barrier to walking, resting, or simply moving through life, it can feel like it’s in control. This type of persistent discomfort is often more than just wear and tear—it may be the result of a complex nerve, joint, or tendon condition that traditional treatments fail to resolve.

At The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, we specialize in surgical solutions for pain that hasn’t improved with traditional care. Our surgeons use advanced microsurgical and reconstructive techniques to precisely target the source of pain. Each treatment plan is tailored to improve function, reduce discomfort, and help you move forward with confidence.

You do not have to live this way. Here’s who we help:

Individuals with chronic leg, foot, or ankle pain after trauma or surgery.

Individuals with numbness, tingling, or burning sensations due to nerve compression.

Men and women experiencing nerve-related pain or weakness after injury or amputation.

Patients with chronic knee pain that limits mobility or activity.

Those who have undergone multiple treatments without meaningful or lasting relief.

"I am so pleased with my outcome of my knee the procedures. When I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel from so many bad surgeries and finally finding Dr. Gama and his team I am seeing the end of the tunnel and so much light.. I am so happy with my results after dealing with a bad surgeon since Nov. 2025. I have a smile on my face and I know the sun will come out tomorrow. Thanks Dr. Gama for fixing me 😊👍🏾"

— Patient of Dr. Gama

"Dr. Rose was excellent and answered all my questions. After surgery my foot drop improved and I was able to get back to exercising"

Patient of Dr. Rose

"He saved my leg and my life after a knee replacement gone bad."

Patient of Dr. Lakhiani

"Dr Usal and his team are extremely knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate. I am suffering from extreme pain after knee replacement surgery. Dr Usal took time explaining my condition and what he might be able to do in terms of helping me. He’s very empathetic and I appreciate all he has done for me."

Patient of Dr. Usal

"I was under the care of my orthopedic surgeon for multiple infections in my knee after a knee replacement. Finally the surgeon brought Dr Yazid on the team. Since then, Dr Yazid has performed multiple procedures and 2 surgeries to close up my knee. I am so happy to have him. He is smart, thorough and extremely careful as well as kind, friendly and approachable. He communicates with the infectious disease docs as well as my orthopedic surgeon. I have faith that he will get me through this recent infection and I will be able to get on with my life after a full year of surgeries. less ▲"

Patient of Dr. Yazid

"Excellent surgeon who is personable and professional. I was recommended to see him after a car accident and I have to say that I have had nothing but a positive experience with Dr. Feintisch. I am so pleased with the reconstruction of my knee and the service received by the good Dr. and his staff. Highly skilled and amazing all around. I would recommend him for anything plastic surgery/ reconstruction related."

Patient of Dr. Feintisch

"Dr. Saad did a wonderful job on my knee. He relieved the nerve pain I have been dealing with for many years!"

Patient of Dr. Saad

"Dr. Gama and his entire staff are exceptionally professional and highly knowledgeable. I’m more than satisfied with the outcome on the plastic surgery performed on my knee. I highly recommend Dr. Gama and his team . You’ll be in the most capable hands."

Patient of Dr. Gama

Hear How We’ve Helped Patients Like You

Conditions We Treat

Our specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of lower extremity conditions that cause chronic pain, weakness, and restricted movement.

Nerve and Neuropathic Conditions

Musculoskeletal and Joint Conditions

Nerve and Neuropathic Conditions

When nerves in the leg or foot are injured or compressed, pain, numbness, and muscle weakness can develop over time. Learn more about:

Foot Drop
Femoral Neuropathy
Morton’s Neuroma
Neuroma and Phantom Limb Pain
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Sciatic Neuropathy
Piriformis Syndrome
Soleus entrapment
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Peroneal nerve entrapment
Failed back syndrome / post laminectomy syndrome
Phantom Limb Pain

Musculoskeletal and Joint Conditions

Joint and soft tissue disorders can cause ongoing inflammation, stiffness, and pain that interferes with mobility and stability. Learn more about:

Advanced Procedures That Relieve Chronic Pain

Every patient’s story is unique, which is why each treatment plan is tailored to the specific cause of pain. Our surgeons are leaders in microsurgery and nerve reconstruction, offering advanced procedures that restore comfort, strength, and motion.

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR)

Redirects residual nerves into nearby muscles after amputation or injury to relieve nerve pain and improve muscle control. Read More

Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI)

Uses small muscle grafts to stabilize injured nerves, reduce neuroma formation, and prevent chronic nerve pain. Read More

Knee Denervation

Interrupts pain-transmitting nerves around the knee joint to relieve chronic knee pain while preserving motion and stability. Read More

Limb Salvage

Preserves function following severe trauma, tumors, or chronic wounds, helping prevent amputation and minimize long-term pain. Read More

Reconstructive Surgeries

Combines nerve repair, tendon or muscle transfer, and bone stabilization to restore alignment, balance, and mobility in the leg, foot, or ankle. Read More

Nerve Decompression Surgery

Releases pressure on compressed nerves in the lower extremity to relieve pain, numbness, and weakness caused by entrapment syndromes. Read More

Why Patients Choose The Institute When Others Can’t Help

Global Leaders in Surgical Pain Management

Chronic pain care requires more than symptom control. It demands deep diagnostic insight, advanced surgical skill, and a commitment to helping patients reclaim their lives. Whether you’ve been searching for answers for months or years, our team offers a unique blend of science, skill, and empathy to help you take back control of your life.

Patients trust The Institute because we provide:

Nationally recognized specialists in pain and reconstruction

Groundbreaking surgical techniques backed by published research

Expertise in rare and complex nerve conditions

Collaborative care from multidisciplinary teams

Personalized treatment plans

Proven outcomes for patients who’ve exhausted other options

Why Patients Choose The Institute When Others Can’t Help (1) copy

Why Patients Choose The Institute When Others Can’t Help (2) copy

Why Patients Choose The Institute When Others Can’t Help (3) copy

Nerve Surgeries
Performed

Peer-Reviewed
Studies Published

250

Global Patients
Served

Years Pioneering
Microsurgical Techniques

Want to know how our breakthroughs translate into better outcomes?

Explore Our Publications

See How We’re Changing Lives

Megan’s Journey from Ecuador for Life-Changing Foot Drop Surgery

Jankis Life-Changing Nerve Neuroma Surgery

Meet Our Surgeons

Behind every surgery is a surgeon who understands what’s at stake: your comfort, confidence, and ability to live without pain. Our specialists bring unmatched skill and compassion to every procedure, guiding you from diagnosis through recovery.

Andrew Elkwood

MD, MBA, FACS

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Hamid Abdollahi

MD, FACS

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Peter Andrawes

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Beth Anglin

MD, FACS

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Gary Arishita

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Russell Ashinoff

MD, FACS

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Sean Boutros

MD, FACS

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Anjeanette Brown

MD, FACS

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David Cabiling

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Courtney Carpenter

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Stephen Chagares

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Eric I. Chang

MD, FACS

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Ann Chuang

MD, FACS

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Frank Ciminello

MD, FACS

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Kari L. Colen

MD, FACS

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Ryan Couvillion

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Desiree D'Angelo

DO, FACS

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Joseph Dayan

MD, MBA

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Frank Dellacroce

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George Dreszer

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Stephen Dudick

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Rodion Erenburg

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Berry Fairchild

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Adam Feintisch

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Nicole Ferro

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James Fletcher

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Anton Fries

MD, PhD

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James Frost

MD, FACS

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Amon-Ra Gama

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Andrew Gassman

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Patrick Greaney

MD, FACS

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Ritwik Grover

MD, FACS

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Edward Hahn

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Sanaz Harirchian

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Cassie Hartline

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Sean Herman

MD, FACS

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Zuhaib Ibrahim

MD, FACS

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Lisa Iucci

DO, FACS

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Hari Iyer

MD, FAAOS

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Priya Jadeja

MD, FACS

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Reza Jarrahy

MD, FACS, FAAP

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Santosh Kale

MD, MBA

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Karen Kaplan

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Matthew Kaufman

MD, FACS

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Ergun Kocak

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Arjuna Kuperan

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Chris Lakhiani

MD, FACS

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Peter Ledoux

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Matthew Lynch

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Tyler Merceron

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Ahmed Nasser

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Chet Nastala

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Robert T. Nevitt III

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Oscar Ochoa

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William Ordoyne

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Lauren Otaguro

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Tushar Patel

MD, FACS

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Steven Pisano

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Vaishali Purohit

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Sidney Rabinowitz

MD, FACS

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Deepak Ramesh

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David Rayfield

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Rukmini Rednam

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Michael Rose

MD, FACS

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Adam Saad

MD, FACS

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Nirvana Saraswat

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Ali Seckin

MD, MBA

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Ajul Shah

MD, FACS

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Tzvi Small

MD, FACS

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Mohit Sood

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Scott Sullivan

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Yolanda Tammaro

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Pankaj Tiwari

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Stephen Toran

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Christopher Trahan

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David Tsai

MD, FACS

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Hakan Usal

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Eric Weiss

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Jonathan Weiswasser

MD, FACS

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Lauren Whipple

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Eric Wimmers

MD, FACS

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Whitten Wise

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Mary Jo Wright

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Alex Xu

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Mark Yazid

MD, FACS

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Sarosh Zafar

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Meet the expert

Your Questions, Answered

Who is a candidate for surgical pain management?

Patients with chronic leg, foot, ankle, or knee pain that has not improved with conservative treatments may benefit from surgical evaluation.

→ Learn more about becoming a patient

Does insurance cover these procedures?

Many of these surgeries are medically necessary and covered by insurance. Our financial coordinators help confirm benefits and explore available options.

→ Visit our Insurance and Billing page to learn more.

Do I need a referral to be seen at The Institute?

No referral is required. Patients can contact us directly, though we often collaborate closely with referring providers such as neurologists, primary care physicians, physical therapists, etc.

→ For provider-specific referral information, visit our Referrals page.

How long is recovery after surgical treatment?

Recovery time depends on the procedure and the extent of the condition. Some patients experience immediate relief, while others may need therapy to regain full strength and motion.

What if I’ve already had surgery that didn’t work?

Many patients come to us after previous treatments have failed. Our specialists perform detailed evaluations to determine the source of ongoing pain and offer reconstructive procedures that restore function and comfort.

Can these surgeries help with phantom or nerve-related pain after amputation?

Yes. Procedures such as TMR and RPNI are specifically designed to relieve phantom limb and neuroma pain and improve prosthetic function.

What makes The Institute different from other centers?

We are one of the few programs in the world focused on advanced surgical treatment for chronic leg, foot, ankle, and knee pain. Our surgeons have pioneered microsurgical techniques that bring lasting relief to patients who have exhausted other options.

→ Learn more about why patients choose us.

What to Expect When You Reach Out

We know reaching this point has likely been a long journey. That’s why we make the next step clear and supportive.

1 Consultation

Share your history and symptoms with our specialized team, either virtually or in-person.

2 Evaluation

Our advanced diagnostic tools and extensive expertise help us understand your condition fully.

3 Personalized Care Plan

You’ll leave with a clear explanation of your options and what recovery could look like.

4 Surgery & Support

If surgery is right for you, our team guides you through every step: before, during, and after.

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Get Relief From Chronic Pain

You do not have to live in constant pain or uncertainty. Our specialists provide advanced surgical care that helps patients regain mobility, strength, and confidence.

Talk to a Surgical Pain Management Specialist