Stephanie Saland

Dr. Rozbruch and his staff have the exacting skill sets and proficiency to match their thinking out of the box. I had a wonderful career as a ballerina for many decades, and in the past 22 years have gone onto teaching dance and sharing a lifetime of experience. I am also well versed on how to deal with various and chronic injury issues as a result of being an elite athlete. Having withstood and coped for decades with chronic foot degeneration and incessant pain, I tried every road in self- care and alternative medicine. I was hard put even to speak to a surgeon about the challenges that I was experiencing.

The pain and inability to be weight bearing and simply walk had gone so far that I consulted with top pain specialists in Seattle where I live. I am sensitive to any medications and cannot go the route of pills so much of the help offered was not a viable option.

In last ditch efforts for relief I threw a few more attempts for healing into the pot. I had prolotherapy injections and a few months later followed up with stem cells. Disappointed, neither of the procedures worked because there was no space in the deteriorated structures for of the substances to help. In fact, my foot and ankle swelled up for months. I wore UGG boots for 2 months before a regular shoe could fit over the inflammation. It became clear, when pain became so debilitating, that surgery would be inevitable.

I began a comprehensive search for relief and consulted with numerous respected surgeons. Prior to hearing about HSS and Dr. Rozbruch I was told by four surgeons that the only road left to me for my condition was a total fusion. Thankfully, various factors conspired in an unexpected and delightful way and I was referred to Dr. Rozbruch. The intake for the first consultation was the most thorough and precise that I had experienced. And better yet, I had never come across or imagined the alternative options that he proposed. I was so surprised by the initial consultation that the following day I called his office back to confirm if what I had heard was truly an option. It was daunting to make the final decision to go for it, but a dear friend who is also a PT reminded me that I never do anything like anyone else. And she noted, why should I start now? I had found a surgeon like no one else! So it was a great fit.

The procedure with Dr. Rozbruch has markedly changed the integrity of the structure of my foot for the better, thereby allowing for more equilibrium up the chain. Thankfully there is also reduced pain, better mobility and functionality.

My sense of being able to function day to day without pain as the driver is indescribable.

This iconoclastic and compassionate doctor has been pivotal in allowing me to re-engage with vitality, humor and hope again. His entire staff has been nothing but prompt, informative and supportive in their care and responses as well.