ABOUT
Dr Chris Gräbe is an orthopaedic surgeon based in Pretoria who specialises in the full range of foot and ankle surgery. He obtained his medical degree (MBChB) from the University of Pretoria in 1984 and completed his internship in Kalafong Hospital in Pretoria in 1985. Dr Gräbe became a Medical Officer after serving in the military for two years and later became a Registrar in Orthopaedic Surgery at Kalafong Hospital and Pretoria Academics Hospitals at the University of Pretoria. In 1994, he furthered his studies and obtained a master's degree (MMed) in Orthopaedics. In the same year, he awarded the G.F. Dommisse prize as the best Orthopaedic Registrar at the University of Pretoria. Dr Gräbe also became a Fellow of the College of Orthopaedic Surgeons of South Africa (FCS (SA) Orth) and a consultant in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University. In 1995, Dr Gräbe opened his private practice in Pretoria and became a Part-time Consultant at the Foot and Ankle Clinic at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital. His repertoire includes fracture management, foot reconstruction and arthroscopy, and he is an active member of the South African Foot Surgeons Association, where he was President from 2008-2010. He is also a member of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.
Suite 7, 1st Floor/1ste Vloer
Faerie Glen Medical Centre/Sentrum (South/Suid)
Atterbury Road/Atterburyweg, Faerie Glen
Pretoria, 0043
Services includes :
- Total Ankle Replacement
Ankle replacement surgery is a procedure done to replace a damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant. The ankle or tibiotalar joint is where the tibia rests on top of the talus. Arthritis may affect ankle joints as well as other foot joints resulting in the wearing of cartilage. Dr Gräbe may recommend ankle replacement surgery if ankle arthritis such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis has progressed to a severe stage and conservative treatment does not work. - Ankle Arthrodesis
Ankle arthrodesis or ankle fusion is a surgical procedure that fuses the bones that form the ankle joint to relieve pain and improve or maintain function for people diagnosed with arthritis. If conservative treatments have been ineffective and ankle arthritis has progressed to a severe stage, Dr Gräbe may recommend ankle arthrodesis. - Triple Arthrodesis
A triple arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that fuses three joints in the hindfoot, consisting of the talocalcaneal, talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints, which help the foot move side-to-side. Triple arthrodesis is recommended for pain relief in the hindfoot and correct deformities present in this region. Dr Gräbe may recommend triple arthrodesis if conservative treatment such as anti-inflammatory medications or bracing does not work. The procedure aims to improve stability, allowing for easier standing and walking. - Bunion Repair
A bunion repair, bunionectomy or bunion removal surgery is the surgical procedure that corrects a deformed area of the foot caused by a bunion, a bony lump or bump that develops at the base of the big toe. This occurs when the bones on your toes move out of place and forms a union with a bone called the first metatarsal, which results in the big toe pointing excessively towards the second toe. Dr Gräbe may recommend bunion removal surgery if there is severe foot pain, toe deformity, big toe drifting towards the small toe, limited movement of the big toe, or if conservative treatment has not been effective. - Claw Toe Repair
Claw toe repair is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deformity or bend in the middle and end joints of a toe and occurs when toes bend in a claw-like position creating a painful callus. The affected toe rubbing against other toes and causes pressure and pain. It may be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, ill-fitting shoes, or diabetes. Swelling, pain and stiffness can lead to damaged or dislocated toe joints. Dr Gräbe will determine the claw toe's severity and may suggest surgery if conservative treatments did not work. Standard procedures performed are proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint resection (straightening of the toe), MTP joint soft tissue release, extensor tendon lengthening and tendon transfer. - Muscle Transfer Surgery
Tendon transfer surgery is a surgical procedure where Dr Gräbe, the orthopaedic surgeon, transfers a tendon from one location to another. A tendon is a strong, flexible, fibrous collagen tissue that attaches muscles to bones. Tendons and muscles help move joints in wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders, ankles, and knees. Surgery may be recommended according to the severity of the patient's condition and if they have conditions, injuries or other conditions causing pain or damage. - Flat Foot Repair
Flat foot repair is a surgical procedure that relieves pain and restores function to people whose foot arches are shallow. The procedure ensures that weight is distributed evenly when walking or standing. Flat foot is a medical condition that predominantly occurs during childhood when ligaments and tissues in the foot tighten together and form an arch that supports the foot's bones. If conservative treatment for flat foot has been unsuccessful, Dr Gräbe may recommend surgery. - Midfoot Arthrodesis
Midfoot arthrodesis is a procedure where separate bones in the foot are fused to treat flat foot, arthritis, wear and tear of cartilage and bones, and fractures that have healed independently. The midfoot is the bones and joints that make up the arch, connecting the forefoot to the hindfoot, and these joints do not bend or move as they are responsible for foot support and strength. Dr Gräbe may recommend surgery if conservative treatment has failed or if the patient's symptoms are severe. - Morton's Neuroma Excision
Morton's neuroma excision or surgery is a surgical procedure done to treat Morton's neuroma, a benign yet painful condition affecting the ball of the foot between metatarsal bones. It occurs when the tissue around nerves leading to toes thickens due to irritation or compression and is common in middle-aged people and, most commonly, women. Dr Gräbe will determine if surgery is needed based on the severity of the patient's Morton's neuroma. - MP Arthrodesis of the Big Toe
Metatarsal-phalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis of the big toe is a procedure that helps relieve front foot pain and to correct deformities that may be present in the MTP joint due to injury, arthritis, or genetic defects. MP arthrodesis ultimately fuses the bones at the base of the big toe. Dr Gräbe may recommend surgery to treat arthritis of the big to or based on the severity of the patient's condition. - Achilles Tendon Reconstruction
Achilles reconstruction is a surgical procedure that treats, repairs, and reconstructs a torn Achilles tendon situated in the ankle. An Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord in the lower leg that connects the muscle to the calf, aiding walking, running, and jumping. When the tendon tears or ruptures, pain, swelling and weakness of the ankle may be experienced. If the tendon has torn or ruptured, Dr Gräbe will recommend Achilles reconstruction. He may also recommend it if conservative treatment has failed.
