Second Opinion for Foot & Ankle Surgery in SE Michigan | Dr. Biernacki

Quick answer: Second Opinion Foot Ankle Surgery Michigan is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.

A second opinion before foot or ankle surgery is always appropriate — and in many cases, it changes the recommended treatment. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Southeast Michigan, Dr. Tom Biernacki provides second opinion consultations for patients who have been recommended any foot or ankle surgical procedure. Second opinions at Balance Foot & Ankle are comprehensive: reviewing prior imaging, examining the patient, providing an independent assessment of the diagnosis, and explaining all treatment options — conservative and surgical — with their respective risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.

When to Get a Second Opinion

Consider a second opinion for: any recommended elective foot or ankle surgery (bunionectomy, hammertoe repair, heel spur surgery, ankle fusion, total ankle replacement); a proposed surgical procedure you don’t fully understand or for which you weren’t offered conservative alternatives; a diagnosis that doesn’t match your symptoms; recurrence of a problem after prior surgery; a non-healing wound or diabetic foot complication with uncertain management; and any situation where you feel uncertain or want independent confirmation. Most insurance plans cover second opinion consultations as standard evaluation and management visits — coverage does not depend on whether the second opinion agrees with the first. Bring to your second opinion: all prior imaging (X-ray CDs, MRI reports), operative reports from any prior foot surgeries, and a written summary of your symptoms and prior treatments.

Common Second Opinion Scenarios at Balance Foot & Ankle

Bunion surgery: the most common foot surgery second opinion — there are many bunionectomy techniques (Chevron, Lapidus, Scarf, MICA), and the choice depends on the intermetatarsal angle, first ray mobility, and patient factors. A second opinion ensures the correct procedure is proposed for the deformity severity. Heel spur removal: many patients are recommended heel spur surgery when in fact the spur is incidental and the underlying plantar fasciitis or Baxter’s neuropathy is the correct target — frequently, an appropriate non-surgical program has not been completed. Ankle fusion vs. replacement: the most consequential foot/ankle surgical decision — the correct choice varies significantly by patient age, activity level, and deformity pattern. Hammertoe surgery: the surgical technique (tendon transfer vs. arthroplasty vs. fusion, pin vs. implant) affects recovery time and outcomes — a second opinion can clarify whether the proposed approach is appropriate for the deformity type. Complex reconstructions: PTTD/flatfoot reconstruction, Charcot reconstruction, tendon transfer — these procedures have multiple technical variants and require experienced surgeon judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Facing foot or ankle surgery? Get an independent assessment before proceeding. Contact Balance Foot & Ankle in Southeast Michigan for a same-week second opinion with Dr. Biernacki — (810) 206-1402.

Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available

Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.