Every foot is unique, and no single surgical technique is appropriate for every patient. Dr. Fabio D'Angelo offers a comprehensive range of advanced surgical treatments, guided by the SPARE™ Method and selecting the most suitable approach based on each patient's anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.
Bunion correction is where the SPARE™ Method is particularly transformative. While traditional bunion surgery has historically relied on cutting and repositioning the bone (osteotomy), the SPARE™ Method — Surgery Preserving Anatomy, Restoring, Endoscopically — was pioneered and refined by Dr. Fabio D'Angelo to challenge the traditional approach whenever clinically appropriate.
By preserving healthy anatomy and avoiding unnecessary bone cutting whenever possible, the SPARE™ Method combines advanced endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques to reduce surgical trauma while restoring alignment, stability, and natural foot anatomy.
A bunion (hallux valgus) is a progressive deformity in which the big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, creating a prominent bony bump at the base of the joint. Left untreated, bunions can become increasingly painful, alter foot biomechanics, limit footwear choices, and continue to worsen over time.
Every bunion is different. Every foot is unique. Dr. Fabio D'Angelo's expertise with advanced endoscopic techniques, including Endoscopic TightRope® bunion correction, allows him to treat a broad spectrum of bunion deformities while remaining true to the principles of the SPARE™ Method.
The objective is not simply to straighten the toe, but to preserve healthy anatomy, restore natural alignment, reduce pain, and help patients return to an active life with greater comfort and confidence. See also: bunion surgery in detail and the endoscopic TightRope® technique.
Real photos of patients treated by Dr. Fabio D'Angelo.
A tailor's bunion (bunionette) is a painful prominence on the outside of the foot at the base of the fifth metatarsal. As the deformity progresses, it can lead to pain, inflammation, shoe irritation, widening of the forefoot, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear.
Guided by the principles of the SPARE™ Method, Dr. Fabio D'Angelo treats tailor's bunions using advanced minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques whenever clinically appropriate. Every procedure is individually planned to preserve healthy anatomy, restore natural alignment, and minimize surgical trauma while achieving durable, long-term results.
For many patients, the problem is not only the bunion itself, but the increasing width of the foot. A widened forefoot can make it difficult to wear elegant shoes, athletic footwear, or even comfortable everyday shoes, while also contributing to pain, pressure, and irritation.
When both a bunion (hallux valgus) and a tailor's bunion (bunionette) are present, correcting both deformities can significantly reduce the overall width of the forefoot.
Using the principles of the SPARE™ Method, Dr. Fabio D'Angelo develops a personalized surgical plan to restore alignment while preserving healthy anatomy whenever clinically appropriate. The result is a foot that is not only more comfortable and functional but also narrower, better balanced, and more harmonious in appearance.
Beyond relieving pain, foot width reduction can improve footwear options, walking mechanics, and overall quality of life, allowing patients to return to daily activities with greater confidence and comfort.
Specialized correction of failed or recurrent bunion surgery, addressing persistent pain, recurrence of the deformity, stiffness, malalignment, non-union, hardware-related complications, transfer metatarsalgia, and other complex problems resulting from previous procedures. Every revision is individually planned to restore alignment, improve function, and relieve pain.
Correction of flexible and rigid hammer toe deformities to relieve pain, eliminate pressure points and corns, restore alignment, and improve comfort, function, and footwear fit.
Advanced treatment for Morton's neuroma, a painful compression of the nerve between the toes that often causes burning pain, numbness, and tingling. Minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques are used whenever clinically appropriate to relieve pain while preserving surrounding tissues.
Metatarsalgia is pain beneath the ball of the foot, often caused by excessive pressure on one or more metatarsal bones. When conservative treatments no longer provide relief, surgery aims to redistribute pressure, restore normal foot biomechanics, and eliminate chronic pain. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may include minimally invasive osteotomies, soft tissue balancing, or correction of associated deformities to restore long-term comfort and function.
Toe shortening surgery corrects excessively long toes that cause pain, shoe irritation, recurrent corns, or imbalance. The procedure carefully shortens the affected toe while preserving alignment, stability, and function, improving walking comfort, footwear fit, and cosmetic appearance. See before & after results →
Toe lengthening surgery is performed to correct abnormally short toes, whether congenital or resulting from trauma or previous surgery. By restoring toe length and alignment, the procedure improves weight distribution, foot function, footwear comfort, and aesthetics. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may involve gradual bone lengthening or advanced reconstructive techniques.
Hallux rigidus surgery is tailored to the stage of arthritis and the patient's individual needs. The goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility whenever possible, and restore comfort and quality of life.
Advanced surgical treatment for arthritis affecting the foot and ankle, ranging from joint-preserving procedures to reconstructive surgery, with the goal of relieving pain, improving mobility, and restoring quality of life.
Foot shortening surgery is a highly specialized procedure designed to reduce overall foot length while preserving natural anatomy, stability, and function. It may be performed for functional, reconstructive, aesthetic, or gender-affirming indications, helping patients achieve greater comfort, improved footwear options, and enhanced confidence.
For many transgender women, foot size can be an important aspect of gender expression and everyday confidence. As one of a select number of specialized centers worldwide offering this complex procedure, Dr. Fabio D'Angelo provides compassionate, individualized care with a focus on achieving natural, balanced, and harmonious results while maintaining the long-term function of the foot.
Every treatment plan is carefully tailored to the patient's anatomy, goals, and expectations, reflecting the principles of the SPARE™ Method.
Heel spur surgery is recommended for patients with persistent heel pain caused by a calcaneal heel spur, often associated with chronic plantar fasciitis, when conservative treatment has failed. The procedure removes the bony prominence while addressing the underlying soft tissue pathology to relieve pain, restore comfort, and improve walking.
Brachymetatarsia is a congenital condition in which one or more metatarsal bones are abnormally short, resulting in a shortened toe, altered foot mechanics, and cosmetic concerns. Surgical correction restores the normal length of the metatarsal, improving weight distribution, function, footwear comfort, and appearance. Depending on the individual case, treatment may involve gradual bone lengthening or a single-stage reconstructive procedure.
Syndactyly is a congenital condition in which two or more toes are joined together by skin or soft tissue. Surgical separation restores independent toe movement while preserving circulation, sensation, and appearance. The objective is to improve foot function, footwear comfort, and cosmetic outcomes.
Treatment of tendon tears, tendon degeneration, ligament injuries, and chronic instability using advanced minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques whenever clinically appropriate. The objective is to restore stability, mobility, strength, and long-term performance.
Specialized treatment for acute and chronic sports-related foot and ankle injuries, helping athletes and active individuals safely return to their chosen activities through individualized surgical care and rehabilitation.
Comprehensive reconstruction of complex forefoot deformities, combining advanced surgical techniques to restore alignment, balance, comfort, and long-term function in patients with severe or multi-level deformities.
State-of-the-art endoscopic procedures performed through very small incisions, providing exceptional visualization, greater surgical precision, and reduced soft tissue trauma whenever clinically appropriate. This advanced approach is a cornerstone of the SPARE™ Method and is applied across a broad range of foot and ankle conditions.
Dr. Fabio D'Angelo is committed not only to providing outstanding patient care but also to advancing the field of foot surgery. As the only surgeon performing the TightRope® procedure using a fully endoscopic technique, he has been invited to teach surgeons across Europe through specialized training courses and live surgical education. His work reflects a commitment to innovation, precision, and the continuous evolution of the SPARE™ Method.
