Dr. Robert Allen Vandergriend, MD

Recently had a tibiotalar fusion performed by Dr. Vander Griend at Shands UF. Cannot say enough good things about his office staff and the medical staff at the Orthopedics Center, including experienced Resident Dr. Frevert. Everything related to initial diagnostic appointments, subsequent consultations, and the ultimate surgery was prompt, detailed, complete and smooth. Short overnight stay in the hospital, then discharge on Day 2. Every aspect of my procedure and stay were flawless. Shands Anesthesiology staff were also excellent, and sciatic/femoral nerve blocks seem to be the way to go, far preferable to oral pain meds alone. The entire process exceeded every one of my expectations, and rendered my fears/concerns groundless.

Last year I finally decided to address some ankle problems that I had been dealing with for 10 or more years. I had seen several doctors over time and no one had a sure answer to what was wrong or how they could fix it (i was told i just had weak ankles, i was flat footed, had an odd shaped bone, etc. Which none of this was true. Until I met Dr. Vandergriend. He immediately started with xrays then an mri. Within a week he had diagnosed me with a split tendon, torn ligaments, and an over tight achilles and stated the permanent fix would be surgery or the temporary fix could be physical therapy. He had me in the operating room within the month and I was on the road to recovery right away. His entire staff was amazing through the whole process from start to finish. They called me at home to check up on me and even recognized me out in public and would always ask how I was doing.