Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Amy Jo Ptaszek, specializes in treating foot and ankle disorders. As a published research professional with immeasurable knowledge on foot health, particularly regarding the impact of footwear, Dr. Ptaszek brings a wealth of expertise to those she cares for.
Dr. Ptaszek is skilled in arthroscopic surgical techniques that are known to minimize incisions and the amount of tissue that must be cut. When it comes to providing care, Dr. Ptaszek always begins by exploring conservative treatment options before suggesting anything more invasive. She takes the time and effort necessary to make sure she fully understands the expectations of each of her patients. Stressing the importance of patient empowerment, she ensures that each of her patients understands their particular condition, recommended treatment plan, the impact it will play professionally and personally, and the subsequent rehabilitation process that will be required. As well, Dr. Ptaszek emphasizes early rehabilitation to minimize time in a cast or splint.
She is a clinical assistant professor of Orthopaedics at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine. Along with her many accomplishments, Dr. Ptaszek has collaborated with athletic trainers to design a patented soccer cleat for a more structured fit in order to prevent Achilles Tendinopathy.
With a passion for youth sports, she serves as an associate team doctor for high school sports. She provides high school sporting teams such as Glenbrook South with foot and ankle care. In addition, Dr. Ptaszek was instrumental in the establishment of a sports center in Glenview that not only features sports fields which are open to the public but also provides education on athletic training and health to the community.
Additional Areas of Expertise
Arthroscopy
Tendon & Ligament Reconstruction
Foot & Ankle Reconstruction
Sports Injuries of the Foot & Ankle
Acute & Chronic Conditions
Fracture Care
Independent Medical Evaluations (IME)
CARTIVA Implant Arthroplasty
PRP & Biologics
MIS (Minimally Invasive Surgery)
Philosophy of Care
I know what it’s like to be injured and recover. I try to help my patients make the best decision about how to proceed.
Ptaszek, AJ, “Hallux Varus” in eMedicine.com edited by Behrens, FF: Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2001.
Reddy, V, Fukuda, T, Ptaszek, AJ: “Calcaneus Malunion and Nonunion” Foot and Ankle Clinics Quarterly, March 2007; Vol. 12, No. 1:125-135.
Ptaszek, AJ: “The Infected Calcaneus” Foot and Ankle Clinics Quarterly, pending 2007
Ptaszek, AJ: “Talus Fracture and Reconstruction” AAOS/OTA Lecture Series, 2007
Benson, LS, Ptaszek, AJ: “Injection vs. Surgery in the Treatment of Trigger Finger.” J Hand Surgery 1997; 22A: 138-144.
Ptaszek, AJ, Brodsky, JW, Morris, SG: “Midfoot Field Block Anesthesia with Monitored IV Sedation in Forefoot Surgery.” Foot & Ankle International, 1999; 20, 9:583-586.
Thornton, SJ, Cheleuitte, D, Ptaszek, AJ, Early, JS: “Treatment of Open Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures: Evaluation of a Treatment Protocol Based on Wound Location and Size” Foot and Ankle International, May 2006; Vol. 27, No. 5:317-323.
Sanders, TG, Ptaszek, AJ, Morrison, WB: “Fracture of the Lateral Process of the Talus: Appearance at MR Imaging and Clinical Significance.” Skeletal Radiology, 1999.
Ptaszek, AJ: Case Report: “Primary Tibiocalcaneal Arthrodesis with Interposition Fibular Strut Autograft for Comminuted Talus Fracture.” J Orthopaedic Trauma, 1999; Vol. 13, No. 8:589-592.
Ptaszek, AJ, Aminian, A, Schneider, JS, Milos, S: “Lateral Plantar Artery Pseudoaneurysm After Calcaneal Osteotomy: A Case Report” Foot and Ankle International, Feb. 2006; Vol. 27, No. 2:141-143. Amy Jo Ptaszek, MD 5
Ptaszek, AJ: “Talus Fracture and Reconstruction” In OKU (Orthopedic Knowledge Update 4) Edited by or Dr. Michael Pinzur 2008
Ptaszek, AJ: “Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries in Women” AAOS Monograph series, 2008
Ptaszek, AJ: “Foot & Anke Disorders” In Miller’s Review of Orthopedics Edited By Dr Mark Miller 2000
Appointments
NorthShore University Health System, Senior Attending Staff, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Senior Clinician Educator University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine; 2012-Present
Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School-Chicago, IL 2003-2009
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Foot & Ankle Service: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School – Dallas, TX, 2000-2002
Chief, Foot and Ankle Service: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery US Air Force/Wilford Hall Medical Center – Lackland Air Force Base, TX, 1997-2000
Assistant Professor of Surgery: Uniformed Services, University of the Health Sciences – Bethesda, MD, 1998-200
Instructor, AOFAS Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Care Courses, 2004
Instructor, UTSW Orthopaedic Review Courses, 2002
Other Information
Dr. Ptaszek participates in our OrthoAccess walk-in clinic hours.
Training and Competing Thanks to Ankle Surgery: Ashlee’s Story
Ashlee, 37, has to be able to run – fast – on dirt, grass, and artificial turf, even if it’s wet and slippery. She has to start in quick bursts, pivot and stop on a dime. She runs dashes often and trains frequently. But Ashlee isn’t your typical athlete…read more
“Dr. Ptaszek was just amazing. She not only explained to me the context of my fracture but also gave me a hug at the end of our consult. She was warm and friendly. She made something painful a total delight. She is the best!”
“Dr. Ptaszek is extremely thorough and very easy to talk to – addresses all concerns.”
“Dr. Ptaszek is absolutely wonderful! She performed double bunionectomies on my feet in 2008. The follow up care was superb.”