A new surgical option in New Brunswick is changing how some patients receive foot and ankle care.

Horizon Health Network said its Saint John orthopedic team is now offering “awake” foot and ankle surgery, a technique that uses local anesthesia and surgeon‑administered nerve blocks instead of general anesthesia.

Horizon said the approach allows patients to stay awake and comfortable during their procedure.

The organization added that this reduces complications and helps people recover at home more easily.

The technique is led by Dr. Jacob Matz, an orthopedic surgeon at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

He is the only foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon in Atlantic Canada offering this option, according to Horizon.

The program began in the spring of 2025 and has been used for more than 50 patients.

Horizon explained that the surgeries have included procedures for bunions, forefoot arthritis, deformities, ankle impingement and other conditions.

“This technique not only makes surgery safer for many patients, but it also improves access by allowing us to perform more procedures with fewer delays,” Dr. Matz said in the release.

He added that early results show improvements in patient comfort, surgical efficiency and wait times.

Amy McCavour, Clinical Executive Director of Horizon Surgical Services, said that the initiative reflects Horizon’s focus on improving access to care.

She added that reducing barriers and offering new options helps set a higher standard in orthopedic surgery.

The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation is funding research to evaluate the program’s impact.

Horizon said Canada East Foot & Ankle is collecting data on patient satisfaction, operating room efficiency and cost savings.

The findings will guide decisions on whether the technique can be expanded to other procedures and hospitals across the province.