Gary Cockrell, DPM
With over 32 years of extensive experience in practicing podiatric medicine and surgery, Dr. Gary Cockrell is the Nashville/Brentwood/Franklin area's leading podiatry specialists. Dr. Cockrell graduated from Salem Stephen's Episcopal Prep School in 1975 and received his undergrad degree from Virginia Tech in 1979, a B.S. in Animal Science (Pre-Vet) with a minor in Biology (Pre-Med). After graduating with his D.P.M. from California College of Podiatric Medicine, San Francisco, California in 1988, he did a podiatric surgical residency at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis-Georgetown, Tennessee. From 1989 to present he has been a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the American Podiatric Medical Association, and the Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association. He has served continuously on the TPMA Executive Board since 1995, holding all board positions: Scientific Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and President (elected to two terms 2001 - 2003). In 2015, Dr. Cockrell became the first surgeon in the State of Tennessee to use the new German-manufactured Merete MedicalMetafix™ PlantarMax™ Tension Side Fixation Plate. Dr. Cockrell is a board certified surgeon with Diplomat status with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
The Metafix™ PlantarMax™ plate is designed as the first plantar/medial Lapidus fixation plate which takes advantage of the biomechanically superior fixation on the tension side of the MTC (Metatarsal/Cuneiform) joint during a Lapidus Hallux Valgus - Bunion Deformity surgical correction procedure. A medial incision allows adequate exposure of the MTC joint for both joint preparation and plate fixation. As cited in literature, fixation on the tension side of the joint is superior to dorsal or medial fixation and offers additional compression as the patient proceeds to weight bearing. The MetaFix™ PlantarMax™ Lapidus Plate is designed with 2 plantar locking screws, an interfragmentary screw hole and 2 medial locking (or non locking) screws for additional fixation. There are specially designed bending locations in the plate to allow the plate to be contoured by the surgeon to accommodate varying patient anatomy. With the Metafix™ PlantarMax plate you achieve compression and rigid, stable fixation, facilitating early weight bearing. This procedure allows weight-bearing in 3-4 weeks instead of 6 weeks.
For more information about the MetaFix™ PlantarMax™ Lapidus Plate, click here.
Awards
- Received the Harry Casson Award for 'Outstanding Podiatrist of the Year' by TPMA in 2006
Professional Memberships
- Member: American Podiatric Medical Association
- Member: Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association
Accreditations
- Diplomate - Board Certified, American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons (ABFAS) from 1996 to present
- Fellow, American Society of Podiatric Surgeons (ASPS)
Dr. Cockrell's Hospital Affiliations / Staff Privilges
