but georgetown university hospital dr.en evans says for 5% of patients, there are complications. >> it can happen to anyone. >> reporter: and that means more surgery leaving some patients unable to walk. but now evans is using a new technique. taking tissue from the thigh and transplanting it onto the back of the heel. >> we take it out and we roll it up like a fruit rollup which makes this really, really strong piece of new tendon. >> reporter: dr. evans says it's a long, complex surgery. but after six months of physical therapy, patients come back with much more function. they're able to get back to being active, playing sports, even running again. reuben underwent the procedure after he ended up with complications. as a medical student he said he was fascinated by the new surgery. >> i thought it was an awesome procedure. it was only unfortunate that, you know, i had to be the subject. >> reporter: he's now back on his feet trying to stay active. he's even gone back to the basketball court a few times. and the new proce

. >> reporter: doctors at medstar georgetown university hospital found an infection raging through his body, especially in his leg, the most likely cause was bacteria that had entered his big toe during a pedicure. >> he was getting so much swelling in his leg that that was starting to cut off blood flow to his toes, and that all had to be released or he was going to lose his leg. >> reporter: health officials say infections from nail salons are very rare, but they do happen. maryland, d.c., and virginia each get anywhere from 30 to 45 complaints each year for things like unsanitary conditions and infections. but that's out of hundreds of salons. that number could be much higher, though, since many complaints are never reported. >> it's scary to realize that from a minor incident, minor break in the skin, minor trauma to a nail can be an entry point for a dangerous bacteria. >> reporter: melissa, regional manager for elizabeth arden red door salon said people should be extra observant at their salon. look closely at cleanliness. you shouldn't see nail clips or file dust on the ground o