Minimally Invasive Surgery

What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is a modern and innovative way of performing surgical procedures. The idea behind the approach is to perform surgeries using small openings instead of making large cuts in the skin and muscles of the patient’s body. Using methods that limit the amount and type of incisions made by your surgeon, it is typically regarded as less dangerous than open surgery. You’ll heal faster, spend less time in the hospital, and be more comfortable throughout recovery.

When performed on the foot, minimally invasive surgery is leveraged as an ideal way to get patients the treatment they need without inflicting unnecessary parts of the foot.

When conservative treatment options don’t work or are not right for your condition or injury, surgery is likely the best option. Thankfully, Restore Podiatry & Laser Center is a leader in minimally invasive surgery options that can get you back on your feet fast. For more information call us or request an appointment online.

In the process, surgeons make numerous tiny incisions through which they fit specially designed tools to perform the operation. Minimal tissue trauma and minimal exposure to the surgical field are achieved through these small incisions, resulting in little or no harm to the adjacent tissues. Because of this, foot surgery that is minimally invasive allows us to better manage and predict a patient’s recovery and outcome.

This form of surgery offers several advantages to patients, including less post-surgical pain, lower rates of surgical and post-operative major complications, shorter hospital stays, faster recuperation times, less scarring, and less stress on the immune system.

Do I Need Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Despite being proportionately miniscule in impact when compared to other forms of surgical intervention, minimally invasive surgery is still generally used as a last resort in treating ailments of the foot. With that being said, there are some circumstances in which minimally invasive surgery is recommended.

If a patient has been experiencing chronic pain as a result of their foot issues for more than six months and other treatment options cease to be effective, they may be a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery.

What Ailments Require Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Because of the tools and approaches that have advanced in MIS over the past four decades, minimally invasive surgery is becoming increasingly efficient at treating a variety of common foot and ankle issues such as:

  • Bunion deformities
  • Corns or calluses (anywhere on the foot)
  • Bone spurs
  • Hammertoe deformities
  • Metatarsal pain or metatarsalgia (pain along the ball of the foot)
  • Plantar fasciitis or Heel Pain
  • Achilles Tendon Pain
  • The Prevention of ulcers

Given the complex, vital nature of your feet and how much you use them daily, it is always advisable to seek treatment from an expert physician who specializes in foot therapy if you suspect a potential need for surgery.

What To Expect When You Come In For Surgery

When you come in for minimally invasive foot surgery, experts will be there to help you along every step of the way. All efforts possible are made to guarantee patient’s comfort and ease throughout the process, along with the placement of an IV and administration of relaxing medication. Once comfortable, patients receive a nerve block to inhibit feeling in the foot, after which the trained surgeon will execute the procedure.

man running on the road at dawn

What To Expect From The Recovery Phase?

The greatest thing about minimally invasive surgery is that it’s relatively low impact. Following the process, a specialized orthopedic shoe will be placed on your foot. When you are ready to go home, your designated companion will come and get you. The foot may be weighed upon, but the swelling may be exacerbated if it is placed on the ground; keeping it as high as possible above your heart is ideal. The bandage and orthopedic shoe should stay on until you visit the doctor once again. Crutches, walker or a wheelchair can be used, but MOST patients will not need them

It is highly recommended for people with foot injuries to opt for this form of surgery should they ever need a surgical intervention. Not only do you stand to recover faster and more comfortably, but surgeons are able to better assess the problem and determine an accurate prognosis that will give you every chance of avoiding future complications.

You can further bolster your chances of reducing post operation success by choosing to work with the right care provider.  A professional who is well-versed in this field and understands the nature of such procedures will be able to provide you with a better experience and outcome to expect from your treatment plan.