Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery

What is Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?

ANATOMY

Minimally invasive foot surgery uses small incisions without the need for extensive stitching. Specially designed instruments are inserted through these tiny openings, minimizing exposure to the surgical field and reducing damage to adjacent tissue. This approach enhances control and predictability in patient recovery. Originating in 1945 with Dr. Morton Pollok, it has evolved into advanced, state-of-the-art procedures for increased safety and comfort. Trained surgeons, equipped with specialized skills acquired through extensive training, continuing education, seminars, and fellowships, are essential for performing these surgeries.

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Q&A

IS MIS(MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY) AN EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUE?

We strongly believe MIS is a very effective surgical technique. It is best summarized by one of my colleagues' website of The Coeur d'Alene Foot and Ankle Clinic and Surgery Center. It says,

"Today, ambulatory foot surgery is a developed art. Over 2,000 international physicians and surgeons specializing in this technique are members of The Academy of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Surgery, and with each year the number increases. The triangular academy seal depicts its dedication to ambulation, rehabilitation, and education....

It is now over forty years since the original pioneers began the development of this art. They sought the means of ending discomfort and suffering for a wider cross section of the population. They reasoned that if the necessity for hospitalization and prolonged disability was eliminated, more people could afford to avail themselves of these advanced services.

As their development progressed they found that it was rarely necessary to incapacitate their patients. Painful bunions, recurring corns, heel spurs, contracted toes and hammertoes were corrected by this new technique and the patients remained ambulatory. Through the years, other interested physicians and surgeons made worthwhile contributions until we have reached today’s state of the art. Cost effective, minimal invasive foot surgery is a reality."

Patient shares her experience of minimally invasive bunion surgery during 3 weeks of her follow up

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY?

Minimally invasive foot surgeries provide many benefits, including:

Less injury: With minimally invasive foot surgery there is less injury to soft tissue. Compared to traditional open surgery where long incisions are made that may create more trauma to the soft tissue, minimally invasive surgery uses much smaller incisions disturbing less tissue and leading to a quicker recovery time.
Less pain: Studies have shown that patients of minimally invasive surgery report less pain than those patients undergoing traditional surgery. As a result, patients of minimally invasive surgery require less use of pain relievers.
Shorter surgery time : Because there is a small incision, surgery times for minimally invasive foot surgery procedures are often shorter than traditional open surgeries.
Less anesthesia, more qualifying patients: Due to the nature of minimally invasive foot surgery procedures, patients often remain awake during surgery after careful local anesthesia to the foot area, reducing the use of general anesthesia. Therefore, what happens during these procedures is just the foot is asleep. This opens up surgery possibilities for patients who may have been previously considered at risk for traditional surgeries due to medical history.
Less scarring: As a result of minimally invasive foot surgeries’ smaller incisions, scars left by these procedures are smaller and less noticeable. Of the scars that do form, they are often have less of a jagged edge than those left by traditional open surgeries.
No screws/pins/plates/staples (aka internal fixation/hardware): Due to the nature of minimal invasive surgical techniques, there is no need for any internal hardware inside your foot.

We perform minimally invasive surgeries whenever possible. As these procedures may be beneficial to you, your surgeon will discuss all options prior to your surgery.

Please call us at (215) 883-8806 or click below to schedule an appointment online!