Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery

Are you experiencing acute or ongoing foot pain caused by an injury, deformity, or other medical condition? Minimally invasive foot surgery may provide the solution you’ve been seeking.

The world-class team of surgeons at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey use minimally invasive surgical techniques to perform streamlined procedures and achieve superior outcomes for patients with a wide variety of foot issues.

Learn more about this innovative surgical approach below:

Overview of Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery

Also sometimes referred to as small incision surgery or minimal incision surgery (MIS), minimally invasive foot surgery offers an alternative to conventional open surgical procedures. Thin, flexible surgical tools and cameras are inserted through one or more tiny incisions in the foot to achieve precise and effective results. Intraoperative imaging techniques may also be used to enhance visualization.

Not all foot surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, but when this approach is viable based on a patient’s needs, it can offer many potential benefits, including less pain and swelling, a faster and smoother recovery, and a reduction in wound complications.

Anatomy of the Foot for Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery

Incredibly complex, the human foot is composed of 26 bones and 30 distinct joints as well as numerous ligaments, muscles, tendons, and other structures. It provides support for the body and is fundamental to our ability to balance and achieve mobility throughout our lives.

Common Conditions Treated With Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery

Though not all foot surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, many common foot injuries and conditions can be treated this way, including the following (not an exhaustive list):

• Foot fractures
• Bunions
• Hammertoes and other toe deformities
• Heel bone spurs
• Flat foot
• High arch
• Foot ulcerations/wounds

Speak with your foot and ankle surgeon to determine whether or not minimally invasive foot surgery may be the right approach for your specific needs, circumstances, and health goals.

Diagnostic Approaches for Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery Candidates

As with traditional surgery, the diagnostic approach for minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery always begins with your surgeon taking a detailed medical history and performing an in-depth physical examination. After this, diagnostic imaging tests may be ordered to provide better visualization and inform the treatment plan. These could include X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans, depending on the nature of the foot injury or condition being treated. These imaging modalities allow for complete visualization of bones and soft tissue structures.

Consulting With a Foot Specialist for Minimally Invasive Surgery

Are you ready to address your foot pain with treatment from one of the top orthopedic surgery teams in New Jersey? Contact the Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey office today to set up an appointment and move forward on the road to a speedy and comprehensive recovery!

The Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery Process

The minimally invasive foot surgery process varies from surgery to surgery, depending on the injury or condition being treated. What all minimally invasive foot surgeries have in common, however, is the fact that they are performed with tiny surgical tools inserted through one or more small incisions in the foot. Precise visualization is achieved through the use of flexible cameras and other intraoperative imaging techniques to ensure the protection of surrounding structures and superior outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Recovery Timeline After Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?

The recovery timeline following minimally invasive foot surgery depends on the type of surgery performed. That being said, recovery after minimally invasive foot surgery is often quicker and less painful than recovery after the same procedure using an open surgical approach.

What Are the Advantages of Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery Compared to Traditional Methods?

The advantages of minimally invasive foot surgery over more traditional methods can include:

• Less anesthesia may be required (increased patient eligibility for surgery)

• Less pain
• Faster wound healing and minimizing scarring
• Less disruption of soft tissues
• Quicker and more comfortable recovery overall and return to activity

What Is the Expected Rehabilitation Period for Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?

The expected rehabilitation period for minimally invasive foot surgery depends on many factors, including the type of surgery performed and your body’s response to the procedure and patients overall health. In general, rehabilitation after minimally invasive surgery can begin on a faster timeline than rehabilitation after conventional surgery.

What Are the Potential Risks and Complications Associated With Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?

Like any surgery, minimally invasive foot surgery can be associated with potential risks and complications. These may include:

• Less comprehensive visualization of the surgical site
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Injury to nerve or major vessels (these are rare)
• Infection

Speak with your surgeon for specifics about any potential risks associated with your specific surgery and situation.