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Why Choose Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgical techniques offer significant advantages over traditional open surgeries, including:
- Lower risk of infection and complications. Smaller incisions mean less opportunity for undesirable microorganisms to enter your body.
- Less post-operative pain and scarring. Smaller incisions also mean less pain and swelling after the operation and often a better aesthetic result as well.
- More convenient. Most minimally invasive procedures can be performed out-patient in our office. You won’t have to worry about a hospital stay, eating after midnight the night before, or many of the inconveniences related to most other surgeries.
- Faster treatment. In some cases, you’re out the door just 45 minutes after your procedure, and most people can return to work and other normal activities faster than with traditional surgery.
- Lower cost. The majority of minimally invasive surgical procedures can be done in our in office surgical room rather than making a trip to the hospital. This could save you thousands of dollars of hospital and anesthesia charges.
Usually, you have to choose between quality and price. It’s not often that a medical procedure can offer both a lower cost and better results than the alternative, but that is frequently the case with minimally invasive surgery. Our goal is always to provide every patient who walks through our door with the relief they need as quickly and affordably as possible, which is why we’re thrilled to be able to offer this procedure for those who qualify.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Case Studies
Hammertoe Correction
Todd H. | Attention was directed to the dorsal aspect on the left 2nd metatarsophalangeal joint (top joint connecting second toe’s long bone to its first bone) where the toe was severely dorsally and medially contracted. Click here to view the full case study.
Shirlee H. | The flexor tendon was identified and transected at the proximal inner phalangeal joint. The toe was dorsiflexed (or bended upward) into a more corrected position, and the right third toe was then splinted into its corrected position. Click here to view the full case study.
Verna M. | Attention was then directed to the plantar left second toe PIPJ region where a small linear incision was made. The flexor tendon was transected at this site, which allowed the toe to be dorsiflexed into a corrected sagittal plane position. A severe medial deviation of the second toe still remained. Click here to view the full case study.
EOTTS (Flat Feet)
Bunion Correction
Todd H. | A small linear incision was made at the inner side of the left foot. This was done utilizing a medical imaging technique (fluoroscopy) to assure proper position of the incision and proper position of the osteotomy, or correction. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a through-and-through osteotomy was created within the distal portion of the 1st metatarsal, or the long bone leading to the big toe. Click here to view the full case study.
Laura G. | Under fluoroscopic guidance, a through-and-through osteotomy was created within the distal first metatarsal. An incision was made from this site medially along the joint capsule and a small amount of bone was removed from the medial first metatarsal head. The capital (isolated) fragment of the first metatarsal was shifted laterally into its corrected position. Click here to view the full case study.
Osteotomy
Surgery is rarely the first choice when it comes to treating painful foot and ankle conditions. If we can fix the problem through conservative options, such as custom orthotics, therapeutic laser treatments, physical therapy, or other means, we prefer to exhaust those options first—and most of our patients agree.
However, sometimes a surgical procedure is the best—or only—way to overcome your discomfort and return to a pain-free, active lifestyle. That said, many people are nervous about going under the knife and understandably want to be certain that they will see good results with as little cost or pain as possible. That’s why Dr. Joel Foster is proud to offer minimally invasive surgery for a variety of painful foot conditions.
What is Minimally Invasive Surgery
What exactly do we mean by minimally invasive surgery? Unlike more traditional open surgeries, a minimally invasive procedure requires only small incisions. Rather than making a big cut and opening up the toe or foot, a minimally invasive procedure uses a small rotary tool to cut a tiny opening—not much larger than the space required to use the necessary instruments, sometimes as little as an eighth of an inch. Closure often requires just one stitch.
Conditions Treated With Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery is frequently used for foot deformities or conditions where prominent, bony bumps rub painfully against the inside of your shoe. Hammertoes, a condition where toe joints have bent and become stuck in an arched, hammer-like position, are the most notable example. Painful corns between toes, formed by bone spurs underneath, are also frequently fixed using minimally invasive surgery. Also most bunions, tailor’s bunions and many other conditions can be resolved with minimally invasive techniques.
