About Minimal Incision/Percutaneous Ankle Surgery

At Hand & Ortho, we specialize in advanced, minimally invasive techniques to treat ankle conditions. One of the most effective methods we offer is minimal incision/percutaneous surgery. This procedure uses small incisions and specialized instruments to treat a variety of ankle issues with less trauma to the surrounding tissues. With minimal incision surgery, patients experience less pain, a quicker recovery, and reduced scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Minimal incision/percutaneous surgery is designed to treat conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, ankle fractures, tendon injuries, and more. Here’s what you can expect:

• Pre-Procedure Evaluation: Before the surgery, we will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and imaging (such as X-rays or MRIs) to determine the best course of action for your specific condition.
• Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, meaning you’ll be awake but your ankle will be numb. In some cases, sedation may be used to help you relax during the procedure.
• Small Incisions: Unlike traditional surgery, minimal incision surgery involves tiny, precise cuts, often less than an inch long. Specialized instruments are then inserted through these incisions to perform the necessary repairs or corrections.
• Minimally Invasive Techniques: The surgeon uses a combination of advanced tools and imaging technology to guide the procedure, ensuring accuracy while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissues.
• Closing the Incisions: The small incisions are closed with stitches or adhesive strips, and bandages are applied to protect the area.

Conditions Treated with Minimal Incision Surgery

Minimal incision/percutaneous surgery can be used to treat a variety of ankle conditions, including:

• Bunions: Removal of the bony bump and realignment of the toe to reduce pain and improve function.
• Hammertoes: Straightening of the toe by releasing or adjusting the tendons and ligaments causing the deformity.
• Fractures: Stabilization of broken bones in the ankle with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
• Achilles tendon injuries: Repair of torn or damaged tendons with minimal incisions to promote quicker healing.
• Plantar fasciitis: Release of the tight fascia to reduce pain and improve mobility.

Recovery After Minimal Incision Surgery

One of the main advantages of minimal incision/percutaneous surgery is the shorter recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. Here’s what you can expect during your recovery:

• Initial Rest and Elevation: After surgery, you will be advised to rest and elevate your ankle to reduce swelling and promote healing. Most patients can go home the same day.
• Post-Operative Bandaging: You will be given instructions on how to care for the surgical site and change your bandages as needed. Stitches are usually removed within 10-14 days, depending on the procedure.
• Weight-Bearing: Depending on the type of surgery, you may need to use crutches or a walking boot for several weeks to avoid putting weight on the operated ankle.
• Physical Therapy: Once the initial healing phase is complete, you may be prescribed physical therapy to help regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in the ankle.
• Return to Activity: Most patients can return to light activities within 4-6 weeks, with full recovery typically taking 6-12 weeks. The exact timeline depends on the procedure and your specific healing process.

Advantages of Minimal Incision Surgery

There are several benefits to choosing minimal incision/percutaneous surgery at Hand & Ortho:

• Less Pain: Smaller incisions mean less disruption to tissues, leading to less post-operative pain.
• Quicker Recovery: Patients typically experience faster recovery times, allowing them to return to their daily activities sooner.
• Reduced Scarring: The small incisions used in the procedure result in minimal scarring, which is often less noticeable than the scars from traditional surgery.
• Less Risk of Infection: With fewer and smaller incisions, the risk of infection is significantly reduced.
• Improved Outcomes: The precision of minimal incision surgery leads to better functional outcomes and faster healing times.

Why Choose Hand & Ortho for Your Surgery?

At Hand & Ortho, we are committed to providing the highest quality care with the latest surgical techniques. When you choose us for your minimal incision surgery, you benefit from:

• Expert Surgeons: Our team consists of highly trained, experienced surgeons who specialize in ankle care and are skilled in the latest minimally invasive techniques.
• Personalized Care: We take the time to understand your condition and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs.
• Comprehensive Support: From your initial consultation to post-operative care, we provide continuous support throughout your recovery process.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re dealing with ankle pain, minimal incision surgery at Hand & Ortho could be the solution you need. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how this advanced procedure can help you get back on your feet faster.

About Ankle Instability

At Hand & Ortho, we understand how challenging ankle instability can be. Ankle instability occurs when the ligaments in your ankle become weakened or stretched, often due to repeated sprains or injuries. This instability can cause your ankle to feel “wobbly” or prone to giving out, especially during physical activities. Left untreated, ankle instability can lead to further injuries and limit your ability to participate in daily activities or sports.

Causes

Ankle instability can develop over time due to various factors, including:

• Recurrent ankle sprains that cause damage to the ligaments and weaken the joint over time.
• Previous injuries that didn’t fully heal or were not properly treated, leading to chronic instability.
• Overuse from repetitive movements, particularly in athletes or individuals who engage in high-impact sports.
• Improper rehabilitation after an ankle injury, which can prevent the ligaments and muscles from regaining full strength.
• Genetic factors or joint hypermobility, which can make your ligaments more prone to stretching and injury.

Symptoms

If you are experiencing ankle instability, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Frequent ankle sprains or “giving way” of the ankle, especially when walking or during physical activity.
• Pain in the ankle, particularly along the outer side of the joint.
• Swelling and bruising that can persist even after an injury has healed.
• Instability or a feeling that the ankle is weak or not fully supporting your weight.
• Difficulty with balance or uneven walking, which can increase the risk of falls.

Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose ankle instability, we will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include:

• Physical examination to assess your range of motion, strength, and stability of the ankle joint.
• X-rays to rule out fractures and assess any structural damage to the bones of the ankle.
• MRI or ultrasound to evaluate the ligaments and soft tissues around the ankle and check for any tears or weaknesses.
• Stress tests to evaluate the degree of instability and the function of the ligaments.

Treatment

The treatment for ankle instability will depend on the severity of the condition. Common treatment options include:

• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and improve stability, which can help prevent further injuries.
• Bracing or taping to provide support and reduce the risk of the ankle “giving way” during physical activity.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and reduce swelling.
• Orthotics or shoe inserts to improve alignment and provide additional support to the ankle.
• Surgical intervention may be recommended if conservative treatments are ineffective, or if there is significant damage to the ligaments. This may include ligament repair or reconstruction.

Recovery

Recovery from ankle instability varies depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment plan. Typically, you can expect the following:

• Physical therapy will be a key part of your recovery, helping to restore strength, flexibility, and stability to your ankle.
• Bracing or taping may be recommended for ongoing support during the recovery process.
• If surgery is necessary, recovery may take 6 to 12 weeks for ligament repair or reconstruction, followed by rehabilitation.
• Gradual return to activity once your ankle has regained stability and strength, with guidance from our team.
• Follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure that your ankle is healing properly and remains stable.

About Ankle Sprains / Fractures

At Hand & Ortho, we understand how painful and frustrating ankle sprains and fractures can be. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments around your ankle are stretched or torn, while a fracture refers to a break in one or more of the bones in your ankle. Both conditions can cause significant pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your foot. It’s important to address these injuries early to prevent long-term complications.

Causes

There are several common causes of ankle sprains and fractures. These include:

• Twisting or rolling the ankle during physical activities or sports, especially when landing awkwardly or on an uneven surface.
• Falling or tripping that causes you to land in a way that stresses the ankle.
• Direct impact or trauma, such as from a car accident or falling from a height.
• High-impact sports like basketball, soccer, or running, where quick movements and uneven surfaces can put strain on your ankle.

Symptoms

If you’ve injured your ankle, you may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Pain around the ankle joint, especially when walking or putting weight on it.
• Swelling and bruising around the injured area.
• Difficulty walking or standing, as your ankle may feel unstable or weak.
• Tenderness when touching the affected area.
• In cases of fractures, you may also notice deformity or an inability to move the ankle joint.

Diagnosis

To determine the extent of your injury, we’ll perform a thorough evaluation. This may include:

• A physical examination to assess the pain, swelling, and mobility of your ankle.
• X-rays to check for fractures and determine the severity of the bone injury.
• MRI or ultrasound if we suspect soft tissue damage, like ligament tears or tendon issues.

Treatment

The treatment plan for your ankle injury will depend on its severity. For sprains and fractures, we may recommend the following:

• R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for mild sprains to help reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
• Immobilization with a cast or splint for fractures, which will help your bones heal properly.
• Physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion after your injury has healed.
• If your fracture is more severe, we may recommend surgical intervention to realign the bones and ensure proper healing.
• Pain management with medication to help control your discomfort during recovery.

Recovery

Recovery from an ankle sprain or fracture can vary depending on the severity of your injury. Generally, you can expect the following:

• Gradual return to activity once your ankle has healed enough, with clearance from our medical team.
• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around your ankle and restore full mobility, which will help prevent future injuries.
• For fractures, recovery typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the extent of the injury and whether surgery was necessary.
• Follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure that your ankle is healing properly.

Achilles Tendonitis/rupture, Tendon Inflammation

Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon at the back of the ankle connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This condition often results from overuse, strain, or injury and can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility. At Hand & Ortho, we provide expert care to diagnose and treat Achilles tendonitis, helping you recover and return to your active lifestyle.

Causes

Achilles tendonitis typically develops due to repetitive stress on the tendon. Common causes include:

• Overuse from running, jumping, or high-impact activities
• Sudden increases in physical activity intensity or duration
• Poor footwear that lacks adequate support
• Tight calf muscles or limited ankle flexibility

In some cases, underlying biomechanical issues, such as flat feet or improper gait, can contribute to the development of Achilles tendonitis.

Symptoms

The hallmark symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:

• Pain and stiffness along the back of the ankle, especially in the morning
• Swelling or tenderness in the Achilles tendon area
• Difficulty walking or performing activities that involve pushing off the foot
• A thickened or hardened area on the tendon in chronic cases

If left untreated, the condition can progress to tendon rupture, a more severe and debilitating injury.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Achilles tendonitis involves a detailed medical history and physical examination. During your visit to Hand & Ortho, our specialists will:

• Assess your symptoms and activity history
• Perform a physical exam to identify tenderness, swelling, or limited range of motion
• Use imaging tools such as ultrasound or MRI to evaluate the severity of the tendon inflammation and rule out tears or other conditions

Treatment

Treatment for Achilles tendonitis focuses on reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and restoring function. Options may include:

• Rest and activity modification: Avoiding high-impact activities to allow the tendon to heal
• Ice and anti-inflammatory medications: To reduce swelling and discomfort
• Physical therapy: Exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and overall biomechanics
• Custom orthotics: To correct gait abnormalities and provide support
• Advanced interventions: In persistent cases, minimally invasive procedures or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be recommended

Our team will work closely with you to develop a tailored treatment plan designed to address your specific needs and lifestyle goals.

Recovery

Recovery from Achilles tendonitis varies depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment approach. Key points include:

• Consistent adherence to your treatment plan is crucial for optimal healing
• Gradual reintroduction of physical activities under professional guidance
• Use of supportive footwear and continued stretching to prevent recurrence

At Hand & Ortho, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and guidance throughout your recovery process, ensuring a safe return to your daily activities and active pursuits.