About Minimal Incision/Percutaneous Foot/Ankle Surgery
At Hand & Ortho, we specialize in advanced, minimally invasive techniques to treat foot and 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 foot and 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 foot or 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 foot and 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 foot or 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 foot or 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 foot or 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 foot or 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 foot and 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 foot or 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.