It’s normal to be worried about the prospect of needing surgery—even when an operation has the potential to relieve chronic pain and drastically improve your quality of life. However, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a great option for treating many types of foot and ankle conditions. Taking the time to learn about the benefits of minimally invasive surgery can help you ease your fears and feel more confident in your treatment plan.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery is done through very small incisions instead of the large, open incision used in traditional surgery. The surgery is performed using a video camera and thin, small surgical instruments that reduce damage to muscles and surrounding soft tissue. The smaller instruments used cause less scarring and the incision scar is very small in size compared to a traditional surgery scar. Most incisions done by MIS require little to no stitches. Many are covered with surgical tape.
Many patients that need foot or ankle surgery are interested in MIS. Dr. Scudday has extensive experience performing minimally invasive surgery for his patients. He has found that the benefits of this approach include:
- Faster recovery time
- Smaller surgery scars
- Less risk of infection
- Less blood loss during surgery
- Less post-operative pain
- Shorter stay in the hospital, if needed
- Quicker return to work and normal activities
Foot and Ankle Conditions Treated by MIS
There are various foot and ankle conditions that can be treated through minimally invasive surgery. These include but are not limited to:
- Ankle arthritis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Big toe arthritis
- Bunions
- Flatfoot
- Hammertoes
- Metatarsalgia
- Toe deformities
MIS is the preferred method of foot surgery and is done when possible. However, traditional surgery may be needed when there are complications that go beyond the scope of what can be fixed with a minimally invasive procedure. For example, a severe bunion may require open surgery with screws or pins to hold the bone in place while it heals. Dr. Scudday will evaluate your personal needs and determine the best method for your specific condition.
What to Expect From Minimally Invasive Surgery
Dr. Scudday ensures that his patients will feel comfortable and that he will do everything possible to make the experience the best it can be.
The risks associated with minimally invasive surgery are similar to regular open surgery. Most minimally invasive surgeries are done as an outpatient procedure. MIS can be done under either general or regional anesthesia.
- Using general anesthesia, you will not be awake during the surgery. You will be given medication that will have you unconscious and unaware of the surgery.
- With regional anesthesia, you will be awake, and the anesthesia will only numb the area being operated on. Regional anesthesia is safe and has fewer risks than general anesthesia, which is why most MIS is done using regional anesthesia.
Recovery time will vary from patient to patient. In order to have the best recovery from your surgery, be prepared ahead of time. Declutter any areas of your house that could cause you to trip and reinjure your foot. If your bedroom is upstairs, plan to sleep on the ground floor to minimize unnecessary trips.
Many patients are able to resume activities fairly quickly after MIS. Dr. Scudday will explain what activities are safe and what activities should be avoided until you’ve healed from the procedure. Going back to your daily routine before your body has had a chance to heal can lead to poor results and continued pain. Dr. Scudday wants his patients to feel better than ever once their procedure is complete.
Do You Need the Help of an Experienced and Caring Podiatrist?
If you're experiencing any type of foot pain, you should speak with an experienced podiatrist as soon as possible. Please contact us online to schedule your appointment or call one of our convenient El Paso offices directly. To reach our Sierra Tower Building podiatrist office, please call 915.533.5151. You can find driving directions here. To reach our George Dieter Drive podiatry office, please call 915.856.3331. Driving directions are available here.
|
Related Links: |
