If given a choice between two equally effective ways to fix a foot or ankle injury – surgery or a non-surgical treatment – 99 out of 100 people would choose the latter.
At JAWS Podiatry, we recognize that no one wants to undergo surgery if they don’t have to.
That why we always prefer non-surgical or minimally invasive surgical procedures for foot and ankle issues whenever possible and appropriate.
But what does it mean for foot and ankle surgery to be “minimally invasive”? What makes it different or preferable to traditional surgery?
Traditional Surgery v. Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery
Traditional foot and ankle surgical techniques involve large incisions, extensive dissection inside the foot or ankle, and internal devices such as pins and screws to correct foot aa variety of problems. Such procedures often involve significant recovery time, pain and discomfort, and the disruption of soft tissue inside the body. Simply put, traditional surgery is not a walk in the park.
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), however, reduces or eliminates many of these unwelcome aspects of traditional surgery. MIS involves the use of specially designed surgical instruments and devices, along with an advanced imaging system called a fluoroscope, to see inside the body without having to make large incisions. Surgeons perform their procedures through extremely small ‘key-hole’ incisions in the foot or ankle.
In addition to reduced pain, discomfort, and recovery time, the benefits of MIS include:
- Lower risk of infection
- Minimal Blood Loss
- Shorter surgery time
- Local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia
- Minimal and barely visible scarring
- Undergoing the procedure in our state-of-the-art, in-office surgical suite rather than a conventional outpatient or hospital setting.
Effective Treatment For a Wide Range of Problems
Over the past 40 years, the tools and methods used in MIS have become more advanced, making treatment through minimally invasive surgery increasingly effective at resolving a wide range of common foot and ankle problems such as:
- Painful or aesthetically unpleasing bunion deformities
- Painful or aesthetically unpleasing hammertoe deformities
- Painful or aesthetically unpleasing corns or calluses (anywhere in the foot)
- Painful bone spurs
- Metatarsal pain or metatarsalgia (pain along the ball of the foot)
- Heel Pain or plantar fasciitis
- Achilles Tendon Pain
- Ankle Arthritis
- Big-Toe Arthritis (hallux limitus)
- Some aspects of flat feet
- Ulcer Prevention
Leaders in Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery
The dedicated foot and ankle specialists at JAWSpodiatry pride themselves on being pioneers in the field of minimally invasive foot and ankle surgical techniques.
Our Dr. Abraham Wagner is the founder of the Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgical Institute (MIFAS). He is specially and extensively trained in MIS procedures and continues to lead the efforts to make these innovative treatments more available for those suffering from foot and ankle problems.
Learn How Minimally Invasive Surgery Can Help You. Call JAWSpodiatry Today.
At JAWSpodiatry in Hollywood, Florida, we utilize the most advanced and non-invasive techniques to reduce pain and speed recovery for individuals suffering from foot and ankle problems. If you would like to learn more about minimally invasive surgery or Dr. Wagner’s philosophy, skills, and approach, please call us today at (954) 922-7333 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We look forward to the opportunity to help you.
- The Life-Changing Power of Cosmetic Foot Surgery - February 27, 2023
- What Are The Most Common Pediatric Foot Conditions? - October 5, 2020
- 4 Important Things To Know Before Having Foot Surgery - September 21, 2020