Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is an innovative approach to correct foot abnormalities through tiny incisions that result in less scarring, pain, and swelling, and allows for early weight bearing and faster recovery.
At Align Foot & Ankle, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth has an in-office surgical suite where she performs MIS to help her patients get long-lasting improvements without the drawbacks of traditional surgical techniques.
Many of these procedures can be performed in the office in our surgical suite under local anesthesia.
During the procedure, she creates tiny incisions, similar to punctures, to access the treatment area. She inserts specialized surgical tools through these incisions and performs the necessary corrections. Finally, she closes the wound and bandages it carefully.
Align Foot & Ankle offers several types of minimally invasive surgeries for a variety of foot and ankle conditions.
Minimally invasive surgery is an effective approach for many types of foot and ankle issues. Some common reasons for MIS include:
Bunions begin with structural issues in your midfoot. Nonsurgical treatments, like orthotics and changing your shoes, can help ease bunion pain, but they don’t fix the bunion itself.
MIS offers a way to correct the abnormality without going through major surgery.
Hammertoes start with toe muscle imbalances. Nonsurgical treatments may reduce the symptoms of flexible hammertoes, when the tendons haven’t yet tightened permanently. However, if you have a semi-reduceable or rigid hammertoe, you may need surgery to correct it.
MIS can also help with other foot and ankle issues. At Align Foot & Ankle, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth prioritizes minimally invasive approaches whenever possible because they offer so many advantages over traditional techniques.
Patients may find several advantages with minimally invasive surgery, including:
Most people who undergo traditional surgery have long incisions, a great deal of pain, and a prolonged recovery period. With the MIS approach, you can avoid all of those things while still getting the results you want.
Align Foot & Ankle offers the full spectrum of minimally invasive techniques, and Dr. Ho-Ellsworth is ready to help you find bunion and hammertoe relief. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Dr. Ho-Ellsworth will evaluate your foot and ankle condition during a consultation to determine if MIS is the appropriate treatment option for you. Factors such as the severity of your condition, your overall health, and any previous treatments you’ve tried will be considered in determining candidacy for MIS.
In many cases, MIS procedures can be performed under local anesthesia or twilight sedation, which reduces the risks associated with general anesthesia. Dr. Ho-Ellsworth will discuss anesthesia options with you during your pre-operative appointment.
While MIS offers many advantages, like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. Dr. Ho-Ellsworth will thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of MIS with you before your surgery and take steps to minimize any potential complications.
In some cases, post-operative physical therapy may be recommended to aid in your recovery and optimize the results of your surgery. Dr. Ho-Ellsworth will determine if physical therapy is necessary based on your individual needs and treatment plan.
The results of MIS can vary depending on several factors, including the type of procedure performed, your compliance with post-operative care instructions, and any underlying conditions affecting your foot and ankle health. Dr. Ho-Ellsworth will discuss expected outcomes based on your specific situation and provide guidance on how to maintain the results of your surgery for the long term. This may include recommendations for custom orthotics to ensure your feet maintain the correct form and dynamics, which can help prevent recurrence of foot abnormalities and promote continued comfort and function.
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