Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)

Podiatric surgeon and foot & ankle specialist in austin, tx

Home   Services   Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Services Offered In Austin, Tx

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) offers an alternative approach to traditional bunion and hammertoe surgery. At Align Foot & Ankle, PLLC in Austin, Texas, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Thuy Ho-Ellsworth, DPM, uses specialized surgical techniques to restore your foot structure and relieve the pain of bunions and hammertoe using tiny incisions. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Q&A

What is minimally invasive surgery (MIS)?

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.

What is the process for minimally invasive surgery (MIS)?

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.

When might I need minimally invasive surgery (MIS)?

Minimally invasive surgery is an effective approach for many types of foot and ankle issues. Some common reasons for MIS include:

Bunions

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.

Hammertoe

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.

What are the advantages of minimally invasive surgery (MIS)?

Patients may find several advantages with minimally invasive surgery, including:

  • Low infection risk
  • Faster recovery
  • Less pain
  • Reduced risk of scarring
  • Walking and driving the same day
  • Returning to work quickly

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.

FAQs

How do I know if I'm a candidate for minimally invasive surgery (MIS)?

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.

The timeline for resuming physical activities will depend on the type of procedure performed and your individual healing process. Dr. Ho-Ellsworth will provide specific guidelines for gradually reintroducing physical activities and exercise to prevent complications and promote optimal healing.

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.

Services

Peripheral Neuropathy

Regenerative Medicine

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)

Sports Medicine & Injury Care

3-D Custom Orthotics

Laser Therapy

Nail Restoration

Diabetic & Wound Care

Skin & Soft Tissue Disorders

Swift Microwave Therapy

Electric Shockwave Therapy

MLS Laser Therapy