What is minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery refers to a technique that repairs your foot or ankle problem using a tiny incision and specially designed instruments that fit through the tiny cut.
The primary instrument is a narrow scope. Dr. Randall uses an arthroscope for joint surgery and an endoscope for minimally invasive procedures outside the joints. Both scopes contain a light and a fiber-optic video camera that sends magnified images to a monitor.
When repairing tissues, Dr. Randall may insert instruments through the scope or make an additional small incision to accommodate the tools needed to complete your surgery.
When would I need minimally invasive surgery?
The initial treatment for most foot conditions follows a conservative approach. You may need exercises, bracing, custom insoles, or immobilization to give you a few examples. In some cases, Dr. Randall may recommend an injection containing steroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or stem cells.
When your pain persists, or the condition gets worse, you may need surgery. Dr. Randall repairs most foot and ankle conditions using minimally invasive surgery, including:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Bone spurs
- Flat feet
- Arthritis
- Heel spurs
- Hammertoe
- Neuromas
- Nerve entrapment
- Some fractures
- Ankle instability
- Achilles tendonitis
- Tendon and ligament injuries
Dr. Randall typically performs minimally invasive surgery as an outpatient procedure.
What procedure might I receive during minimally invasive surgery?
Dr. Randall skillfully performs a vast range of surgical techniques, including:
- Bone fusions
- Tendon repair or transfer
- Ligament reconstruction
- Bone straightening (osteotomy)
- Wound cleaning
- Internal fixation
Though Dr. Randall often uses minimally invasive surgery to repair many injuries, deformities, and conditions, not everyone is a good candidate. For example, the complexity of some fractures and dislocations may require traditional surgery.
Does minimally invasive surgery provide health benefits?
Minimally invasive surgery causes less trauma. As a result, you have:
- Less bleeding
- Less post-surgery pain
- Lower risk of infection or blood clots
- Minimal or no scarring
- Faster recovery
- Quicker return to normal activities
Another benefit of minimally invasive podiatric surgery is that you only need local anesthesia or a nerve block that numbs your foot and ankle.
To learn more about minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery, call the offices of Dr. Martina Randall or request an appointment online today.
