• 780-488-4844
  • Suite 401 - 7609 109 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C3

What is minimally invasive foot & ankle surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of the foot and ankle has been gaining popularity with patients, given the numerous benefits of such a surgical procedure. Instead of one large incision, doctors make small incisions like keyholes to perform the procedure. Given that the incisions are smaller in size, the recovery rate for such a surgery is much faster and less uncomfortable, when compared to a conventional form of surgery.

A minimally invasive podiatric surgery begins with numerous small incisions made on the patient’s skin. Thereafter, the doctor will pass through these incisions, specialized instruments, which are used to perform the surgical procedure. In some instances, a small camera is passed inside through one of the incisions in order to allow the doctor to perform with precision.

Some critics may say that MIS is blind surgery. This is not true! For one to be adept in these techniques, the Surgeon will have a thorough understanding of the surgical anatomy. In addition, the use of a fluoroscope is employed. Only through superb instruction and many years of practice, can the Surgeon become skilled and precise in the techniques.

Dr. Chaudhry, at the Foot And Ankle Wellness Centre, is one of the few Podiatrists in Western Canada that performs minimally invasive foot surgery. He has performed thousands of MIS cases and has decades of experience!

Still Have Questions? Call us today at 780-488-4844 and we are ready to answer any questions you might have about Minimally Invasive Surgery.

What foot conditions can be treated with Minimal Invasive Surgery techniques?

Some of the forms of treatment that are performed in a minimally invasive manner include:

Bunion treatment

A bunion is a deformity of the bone near the big toe in some patients. In such a condition, there is an enlargement of the metatarsophalangeal joint at an abnormal rate. There is a continuous enlargement and protuberance, which often leads to pressure and friction. The longer the enlargement continues, the greater the potential of discomfort to the patient.

Patients can relay that the condition progressively worsens. The skin over the toe becomes tender and red due to the constant friction. As bunions become larger, it becomes difficult for patients to continue normal activities such as walking, wearing shoes and other physical activities.

In order to treat such a condition, doctors generally offer a treatment based on the extent of the damage caused. In patients who are at an initial stage, it can often be corrected by conservative means. This may include removing any calluses and corns present, wearing footwear that is comfortable and not too tight and maintaining the mobility of the joints through exercise. Orthotics is also a good preventative measure as it provides a balance of the leg muscles and less stress on the feet with weightbearing.

In case of advanced bunions, one might need to go for a surgical procedure, wherein the doctor will help in removing the deformity by realigning the bones and their joint positions. The postop course for this is usually immediate weightbearing ! Minimal Invasive Surgery for feet allows for this more so than many open procedures and has become more popular with Surgeons and Patients alike!

Hammertoes

Hammertoes are a result of a muscle and tendon imbalance in the legs and feet which cause the toes to contract and curl up. This can cause painful corns and callouses which can become problematic when walking. The old fashioned way to correct this was to make 4 to 6 cm long incisions and do extensive bone and soft tissue cutting. On top of that, long wires or screws were used to fixate the corrections. The new and improved way to help patients is through MIS techniques which require (usually) no internal fixation and much less surgical trauma.

Haglundresection

Haglund's deformity is a condition wherein a prominent bump is visible on the back of the heel. The primary cause of such a deformity involves pressure on the back of the heel from shoes. Soft tissues are squeezed in between the bone and the back of the shoe. Overtime, this leads to irritation and inflammation of the skin in this region. Overtime, one also sees a swelling and thickening of the tissues, which eventually worsens the pressure on the feet.

For treating the Haglund's deformity, there are numerous categories of treatment available, based on the extent of the damage already caused to a patient. In case of a patient who is at the initial stage of the deformity, such a condition can be treated with the help of non-surgical techniques, such as changing the type of shoes you wear, massage and exercise.

In case of a patient who is at an advanced stage of the deformity, the treatment usually involves a surgical procedure to fix the deformity with utmost precision. A minimally invasive surgical procedure has shown wide success in treating such a condition. Small incisions are made in order to remove the bump, and reduce the pressure caused. This is known to be quite successful in helping patients recover from a Haglund's deformity.

Flat Feet

Flat feet are not always painful. However, the structure of the feet as flat can cause a multitude of problems. Pain can occur in the arches, ankles, forefoot. Flat feet can exacerbate knee, hip and leg pain. In addition, it can, overtime, cause arthritic conditions in both the feet and limbs. There is so much that can go wrong that it’s hard to predict where it starts. Flat foot corrections is one of the most successful MIS procedures. Once again, traditional open procedure for flat feet can involve significant invasive approaches. Large incisions, extensive bone cutting and drilling as well as use of plates and screws are commonplace. The downside is that the patient is also non-weightbearing for 6-8 weeks. Then, as if that’s not enough, there is physiotherapy which will require further time to rehabilitate. HOWEVER!

There is another and a better way! Through the use of a 2cm incision, a rearfoot joint repositioning procedure can avoid the long painful recuperation and allow the patient to be walking immediately! This is called a Subtalar Arthoreisis or STA procedure. It is one of the foremost procedures in which Dr. Chaudhry excels. Feel free to speak to Staff about testimonials and more info regarding this.

What other conditions can be corrected with Minimal Invasive?

In addition to the above, so many conditions can be corrected with these simple yet powerful techniques. The following can also be corrected with a high degree of success:

  • Diabetic ulcers
  • Bone spurs
  • Arthritic joints
  • Neuromas
  • Peripheral nerve entrapments
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Tailor’s Bunions
  • Corns and Callouses
  • Tendon contractures (tight calf muscles)
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Warts and other soft tissue excisions

Will minimally invasive foot surgery work for me?

There are a large number of people who believe that one is prone to recurrence in case of a minimally invasive surgical procedure. However, this is far from the truth. If proper technique is used for a suitable patient with a suitable deformity or condition, a minimally invasive surgical procedure provides the appropriate results and there is no reason to think that the condition might recur.

Just like a traditional surgical procedure performed, the minimally invasive surgery also follows similar guidelines when it comes to the treatment. If you are an appropriate candidate for such a surgical procedure and if there are chances that your condition can be improved with the help of a minimally invasive surgical procedure, it is highly likely that the surgery will be a success for you.

Call us at 780-488-4844 to schedule a CONSULTATION and talk to Dr. Chaudhry to find out if minimally invasive surgery is an option for you.

How can we help?

Dr. Chaudhry at The Foot and Wellness Centre is a renowned specialist in Edmonton, and is one of the few providing such specialized care in Western Canada. The choice of treatment can vary from patient to patient, based on their needs as well as their suitability to a particular procedure. We, at The Foot and Wellness Centre, will evaluate your condition and appropriately guide you through the treatment options available.

Dr. Chaudhry is known for his dedication to each patient. He provides a thorough physical examination of your feet and takes time to understand your medical history. Only after proper evaluation do we move towards a minimally invasive surgical procedure for your treatment.

Check what one of our patients is saying about our treatment process:

“I had a great experience with them. Dr. Chaudhry knew exactly how to take care of the bone spur on my toe and I was able to get in very quickly to have it removed. The staff are great and quite friendly so my nervousness gradually went away during the whole process.” – Alex Agar

Request an Appointment Online and we will be happy to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Incisions range from 5 millimeters to two centimeters for most procedures.
Dr. Chaudhry uses minimally invasive surgery techniques to treat painful hammertoes and bunions, permanently remove painful corns and spurs as well as for remodeling of arthritic joints.
Yes. While it is important to elevate and rest the operative foot in the immediate post operative period, you can bear weight on the operated foot in the post op shoe immediately after your foot surgery.
You cannot get the foot wet while the stitches are in. The stitches will remain in the skin for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on y our healing progress.
Make an appointment with Dr. Chaudhry for a comprehensive evaluation of your foot complaints along with an in-depth discussion of all your treatment options including minimally invasive foot surgery.
Phone: 780-488-4844

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Wed 9.00 am to 4:30 pm and Thursdays 9:00 am to 3.30 pm. Friday, Saturday and Sunday Closed.

Address:

Foot and Ankle Wellness Centre

Suite 401 - 7609 109 Street NW

Edmonton, AB T6G 1C3

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