Percutaneous Foot Surgery

What is Percutaneous Foot Surgery?

Percutaneous foot surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows treatment of various orthopedic and podiatric conditions through small skin incisions. This approach is designed to reduce surgical trauma, minimize pain, and accelerate recovery compared to traditional open surgeries.
Indications for Percutaneous Foot Surgery

Percutaneous surgery is indicated for various conditions, including:

  • Hallux Valgus (Bunion): Correction of big toe deformity.
  • Metatarsalgia: Relief of pain and discomfort in the metatarsals.
  • Claw Toe: Correction of toe deformities.
  • Fractures: Treatment of foot bone fractures that don't require open surgery.
  • Exostoses: Removal of bone spurs or abnormal growths.
Symptoms that May Justify Percutaneous Surgery

Symptoms that may lead to the decision to perform percutaneous surgery include:

  • Persistent Pain: Pain that doesn't improve with conservative treatment, such as physical therapy or medications.
  • Visible Deformities: Deformities in toes or foot that cause discomfort or difficulty wearing shoes.
  • Walking Difficulty: Limited mobility due to pain or deformity.
Percutaneous Foot Surgery Procedure

The procedure generally involves the following steps:

  1. Anesthesia: Patient may receive local or general anesthesia, depending on procedure complexity and patient health.
  2. Minimal Incisions: Small incisions are made in the skin over the area to be treated. This can be done using special techniques that allow access to bone or tendon without need for a large incision.
  3. Correction or Treatment: Surgeon performs deformity correction or necessary treatment through incisions using specialized instruments.
Recovery from Percutaneous Foot Surgery

Recovery after percutaneous foot surgery may include:

  • Rest and Immobilization: Patient may need to rest the foot and, in some cases, use a post-surgical shoe.
  • Pain Control: Use of painkillers may be necessary to manage post-operative pain.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapist may recommend exercises to restore strength, mobility, and foot function, generally starting a few weeks after surgery.
  • Medical Follow-up: Regular consultations to monitor recovery and ensure healing is occurring properly.

Conclusion

Percutaneous foot surgery is an effective and minimally invasive option for treating various orthopedic foot conditions, offering faster recovery and fewer complications compared to open surgeries. If you have symptoms that may indicate the need for surgery, it’s important to discuss your options with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan.