Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery: Advanced Technique for Faster Recovery

Wearing improper shoes, over-exercising, or walking or running on unsupportive surfaces are common ways to damage your feet and ankles. You may also have, or begin to develop, misshapen feet or ankles as you age. Minimally-invasive foot and ankle surgery can get you back on your feet much faster than standard open orthopedic surgery.

Treatment Options for Foot and Ankle Conditions:

• Non-surgical treatment includes physical therapy, laser, and shock wave therapy to increase flexibility and strengthen the foot.
• Surgical treatment includes advanced minimally invasive surgery (MIS) that utilizes very small 2-6 mm incisions to reach the damaged area. This technique offers smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stays, and a faster recovery.

Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery performed by advanced technologies at Vejthani Hospital. During the procedure, the surgeon will make a 6 mm size incision and insert a thin, 2.7 mm or 4.0 mm size camera lens (arthroscope or endoscope), which can record the entire procedure. Other surgical equipment is also inserted through the incision to carry out the diagnosis and treatment in the affected area.

Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery can treat and repair the following conditions:

• Achilles tendinitis and tendinopathy
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Chronic plantar fasciitis and plantar heel spur
• Degenerative foot and ankle joint disease e.g. ankle arthrodesis 
• Forefoot disorders including hallux valgus, lesser toe deformities and bunionettes
• Ankle impingement syndrome 
• Osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT)
• Soft tissue injuries

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery

Patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery are able to return to their everyday tasks much sooner because there is much less damage to the bone and surrounding tissue than in open surgery. After surgery, the patient needs to wear a splint for a short period before regaining their mobility much sooner.

Minimally invasive surgery also reduces the number of hospital stays and the risk of post-surgery infection, which is dangerous for patients especially with diabetes.

Feet or ankle injuries can be prevented by wearing shoes offering adequate support. However, even sturdy shoes cannot guarantee your feet or ankles will always remain pain-free. If you experience any pain in your feet or ankles, consult a doctor at Vejthani Hospital to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent further injuries.