Minimally Invasive Foot & Ankle Surgery
Small-incision techniques can be used to treat bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and select other foot conditions while limiting disruption to surrounding tissue.
A Modern Approach to Foot Surgery
Minimally invasive foot surgery uses small incisions, specialized instruments, and fluoroscopic imaging to make precise corrections without the larger surgical exposure used in traditional open procedures.
The goal is to correct the underlying structural problem while limiting disruption to surrounding skin and soft tissue when this approach is appropriate. For the right patient and condition, this can offer a more focused surgical approach while still addressing the underlying alignment or structural issue.
Conditions Treated With Minimally Invasive Surgery
Bunions
Minimally invasive techniques may be used to correct the alignment of the big toe joint when bunion pain or deformity continues despite non-surgical treatment.
Learn About BunionsHammertoes
Small-incision procedures may be used when a hammertoe becomes painful, rigid, or difficult to accommodate in footwear.
Learn About HammertoesNeuromas
Surgery may be considered for persistent forefoot nerve pain that has not responded sufficiently to non-surgical treatment.
Learn About NeuromasHow Minimally Invasive Surgery Works
Treatment Planning
The procedure is selected based on the condition, severity, alignment, and individual surgical needs.
Small Incisions
Specialized instruments are introduced through small openings rather than a larger traditional incision.
Image-Guided Correction
Fluoroscopic imaging allows Dr. Forman to view bone and joint positioning during the procedure.
Recovery & Follow-Up
Post-operative footwear, activity recommendations, and follow-up care are based on the procedure performed.
Minimally Invasive vs. Traditional Open Surgery
Both approaches can be effective. The right surgical technique depends on the condition, its severity, and the type of correction needed.
| Minimally Invasive Approach | Traditional Open Approach | |
|---|---|---|
| Incisions | Smaller access points | Larger incision for surgical exposure |
| Surgical view | Guided with fluoroscopic imaging | Direct visualization of the surgical area |
| Soft tissue exposure | Designed to limit surrounding tissue disruption | Greater exposure of the surgical area |
| Best suited for | Certain conditions and deformities | May be appropriate for other or more complex cases |
| Recovery | Depends on the procedure and patient | Depends on the procedure and patient |
Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Right for You?
Minimally invasive surgery may be considered when a foot condition continues to cause pain or interfere with daily activity despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. The approach may depend on:
- The type and severity of the condition
- Bone and joint alignment
- Whether a deformity is flexible or rigid
- Previous surgery or injury
- Overall health and healing considerations
- Individual activity and recovery needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Minimally invasive foot surgery uses small incisions, specialized instruments, and imaging guidance to treat certain foot conditions while limiting surgical exposure to surrounding tissue.
Minimally invasive techniques may be used for certain bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and other foot conditions. The appropriate approach depends on the type and severity of the problem.
Traditional open surgery generally uses a larger incision for direct access to the surgical area. Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller access points and imaging guidance to perform the correction.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure and the individual patient. Post-operative footwear, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities are based on how healing progresses.
No. Some conditions are better suited to traditional surgical approaches. The type of deformity, severity, bone alignment, previous treatment, and overall health can influence which technique is appropriate.
Put Your Feet First provides minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery in Scottsdale, Arizona, including surgical options for bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and other appropriate conditions.
Considering Surgery for a Foot Condition?
If non-surgical treatment is no longer providing enough relief, learn more about whether a minimally invasive approach may be right for your condition.