Thanks to minimally invasive surgery, it’s possible to treat common foot and ankle problems without an extended stay in the hospital. At North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists, Joshua Epstein, DPM, AACFAS, FACPM, and Sarina Epstein, DPM, AACFAS, boast years of experience performing minimally invasive surgery. To make an appointment in Gainesville or Lake City, Florida, call the nearest office today.
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is a group of advanced operative techniques that use smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. As a result, it’s considered safer, less risky, and can even speed up your recovery process.
During minimally invasive surgery, your North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists provider uses small tools, lights, and a camera to correct problems with your muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, or bones.
What does minimally invasive surgery involve?
Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery occurs at a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility. Before the operation, your provider administers general anesthesia through an IV, putting you to sleep.
Once you’re comfortable, your provider makes several small incisions near the treatment area. Then, they insert a thin tube with a bright light and a camera on the end –– called a laparoscope –– through the incisions.
The laparoscope provides a real-time video feed that your surgeon views on a television monitor. They use the feed to remove diseased or damaged tissue or to make repairs. Following the operation, your surgeon removes the tools, closes up the incisions, and moves you to a recovery room for observation.
What conditions can benefit from minimally invasive surgery?
North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists uses minimally invasive surgery to treat various conditions that affect the feet and ankles, including:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Neuroma
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Flat feet
- Fractures
- Dislocated joints
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Stress fractures
You might also benefit from minimally invasive surgery if you sprain your ankle multiple times and develop ankle instability or need a total ankle replacement.
Is minimally invasive surgery safe?
Minimally invasive surgery is safe and usually well-tolerated, but like all operations, there are risks. To reduce the risk of complications during your recovery, North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists recommends taking your medication as prescribed, attending each follow-up appointment, and jumping headfirst into rehabilitation or physical therapy.
It’s also important to listen to your body. If your symptoms fail to improve after a few days, contact North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists right away. Following an in-office visit, they can make adjustments to your recovery plan as necessary.
To see if you’re a candidate for minimally invasive surgery, make an appointment at North Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists by calling the nearest office today.