Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of the foot
MIS of the foot has been pioneered over the last few years and is increasingly used as an alternative to open foot surgery. Instead of making a skin cut to perform the operation, one or several stab incisions are made to introduce small burrs that allow performing the surgery under X-ray control. The actual procedures are similar in principle, but skin and soft tissue trauma is less and early evidence shows that the pain and swelling is reduced and the recovery somewhat quicker, allowing theoretically a speedier return to activities including work and sports. There may also be a cosmetically better result.
Mr Weitzel has been trained to perform many forefoot operations by using this technique, and has significant experience but usually will advise if MIS is indicated and/or suitable for the individual condition presented or if an open wound technique is indicated.
Operations that can be successfully performed by minimally invasive surgery (MIS) include:
- Minimally invasive chevron & Akin (MICA) osteotomy for bunion surgery
- Cheilectomy for hallux rigidus (big toe arthritis)
- Distal metatarsal minimally-invasive osteotomy (DMMO) for metatarsalgia
- Toe deformity correction
- Big toe & mid foot fusion surgery for arthritis
- Corrective osteotomy e.g. for heel bone or proximal metatarsal