I would assume by now that you have seen commercials for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for everything from spine pain to bunions. And you have probably wondered if this is a good option if surgery is needed. The ads sure make it seem like it is the best option to fix whatever may be ailing you.
Well, obviously I can’t talk about spine pain and MIS, but I can talk about foot surgery. The term “minimally invasive surgery” is used when there is a very small incision made to allow passage of small instruments into the area of concern. Ankle arthroscopy, or ankle scope as it is commonly referred to, is an excellent example of MIS. Two small, less than 3mm, incisions are made across the front of the ankle. From here, the entire joint can be visualized and most of the conditions addressed.
Now, does MIS work for bunion surgery? In my opinion, no. Bunions are formed from a mechanical imbalance and if that imbalance is not addressed, then the bunion returns. The decision for bunion surgery occurs with multiple things in mind: age, health status and activity level of the patient, size of the deformity and expectations of outcome. I would prefer to perform the most appropriate procedure on a patient, so they have the best outcome possible. Meaning…I don’t do MIS on bunions because the patient wants a tiny scar, just to watch that bunion return within 1-2 years. There are no guarantees regarding bunion surgery, but with MIS you should be aware of the more common complications including recurrence of the bunion, fracture of the 1st and/or 2nd metatarsal both requiring more surgery.
Most bunion surgery leaves a very small scar which I reduce with certain techiques post op. My goal is keeping patients active. If you have a bunion and would like to know what your treatment options are, I am happy to review those with you.
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