Minimal Invasive Foot Surgery
What is Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?
Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery is commonly referred to as (MIFS) or ‘keyhole’ foot surgery. MIFS refers to surgical procedures performed on the foot using small incisions and specialised instruments to minimize tissue damage, reduce pain, and shorten recovery time. This approach is often used to treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions that traditionally required more extensive open surgery.
In the past, traditional surgery methods involved a larger incision, more tissue dissection and greater tissue exposure. Minimal invasive foot surgery allows for much less trauma and under x ray guidance, special bone cutting burrs are used through the small portals to cut the bones to allow the correction of the deformities.
What are the advantages of Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?
There are many advantages of performing foot and ankle surgery using minimal invasive techniques. Some of these benefits include;
- Less skin and soft tissue scaring
- Less soft tissue damage and trauma
- Less pain and swelling associated with some older techniques which larger dissection is required
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of complications –less risk of wound healing complications
Who can perform Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?
Minimally invasive foot surgery requires further specialised training in addition to the surgical fellowship attained. Dr Abdel Kak completed some further training with ‘The Academy of Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery’. They have been in existence for over 50 years making them the oldest minimally invasive foot surgery organisations currently having over 2000 members.
What are some of the risk and complications of Minimal Invasive Foot Surgery?
During the preoperative consultations, Dr Abdel Kak will answer all your questions and discuss the potential risk and complications associated with minimal invasive foot surgery. Some of general risks and complications can include;
- General risks and complications from any foot surgery which can include; continuous pain, infection, pain, injury to surrounding nerves and blood vessels, deep vein thrombosis and a possibility of reacting to the anaesthesia (general and local)
- Wound complications
- Return of deformity
- Non union – insufficient healing of bone when an osteotomy is performed
Frequently Asked Questions
Minimally invasive foot surgery can be used on a variety of conditions and deformities, however in some patients and pathologies it may not be an appropriate technique. During your pre operative consultations, Dr Abdel Kak will discuss all potential surgical techniques that will available to you. Overall, modern surgical techniques has seen many advancements with incisions becoming smaller, more delicate tissue handling and quicker healing.
Yes – you can have minimal incision surgery on both feet.
Minimal (keyhole) invasive foot surgery is performed as a day procedure and you are able to go home the same day. The foot will be bandaged and you will be able to fully weight bear in a post-operative protective shoe. During the first 2 weeks weight bearing will be kept to a minimum (for essential tasks) and you will transition to supportive footwear at 3-4 weeks after surgery.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Individual circumstance can differ, please contact Dr Abdel Kak’s rooms to discuss if surgery is appropriate for you.