Image Credit: Podiatry Today
“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” Buddha
The evolution of medicine is such that modern advances to pre-existing treatments are enabling faster treatment times, and also accelerating the pace of patient recovery. Minimally invasive procedures are becoming the gold standard in orthopaedic care. Compared to traditional treatments for example in the case of bunion treatments, there are advantages to utilizing the minimally invasive route.
From the image above, a clear identification of the incision sizes for traditional versus modern treatments of bunions is clearly identified. With modern treatments, the incision points are tiny incisions. Once the procedure is completed, the patient can easily walk. The recovery times are significantly reduced, and patients can restore their lives with minimal disruption to their lives. When such minimally invasive treatments are performed, the skin is minimally affected.
When you are consulting with your orthopaedic surgeon, please take careful care to ensure that the terminology is being applied to the procedure being conducted. Sometimes, there will be reference to “percutaneous” procedures as minimally invasive, though they are referencing two different procedures in their actual execution. Minimally invasive treatments do have percutaneous incisions, but not all percutaneous procedures are minimally invasive.
When your procedure is defined as a minimally invasive procedure, the incision point will usually range from ⅛ inch to ½ inch. When you are enquiring with your consultant, ensure that these are the dimensions that are being referenced. Anything larger than this is referencing more traditional surgeries.
What to expect during your Surgery
When you are in the process of having a minimally invasive treatment you may experience some of the following during your treatments:
Bone shaving: Depending on the extent of your protrusion, your orthopaedic surgeon may take the time to simply shave the excess protruding bone away. This would be akin to smoothing a rough surface with a sander.
Bone cutting (realignment osteotomy): A more invasive means to correct protruding bone. If the bone protrusion is greater than a certain distance, it may be better to cut the bone, rather than to shave it to the desired smoothness.
Bone mending (fusion): If there is any bone damage experienced by the patient, efforts to restore the bone via “welding” bone fragments together is facilitated by the procedure.
Applying minimally invasive surgical procedures, these elements can be factored into your treatment to restore your health. Surgical tools to enable these procedures include:
Real Time Intraoperative Fluroscopy: This tool is utilized to help your surgeon to visualize bone cutting. Once your surgeon can see the treatment site, they can then take action to treat the site via the required procedure for your ailment.
Bone Burs: These tools are used to cut and shave the bones where necessary. Bone burs are much smaller than bone saws, and facilitate the smaller incision points that are utilized in minimally invasive surgeries.
The Bunion Surgery
The bunion surgery varies in terms of the final treatment. In some instances only a slight numbing of the foot will be necessary. In other instances, anaethesia will be needed in order for the appropriate changes to be done by your surgeon. The treatment usually takes approximately 6 weeks for normal usage of the feet.
Treatment Preparation:
All surgical procedures have detailed plans. Your orthopaedic surgeon will highlight to you the risks and the associated benefits of your procedure. You will then proceed to prepare yourself by ensuring that you are not on any medications that will interfere with the surgery, particularly since you are on anaesthetic for the procedure. A detailed checklist will be provided by your surgeon.
Surgery Day:
With the appropriate plans in place, you are now ready for your surgery. You will be advised on your dietary requirements in the hours preceding the surgery. Following the plan accordingly, and you’ll be well on your way to a speedy recovery. With an average surgery time of approximately two hours per bunion, you will be well on your way to either spend the post op hours at the hospital, or be able to return to your home to heal.
Consult with your doctor if you suspect that you have a bunion or any foot ailment that may require a minimally invasive procedure. With an appropriate plan, you will be able to have your condition treated, and your health restored.
Health Disclaimer:
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
Article Reference
Podiatry Today: https://www.podiatrytoday.com/current-concepts-minimally-invasive-bunion-surgery
