Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery services offered in The Fan, VCU, Richmond, VA
Minimally invasive surgery is a safe and effective alternative to traditional open procedures. At Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates in Richmond, Virginia, experienced podiatrists Weston Angermeier, DPM, and Rachel Hensley, DPM, perform several minimally invasive procedures, including Lapiplasty® 3D bunion correction surgery. Call Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
Quick Facts About Minimally Invasive Surgery
This type of surgery can reduce post-operative pain, make recovery faster, reduce the risk of infection, and minimize scarring.
The advantages of minimally invasive surgery include shorter hospital stays and faster return to activities such as walking and sports.
Common minimally-invasive foot and ankle procedures include arthroscopy for anterior ankle impingement syndrome and endoscopic plantar fasciotomy for chronic heel pain due to plantar fasciitis or calcaneal spur syndrome.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Q & A
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery includes procedures that your doctor performs through small, buttonhole-sized incisions. During open surgery, the incisions are much larger and can cause damage to your surrounding healthy tissues. Without this unnecessary trauma, minimally invasive surgery offers many benefits compared with traditional procedures, including:
- Less bleeding
- Shorter recovery
- Lower risk of infection
- Minimal pain
- Less swelling
Opting for a minimally invasive procedure at Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates can get you back on your feet as quickly as possible with minimal downtime.
What can minimally invasive surgery treat?
Minimally invasive surgery can treat several foot and ankle conditions, including:
Bunions
Bunions are bony growths that form on the joint at the base of the big toe. These bumps occur when the big toe starts pushing toward the rest of your toes. Without treatment, a bunion can change the structure of your foot.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe causes the affected toe to bend at the middle joint. The condition results from an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the joint.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue band that connects the heel and toes. Chronic inflammation of the plantar fascia can cause heel pain, soreness, and stiffness.
What are the most common kinds of minimally invasive surgery?
The foot and ankle surgeons at Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates perform several surgical procedures to repair the tendons, ligaments, and small bones of the feet and ankles.
One of the most popular minimally invasive procedures the practice offers is Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction surgery from Treace Medical Concepts Inc. Unlike traditional bunion surgery, the Lapiplasty procedure targets the foundational instability that causes bunions.
Bunions are just lumps of bone that result from instability in the joint in the middle of the foot. During the Lapiplasty procedure, your foot and ankle surgeon uses 3D imaging to stabilize the joint with two small titanium plates. Not only does this secure the joint, but it also realigns your big toe with the rest of your foot.
Call Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery.