There are two basic types of foot surgery: conventional and new bunion surgery.

Which would you choose?

Definition of Standards of Care Approved by the Academy of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Surgery.

 Our Minimally Invasive Ambulatory Foot Surgery  Their Orthopedic Foot Surgery
 Anesthesia  Local anesthesia used usually with Nitrous Oxide Analgesia.  General or regional anesthesia most likely with or without narcotics.
 Extent of Trauma  Negligible trauma to dermal and subcutaneous tissues. Minimal scarring. Internal fixation not required.  Dissection procedures extensive local tissue damage at each incision site with prominent scarring. Internal fixation is frequently required and may necessitate future removal of hardware or casts.
 Incision Size  Usually 1/4 inch incision.  Wound openings are larger and require closures.
 Instrumentation  Surgical burs and rasps are predominately employed for bone operations.  Hammers, chisels, rongeurs and saws are generally utilized in conjunction with wires, pins, screws and implants for bone operations.
 Locale  Predominantly surgery center based. Hospitalization usually required.
 Postoperative Care  Mild analgesics usually suffice.  Narcotics often prescribed. Dry dressing usually indicated. Immobilization, i.e. casts or rigid footgear often utilized.
 Preoperative Laboratory Tests  Based on the patient’s medical history and the doctor’s clinical judgment. Foot x-rays are mandatory in bone surgery.  A full gamut of laboratory tests are taken routinely. Foot x-rays are taken as well as additional x-rays which may be hospital policy.
 Preoperative Preparation  Aseptic technique is executed using sterile technique and attire.  Customary operating room sterile technique and attire are mandatory since the operative area is exposed to the surrounding environment.
 Preoperative Sedation  Not necessary.  Patient is most always sedated.
 Scheduling  Surgery can be performed any time the doctor and patient mutually agree. Surgery may be planned and scheduled well in advance.
 Sutures  Usually only one suture.    Sutures often required.
 Infections  Low Risk Higher Risk

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