Minimally Invasive Treatment for Bunions, Hammer Toes and Heel Spurs
Northwest Surgery Center is one of the oldest minimally invasive surgery centers in the country. Led by a surgeon with more than 30 years' experience, this virtually painless technique is a faster, safer and less expensive treatment for bunions, hammer toes, heel spurs and other foot deformities. Most of our patients go back to work the day after surgery!
Procedures can sometimes be done at little or no cost to our patients; we'll determine the cost of the treatment prior to your first appointment so you'll know exactly what to expect. Schedule an appointment or a free consultation today and see how we can help eliminate your foot pain.
And, if you're from outside the immediate Milwaukee area, we'll make it as easy as possible for you to consider Northwest Surgery Center. See how, on our Out-of-Town Visitors page.
There are two basic types of foot 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.
