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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