MINIMALLY INVASIVE FOOT SURGERY
Ozan is trained in traditional (‘open’) foot and ankle surgery and utilizes these techniques in combination with minimally invasive surgical procedures. Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery refers to treatment of bone and soft tissue injuries without the need for traditional open incisions.
A major factor in recovery time and discomfort is the amount of tissue that has been involved by the incision.
With minimally invasive foot surgery, a small incision is made in the patients’ skin and a specially designed instrument is inserted into this opening. The entire procedure is performed through this tiny opening. At the conclusion of the surgery, a small bandage protects the area. The condition has been corrected, the patient remains ambulatory and discomfort and prolonged disability have been avoided.
Is It Really An Effective Technique?
Today, minimally invasive foot surgery is a developed art. Over 2,000 international physicians and surgeons specialising in this technique are members of The Academy of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Surgery, and with each year the number increases. Continued research into techniques and instruments for minimal incision surgery
It is now over fourty years since the original pioneers began the development of this art. They sought the means of ending discomfort and suffering for a wider cross section of the population. They reasoned that if the necessity for hospitalization and prolonged disability was eliminated, more people could afford to avail themselves of these advanced services.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY (MIS)
Medicine is an ever-evolving field in which innovation, combined with a desire to improve outcomes, often leads to newer and hopefully better strategies for disease management. One area in which this trend is accelerating is minimally invasive surgery (MIS). When properly applied, MIS techniques allow surgeons to perform procedures that limit damage to the surrounding tissues, theoretically decreasing postoperative morbidity, speeding recovery time, and shortening the time for return to function.
Minimally invasive surgery has been shown to be safe and effective for a number of foot and ankle conditions, however these procedures are not replacing traditional surgery and they are not appropriate for everyone. Electing to have minimally-invasive foot surgery is a patient and surgeon- guided decision. Ozan will discuss the suitability of such procedures, so that you can make an informed decision.
WHAT IS PODIATRIC SURGERY?
Podiatric surgeons are unique, dedicating themselves to research, investigation and mastery of surgical therapeutics of the foot and ankle, exclusively.
Podiatric surgeons are concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle. They are uniquely qualified to care for bone and soft tissue pathology of the foot and ankle, including:
- Structural deformities – bunions, hammertoes, painful flat foot & high arched foot deformity
- Bone spurs
- Heel pain
- Nerve entrapments
- Tendon and soft tissue problems
- Degeneration and arthrosis of the joints of the foot and ankle
- Skin and nail conditions
- Congenital deformities
- Trauma-related injuries – fractures & dislocations & post- traumatic arthrosis
In Australia, Podiatric surgeons operate in private hospitals, leading a surgical team that includes anaesthetists, medical practitioners, surgical assistants and nursing and hospital staff. Patient care and safety is paramount and the surgical team works closely together to ensure each patient receives the highest quality of care and respect.
Podiatric surgeons have a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of foot and ankle surgery around the world.
For more information on Podiatric surgeons, please visit: Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons.
