An Open-and-Closed Case for Surgery

If you go to a podiatrist and find that surgery is in order, you'll also find that there are 2 distinct techniques currently being used.

One is conventional foot surgery, in which the surgeon makes an incision that opens up the area. It's usually performed in hospitals but may be performed in an office or ambulatory-care setting, and it is used in correcting major foot deformities, such as replacing joints or remodeling bone structure.

The other approach, known as minimal-incision surgery, is often performed in a doctor's office. A small incision is made and a tiny dental-type drill is used to grind off bone. Unlike conventional "open" surgery, where the surgeon can see the area in question, the minimal procedure is considered "closed" because the surgeon can't view the bone. It's reserved for less complex procedures, such as removing bone spurs on toes. The patient saves time and money, there's no overnight stay in a hospital, and the recovery time may be shorter.

Regardless of the type of surgery, keep these things in mind.

• Most foot surgery is elective. Agree to an operation only after more conservative therapies have been exhausted.
• Avoid having surgery on the same day a problem is diagnosed. Go home and think about it and get a second opinion if you prefer. The only type of surgical procedure that should be performed during an initial visit is one to resolve an acute condition, such as removal of an ingrown toenail.
• Consider surgery primarily for pain relief or to correct deformities to help you walk better.