Traditionally, foot surgery requires an incision about the length of a hot dog. Dr. Burkman's uses a technique known as Minimally Invasive Surgery that requires an incision smaller than a popcorn kernel and no hardware. The patient's downtime is shorter with less risk of complications.
What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally Invasive Surgery is done using small incisions requiring few stitches. One or more small incisions may be made in the body and a laparoscope (thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing) is inserted through an incision to guide the surgery. Tiny surgical instruments are also inserted through the same or other incision to do the surgery. Minimally invasive surgery has been shown to cause less pain, scarring, and damage to healthy tissue in most patients. In addition, patient have recorded faster recovery times than with traditional surgery.
Our Procedure
Dr. Burkman performs Minimally Invasive Surgery on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The small incision and instruments mentioned above are used with the addition of a live x-ray or c-arm to help guide Dr. Burkman through the procedure. At the conclusion of the surgery, a few stitches may be used to close the incisions and, in most cases, the patient will then be able to WALK out the door with the condition corrected while discomfort and prolonged disability have been avoided.
FAQ
What can be corrected using Minimally Invasive Surgery?
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Mallet Toes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Cysts
- Bone Spurs
- Soft Tissue Cysts
Will insurance pay for this?
Yes! In many cases you will have less out of pocket cost due to no surgical facility fee or general anesthesia fee. That means Minimally Invasive Surgery can cost up to 50% less to the patient and the insurance company.
How much recovery time is required?
It depends on the surgery, but in most cases, you can walk out of the clinic. You may be required to stay off of your foot for a week or have reduced activity levels as your foot heals. The recovery time is significantly less than traditional foot surgery. Dr. Burkman will go over recovery time with you at your consult.
How much training does Dr. Burkman have?
Dr. Burkman has completed 11 years of schooling. He has his doctorate in Podiatric medicine. He completed 2 years of surgical residency and attends two Minimally Invasive Surgical workshops every year to keep his skills up to date.
