Frequently Asked Questions about Minimally Invasive Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions about Percutaneous Foot Surgery in Clínica San Román

If you have questions about our treatments, procedures or postoperative care, here you will find clear and detailed answers. At Clínica San Román, we want you to feel informed and confident in every step of your treatment.

What is percutaneous foot surgery?

Percutaneous foot surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat various foot pathologies, such as bunions, claw toes, metatarsalgia and forefoot deformities. Unlike traditional surgery, percutaneous surgery is performed through small incisions, usually 2 to 3 millimeters, using specialized instruments and radiological control. This technique allows access to the bony and soft structures of the foot without the need for large cuts, which favors a faster recovery, with less postoperative pain and fewer complications.

What are the main advantages of percutaneous foot surgery?

Percutaneous foot surgery offers multiple advantages over traditional techniques:
–Less surgical trauma: As it is performed through small incisions, soft tissue damage is reduced.
–Faster recovery: Patients can resume their daily activities in less time.
–Less postoperative pain: Thanks to the minimally invasive technique, less pain medication is required.
–Minimal scarring: The small incisions leave hardly any visible marks.
–Lower risk of infection and complications: Reducing the area exposed during surgery decreases the likelihood of infection.
–Outpatient procedure: does not require hospitalization, allowing the patient to return home the same day of the intervention without assistance.
At Clínica San Román, we apply this technique with the highest standards of quality and safety, guaranteeing optimal results and a comfortable experience for the patient.

What pathologies can be treated with percutaneous foot surgery?

At Clínica San Román, percutaneous surgery is used to treat a wide variety of foot pathologies, including:
–Bunions (Hallux Valgus): Correction of the deviation of the big toe.
–Claw or hammertoes: Rectification of deformities of the lesser fingers.
–Metatarsalgia: Relief of pain in the forefoot.
–Morton’s neuroma: Release of the compressed nerve to reduce pain and discomfort.
–Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis: Treatment of heel and sole pain.
–Arthrosis of the foot (Hallux Rigidus): Improvement of joint mobility and pain reduction.
If you have any of these pathologies or discomfort in your feet, our specialists will evaluate your case in a personalized way to recommend the most appropriate treatment.

What does the postoperative period for percutaneous foot surgery consist of?

The postoperative period after percutaneous foot surgery is much more comfortable and faster than with conventional techniques. After the operation, the patient can walk almost immediately using special post-surgical footwear that protects the foot and facilitates mobility.
–Early mobility: The operated foot is allowed to be supported from the first day.
–Specific bandages: They are used to maintain the correction of the deformity and reduce inflammation.
–Periodic check-ups: At Clínica San Román, we perform a close follow-up to ensure a correct evolution.
–Optional physical therapy: In some cases, specific exercises may be recommended to restore foot mobility and strength.
Most patients can return to normal activity, including the use of regular footwear, within 20 to 40 days, depending on the type of surgery and individual evolution.

Who are ideal candidates for percutaneous foot surgery?

Percutaneous foot surgery is an excellent option for a wide variety of patients with painful deformities or deformities that limit normal ambulation. This technique effectively addresses problems such as bunions, claw toes, metatarsalgia and other foot pathologies that affect the patient’s quality of life.
In general, the ideal candidates for this surgery are those who:
– Have foot deformities that cause pain or make normal walking difficult.
– They have not experienced improvement with conservative treatments, such as the use of orthopedic insoles, physiotherapy or medication.
– They do not have severe circulation problems or uncontrolled systemic diseases.
– They want a quick recovery with minimal scarring, benefiting from the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.
At Clínica San Román, we perform a detailed and personalized evaluation to determine whether percutaneous surgery is the most appropriate option for each patient, always prioritizing the safety and efficacy of the treatment.

Is percutaneous foot surgery painful?

Percutaneous foot surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia or sedation, which ensures that the patient feels no pain during the procedure. Thanks to the minimally invasive technique, postoperative pain is considerably less compared to open surgery.
Our specialists will provide appropriate medication for pain control if necessary, and our highly qualified nursing team will be available for any needs during the recovery process.

How long does it take to see the final results?

The immediate results of the surgery are visible from the first moment. However, the complete recovery process, including the disappearance of the swelling and the adaptation of the foot to its new position, can take between 3 and 6 months. During this time, the foot will continue to improve in appearance and function.
At Clínica San Román, we closely monitor the progress of each patient to ensure that the final result is functionally and esthetically optimal.

What differentiates Clínica San Román in percutaneous foot surgery?

At Clínica San Román, we have:
– More than 45 years of experience in foot surgery and treatments.
– Pioneering specialists in minimally invasive surgery, internationally recognized.
– Modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment.
– Close and personalized follow-up throughout the process, from the initial evaluation to the final discharge.
– Strict compliance with health regulations, including Royal Decree 487/2022 on prevention and control of Legionella bacteria.
Trust our specialists to restore the health and functionality of your feet with the utmost safety and professionalism.

What does Clínica San Román do in Alicante?

Clínica San Román has been a specialist since 1979 in minimally invasive or percutaneous foot surgery, among other common treatments in a podiatric clinic.

But what is minimally invasive or percutaneous foot surgery?

It is a method that allows performing different surgical techniques through incisions of a few millimeters with minimal injury to the tissues and thus a clearly faster recovery is achieved, with less risk of complications. In order to perform this technique it is necessary to use special equipment and a fluoroscope.

Where should such foot surgery be performed?

Clearly in an operating room approved to perform these techniques, which we have in the San Roman Podiatric Clinic. We have expert surgeons in these techniques with an exhaustive control of hygiene and sterility measures.

When can you return to work, driving or exercise?

In the postoperative stage , the patient can perform work or social activities that do not require significant effort. Return to work will depend on the intensity of the work. Driving is not allowed while the foot is with the special bandage . Exercise can be started between 2 and 3 weeks, especially avoiding exercises focused on jumping or rebounding, which will have to wait about 8 weeks.

What type of anesthesia is used for this type of surgery?

Local anesthesia. Depending on the type of surgery, the anesthesia can be on the whole foot or exclusively on the toes to be operated on. Using this technique greatly reduces possible complications due to anesthesia.

What is the post-operative period like?

As it is a totally ambulatory surgery. A special bandage is applied and a post-surgical shoe is put on to protect the foot in the best way, allowing the patient to go out without help. In addition, special plastic covers are given to the patient so that he/she can take a shower without the possibility of getting the bandage wet. The post-operative stage the patient can come to the office as many times as necessary. Under normal conditions, the bandage is changed every 2 weeks until the patient is discharged after 40 days. Subsequently, the foot continues to improve and the patient is monitored every 3 months throughout the year.

Is it possible to operate on both feet at the same time?

Yes it is possible, although for the convenience of our patients it is usually performed on consecutive days without any problems. All our patients return for second foot surgery. What is not recommended is to leave an interval of more than 1 day between interventions, as this may cause gait dysfunction that could lead to osteoarticular discomfort.

There is talk that the use of this technique may cause bunions to reappear, is this true?

No, the use of this technique is not the cause of its recurrence. The reason for the recurrence of the bunion, as well as the use of other techniques, depends on the anatomical characteristics of the foot, the surgical procedure performed by the surgeon or finally how the patient has cared for his or her feet. So far, the medical literature statistics result in 85-90% excellent results with minimally invasive foot surgery.

Is minimally invasive foot surgery performed with lasers?

No, in the 80’s it was popularly known as “laser surgery” to techniques that allowed to perform surgery through millimeter incisions.
Can all bunions and claw toes be operated with minimally invasive foot surgery?
No, it will depend on different factors such as the degree or type of deformity, patient characteristics, etc.. In all cases, the specialist together with the patient will decide the treatment to continue.

What other NON surgical treatments are performed at Clínica Podológica San Román?

We perform all kinds of specialized treatments in chiropodology (papillomas) and orthopodology. Orthopedic insoles are made to measure, previously studies of the gait of the foot in dynamic and static.Infiltrations with hyaluronic acid in joints. In order to solve your foot problem, contact the San Roman Podiatric Clinic, minimally invasive surgery gives excellent results and we will help you at all times.