Percutaneous Foot Fracture Surgery

Calcaneus Fracture Jones Fracture Lisfranc Fracture

Minimally Invasive Foot Fracture Surgery: Diagnosis

The first consultation aims to precisely determine the fracture you are suffering from. This is when the surgeon will determine if surgical intervention is justified and if minimally invasive foot fracture surgery can be used. Dr. Lopez begins with a clinical examination of the foot to highlight the patient's symptoms. Based on the symptoms described by the patient, the pain levels, and, most importantly, based on paraclinical examinations, the surgeon can determine the type(s) of fracture(s) involved (location, number, displacement, open or closed). Dr. Lopez may also complement the assessment with medical imaging examinations to refine the diagnosis. In the case of a foot fracture, several examinations may be prescribed.

Standard X-rays

These are often prescribed in emergencies. If inadequate, additional images may be requested.

MRI

This examination mainly visualizes soft tissues and tendons. It allows assessing associated injuries such as ligament or tendon injuries and searching for bruising, intra-osseous edema, stress fractures, hematomas, etc. However, it does not provide a detailed analysis of the foot's bone structures.

CT scan

The CT scan is the gold standard examination for analyzing the bone structures of the foot and the relationships between the different bones of the foot. It can identify small foot fractures and bone avulsions. This examination involves radiation and can be performed with the injection of a contrast agent, known as an injected CT scan.

Minimally Invasive Foot Fracture Surgery: Types of Fractures

Before performing minimally invasive foot fracture surgery, Dr. Lopez must carefully analyze the fracture(s) in question. There are several types of foot fractures, and not all of them require surgical treatment.

Jones Fracture

A Jones fracture is a type of fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal, the bone located on the outside of the foot, near the ankle joint. This fracture is often caused by intense physical activity or repetitive movements, such as running, jumping, or dancing. A Jones fracture can also result from direct foot trauma, like a fall or a strong impact. Symptoms of a Jones fracture include pain on the outer edge of the foot, bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking. The treatment for this fracture depends on its severity and can range from simple immobilization in a cast or boot to surgical intervention if the fracture is displaced. Even in the case of a non-displaced fracture, surgical intervention may be discussed with the patient, especially if they are a high-level athlete, as the risk of recurrence is high with conservative treatment. Percutaneous surgery for a Jones fracture allows for an early return to sports activities and reduces the risk of recurrence during sports.

Calcaneus Fracture

A calcaneus fracture is a fracture of the heel bone. This fracture is usually caused by a fall from height, such as falling from a ladder or a roof, or by a direct impact to the heel. Symptoms of a calcaneus fracture include severe pain, significant swelling and bruising, foot deformity, and difficulty walking and bearing weight. In severe cases, the skin may be open, and the bone may protrude through it, resulting in an open fracture. Calcaneus fractures require a CT scan for a precise assessment. Treatment can be functional (no immobilization, and return to activities depending on pain), orthopedic (immobilization with a cast or boot), or surgical. Minimally invasive or percutaneous surgery for calcaneus fractures is possible in specific cases, depending on the fracture's characteristics.

Lisfranc Fracture

A Lisfranc fracture is a fracture of the joint that connects the midfoot bones to the forefoot. This joint is important for foot stability and mobility during walking and running, serving as a shock absorber. Lisfranc fractures are typically caused by twisting of the midfoot, direct crushing, or hyperextension of the foot. Symptoms of a Lisfranc fracture include sharp pain and swelling in the middle of the foot and difficulty walking. Some Lisfranc injuries, especially fracture-dislocations, require urgent percutaneous surgical treatment.

Metatarsal or Toe Fractures

These are common fractures. The surgeon will assess whether they are stable or unstable fractures and whether they are displaced or non-displaced. They will specifically look for vertical or horizontal displacement and rotational malalignment. Depending on the findings, minimally invasive or percutaneous surgery for metatarsal or toe fractures may be considered within 10-12 days after the trauma.

Preparation for Surgery and Foot Rehabilitation After Fracture

Learn how to prepare for the surgery and the post-operative protocol: dressing, resumption of activities, foot rehabilitation after a fracture...

Dr. Lopez has been a specialist in percutaneous foot surgery for several years. This surgical technique has revolutionized modern surgery by allowing gentler and less invasive interventions than traditional surgery. The use of percutaneous techniques offers many benefits for patients, including smaller scars, reduced infection risk, easier recovery, decreased postoperative pain, and faster surgical procedures.

Dr. Lopez is an experienced professional who stays up-to-date with the latest advances in surgery. He regularly uses percutaneous surgery to treat various foot fractures, such as Jones fractures, calcaneus fractures, Lisfranc fractures, metatarsal or phalangeal fractures, and more. This technique involves making a small incision in the skin to access the fracture site without damaging surrounding tissues. This approach has many advantages, including faster recovery, reduced postoperative pain, and a lower risk of infection. Ambulatory foot fracture surgery allows patients to return home shortly after the procedure.

Dr. Lopez provides comprehensive care to his patients, from before, during, and after the surgery. The surgeon will provide you with the protocol to follow to prepare for the surgery. The pre-anesthesia consultation aims to assess the patient's overall health and determine any contraindications. It will determine the recommended type of anesthesia for your procedure. It is recommended to quit smoking in the days leading up to the operation and until the skin is fully healed.

The surgeon will also provide you with the post-operative recovery protocol for a foot fracture. Pain management is a top priority for Dr. Lopez. Analgesic treatment will be prescribed after the surgery.

Some procedures also require physiotherapy sessions after a foot fracture to optimize the recovery process and restore full mobility to the patient. The implementation of a rehabilitation protocol after a foot fracture depends on many factors and the type of surgery performed. Patients can also perform rehabilitation exercises after a foot fracture independently from their home.

In the case of a foot fracture and surgery, the duration of work leave can range from up to 6 months depending on the job's physical demands and the complexity of the fracture. It also depends on the initial fractures and the potential occurrence of complications.