Ultrasound-guided surgery represents a new era in surgery, that is, a new way of performing surgery without opening the skin, simply with one or two one-millimeter incisions. With state-of-the-art, high-resolution ultrasound scanners, specialists are able to introduce high-precision instruments through the one-millimeter incisions and perform the same surgery as would be done with 8 or 10 centimeter incisions.
What are the benefits of ultrasound-guided surgery in podiatry?
The benefits are very important and can be divided into intraoperative and postoperative benefits.
The intraoperative benefits are basically that it is a surgery that is performed on an outpatient basis, i.e., the patient is not admitted to the hospital. In addition, the anesthesia used is local, bleeding is minimal, the risk of infection is almost nonexistent and it does not require the use of ischemia (removal of blood supply). All these intraoperative benefits make ultrasound-guided surgery a type of surgery that would not be contraindicated in patients with associated pathologies, such as diabetes or vascular insufficiency.
The postoperative benefits are:
- Reduced time off work. Even in many cases it is almost nonexistent.
- Minimal pain.
- It does not require the use of antithrombotic prophylaxis (Heparin).
- Early initiation of sports activities, such as swimming, cycling, etc.
What pathologies are operable with ultrasound-guided surgery?
Drs. Iborra and Villanueva, specialists in podiatry at Avanfi, have described multiple surgical techniques where ultrasound-guided surgery can be applied. Some of them have been awarded by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, others are part of the training catalog of surgeons around the world and others have been published in international scientific journals.
The pathologies currently treated with ultrasound-guided surgery are:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Calcaneal spur
- Plantar fibromatosis
- Proximal and distal tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Achilles tendonitis
- Haglund’s disease
- Calf lengthening
- Dupuytren’s disease
- Runner’s syndrome (iliotibial band)
- Spring hip
- Spring finger
- Epicondylitis and epitrocleitis.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Postoperative period of ultrasound-guided surgery in Podiatry
The postoperative period is very different from conventional surgery because of the following benefits:
- Mild pain
- Relative rest
- No immobilization required
- Early start of sports activities aimed at recovery.
In conclusion, therefore, ultrasound-guided surgery could be considered a revolutionary technique. As mentioned above, it is performed under local anesthesia, without ischemia or stitches. Furthermore, it does not require sick leave or, if any, it would be minimal, and the patient leaves the hospital walking on his or her own feet, with partial support. The return to sporting life is quicker than with conventional surgery and complications are considerably reduced.