When patients think of “foot surgery,” many fear large incisions, long recoveries, and extensive downtime. But advances in podiatric surgical techniques now offer a gentler alternative: minimally invasive elective surgery. At Kalmar Family Podiatry, Dr. Garrett Kalmar and Dr. Nicholas Discala apply these modern techniques when appropriate, giving patients the benefits of surgical correction with less trauma and faster healing.
In this post, we’ll explain what minimally invasive podiatric surgery is, when it’s appropriate, what the benefits and risks are, and answer many common questions.
What Is Minimally Invasive Podiatric Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the foot and ankle is a technique in which surgeons use small incisions, specialized instruments, and often imaging guidance (like fluoroscopy) to correct deformities or conditions — without the wide exposures required by traditional “open” surgery. HMP Global Learning Network+3FootCareMD+3PMC+3
Compared with conventional surgery, MIS aims to reduce soft-tissue trauma, minimize scarring, and promote quicker recovery. AOFAS+2PMC+2
These techniques are used for elective podiatric interventions — meaning procedures chosen to improve comfort, function, or alignment, rather than emergency or trauma surgery.
Which Conditions Can Be Treated Minimally Invasively?
Not every foot or ankle problem is suitable for MIS. However, some of the more commonly addressed elective conditions include:
- Bunions (hallux valgus) Warren Podiatry+3AOFAS+3HMP Global Learning Network+3
- Hammertoes and lesser toe deformities HMP Global Learning Network+1
- Bone spurs (e.g., dorsal spurs) PMC+2Premier Medical Group+2
- Metatarsalgia (pain in the “ball” of the foot) or forefoot realignment PMC+1
- Certain cases of toe arthritic corrections or limited joint fusions PMC+1
But it’s crucial to emphasize: not every patient is a candidate for MIS. The decision depends on the severity of deformity, bone quality, soft tissue health, alignment, and other medical factors. Emerald Coast Foot & Ankle Center+3AOFAS+3PMC+3
Why Consider Minimally Invasive Over Traditional Surgery?
Benefits
When well indicated and skillfully performed, minimally invasive podiatric surgery can offer several advantages over open surgery:
- Smaller incisions, less soft-tissue disruption – Because the cuts are much smaller, there is less trauma to surrounding tissues. AOFAS+2PMC+2
- Reduced postoperative pain and swelling – Less surgical trauma often translates into less pain and quicker reduction of swelling. AOFAS+2PMC+2
- Faster healing and recovery – Patients often experience shorter downtime, earlier return to activities, and quicker functional improvement. PMC+2HMP Global Learning Network+2
- Smaller scars – Because incisions are minimal, cosmetic outcomes tend to be more favorable. AOFAS+2PMC+2
- Lower risk of some wound complications – With less exposure, the chances of wound breakdown or infection may be reduced. PMC+2HMP Global Learning Network+2
Limitations & Considerations
Yet, MIS is not a panacea. Some of its challenges include:
- The learning curve is steeper. Surgeons require specialized training and experience to operate via limited visualization. FootCareMD+2AOFAS+2
- Not all deformities are amendable. Severe misalignment or complex correction may still demand an open approach. AOFAS+2PMC+2
- Hidden risk to adjacent structures. Because visualization is less direct, there is a possibility of inadvertently injuring nerves, tendons, or vessels. PMC+1
- Instrumentation and imaging dependence. MIS often relies on intra-operative fluoroscopy or other imaging to guide the surgeon. FootCareMD+2HMP Global Learning Network+2
- Research is ongoing. While many promising studies exist, long-term comparative outcomes between MIS and open surgery are still being evaluated. PMC+1
In sum, the ideal approach is one tailored to each patient — sometimes combining elements of minimally invasive and traditional approaches.
What the Procedure and Recovery Look Like
While details vary depending on the specific surgery (bunion correction, toe realignment, etc.), here is a general outline of what a patient might expect:
Before Surgery
- Assessment: detailed history, physical exam, imaging (X-rays, possibly CT scans)
- Discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives
- Preoperative planning including planning of incisions and hardware placement
During Surgery
- Very small incisions (often millimeter-scale)
- Use of specialized burrs, guide wires, mini-instruments
- Intraoperative imaging (fluoroscopy) to confirm alignment and hardware placement
- Minimal soft-tissue dissection
- Placement of screws, pins, or fixation devices as needed
- Closure (sometimes with sutures, sometimes with adhesive or “butterfly” strips) Premier Medical Group+1
After Surgery & Recovery
- Many patients are allowed partial or limited weight bearing early, depending on the procedure and fixation stability
- Use of protective footwear or boot for weeks
- Swelling control (elevation, ice, compression)
- Follow-up checks with imaging
- Gradual transition back to normal shoes and activities
- Full recovery (bone healing, remodeling) may take several weeks to months
Because MIS imposes less disruption, many patients experience faster improvement in pain and function compared to open surgery. AOFAS+1
Q&A: Addressing Common Patient Questions
Below is a comprehensive Q&A you might include on your website or patient handouts.
Q: Am I a candidate for minimally invasive podiatric surgery?
A: You may be, depending on your specific foot condition, overall health, bone quality, alignment, and deformity severity. A detailed evaluation by Dr. Kalmar or Dr. Discala will determine whether MIS is appropriate for you.
Q: Does minimally invasive surgery mean “no pain and no recovery time”?
A: No — while pain and recovery are often less severe than with traditional surgery, you will still go through a healing period. You’ll need to follow post-op restrictions and give time for bone healing.
Q: How long will the surgery last?
A: The duration depends on the procedure, complexity, and intraoperative factors. Many elective MIS foot procedures are completed within 1–2 hours, but this is a general estimate.
Q: Will my insurance cover it?
A: Many minimally invasive procedures are covered by insurance, especially when they are medically necessary (e.g. to relieve chronic pain or functional limitation). However, coverage may vary based on the insurer and specific plan, so it’s important to verify in advance.
Q: What are the risks specific to MIS?
A: Risks mirror those of traditional surgery (infection, delayed healing, hardware issues) but also include potential inadvertent damage to unseen structures (nerves, tendons) due to limited visualization. Proper surgical technique and experience help mitigate this. PMC+1
Q: Will I walk right away after surgery?
A: In many cases, limited or protected weight-bearing is allowed early, but this depends on the specific procedure, fixation method, and stability. Your surgeon will give a personalized plan.
Q: When can I return to normal shoes/activities?
A: Generally, patients begin transitioning out of protective footwear (boots) at 4–6 weeks, but full activity (depending on procedure) often resumes between 8 to 12 weeks — or longer, for more complex cases.
Q: Do I still have scarring?
A: Yes, but the scars are much smaller and less conspicuous than with open surgery.
Q: How experienced are Dr. Kalmar and Dr. Discala in minimally invasive techniques?
A: (You can tailor this answer to your practice’s actual experience.) At Kalmar Family Podiatry, Dr. Kalmar and Dr. Discala have undergone specialized training and maintain experience in both traditional and minimally invasive foot surgery techniques. They evaluate each case individually to determine the best approach.
Q: What should I do to prepare before surgery?
A: You’ll receive specific preoperative instructions, but generally: stop certain medications as directed, maintain good nutrition, avoid smoking, ensure medical clearance (if needed), and plan for postoperative rest and mobility support.
Q: What happens if minimally invasive surgery is not successful?
A: In rare cases, further revision surgery may be needed. Dr. Kalmar or Dr. Discala will monitor healing, outcomes, and intervene if necessary. Because MIS techniques preserve more of the surrounding tissues, converting to an open approach later is sometimes more manageable.
Why Choose Kalmar Family Podiatry?
- Local, personalized care in Huntington, NY
- Dual-expertise in both traditional and minimally invasive podiatric surgery
- Patient-centered decision-making: we explain options clearly and help you make informed choices
- Commitment to delivering the latest surgical advances with safety and compassion
If you’re experiencing foot pain, deformities, or limitations that have resisted conservative therapy, it may be time to explore whether minimally invasive elective surgery can help you get back to feeling your best.
Get in Touch
📍 Address: 62 Green Street, Huntington, NY, 11743
📞 Phone: (631) 549-0955
🌐 Website: kalmarfamilypodiatry.com
🩺 Provider Info: Dr. Garrett Kalmar & Dr. Nicholas Discala wnhcares.org
We welcome you to reach out for consultations, second opinions, or to learn more about how minimally invasive techniques might suit your foot care needs.