What is Minimal Incision Toe Bone Spur Removal?
Minimal incision toe bone spur removal, also known as minimally invasive toe surgery, is a surgical procedure used to remove bone spurs in the toes. Bone spurs are bony growths that can develop on or around the joints in the toes, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty in wearing shoes.
What is the procedure to remove a toe bone spur?
During the procedure, a small incision is made in the skin near the affected joint. Using specialized instruments such as a rasp or power burr, the surgeon removes the bone spur while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissues. The surgery is typically performed in a doctor’s office or hospital, on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete.
Depending on where the spur is or the presence of other conditions, additional treatment may be required such as:
Toenail Removal
If the spur is on the outside of the toe near the nail, a small portion of the toenail may have to be removed.
Tendon Release
If the toe on which the spur is located has a curvature, that curvature may have caused the spur. An additional incision may be needed to cut, or release, the tendon attached to the bottom of the toe. This relieves the inward pull on the toe.
Bone Removal
When the spur is on the inside of the fifth toe, there may be a corn between the fourth and fifth toes. If so, the top of the bone is cut and removed to prevent the toes from rubbing against each other.
After the spur is removed, the incision is closed with one or two stitches and covered with a small bandage. The patient can walk immediately, wearing a post-operative or wide-fitting shoe
What are the benefits of minimal incision toe bone spur removal?
Benefits of minimal incision toe bone spur removal include smaller incisions, less scarring, less pain, and faster recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
