Minimally invasive foot surgery (MIS), sometimes referred to as keyhole surgery, allows certain foot conditions to be treated through very small incisions.
The technique uses specialised instruments, including a low-speed, high-torque burr, together with X-ray guidance to perform controlled bone and soft tissue procedures without the need for large surgical exposure.
Minimally invasive techniques can also be used in selected revision cases. You can read more about revision bunion surgery here. What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive foot surgery (also known as percutaneous surgery) involves:
Small skin incisions (typically 2–5 mm)
Use of a burr to reshape bone
Continuous X-ray guidance to ensure accuracy
Correction of deformity without fully opening the joint
This is different from arthroscopy, which uses a camera inside a joint and is used for different problems. This page relates specifically to minimally invasive (percutaneous) techniques.
Experience in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is a normal part of my practice and is used in the majority of the operations I perform. My experience in minimally invasive foot surgery has developed over time through clinical practice, training and professional involvement within the specialty.
Early involvement in minimally invasive techniques, including presentation at the BOFAS annual meeting (2010) on MIS Cheilectomy.
Training in minimally invasive techniques through established courses and surgical collaboration.
This has included clinical experience working with surgeons involved in the development and teaching of these techniques, together with anatomical training relevant to their safe use.
I also:
Submit cases to the BOFAS national registry
Attend meetings of the BOFAS Clinical Practice Committee
Contribute to ongoing review of national outcome data
How Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery Works
The procedure is performed through small incisions using specialised instruments. A burr is used to reshape bone under X-ray guidance, allowing correction of deformity while minimising disruption to surrounding tissues.
A short video below demonstrates the type of instrument used. This minimally invasive burr is used for bunion correction and allows the operation to be performed through 2-5mm keyholes.
Benefits and Limitations
For selected patients, minimally invasive surgery may offer:
Smaller scars
Reduced soft tissue disruption
Less swelling
Earlier mobilisation
However, it is not suitable for all conditions.
The choice of technique depends on the specific diagnosis, the degree of deformity and individual patient factors.
These pages explain how different techniques, including minimally invasive surgery where appropriate, are used in specific conditions. If you would like to discuss whether minimally invasive foot surgery may be appropriate for your condition, please get in touch to arrange an assessment.