Practiced for several years, especially in the United States and Spain, the technique of percutaneous surgery has been proven. But it is little developed in France, because few surgeons have chosen to train there.This technique consists of correcting bone deformations and tendon retractions, which are the cause of deformities of the toes (hallux valgus, toes in claw …), by three or four perforations of a few millimeters through the skin, instead of the large openings usually made.
Less risk of phlebitis
“We are introducing miniature burs to file down bone and mini scalpels to release retracted soft tissue. The bone dust mixes with the blood to form a paste which is then easily extracted through the skin openings ”, explains Dr René Choukroun, orthopedic surgeon in Paris. Percutaneous surgery is performed without a tourniquet, which limits the risk of phlebitis and also facilitates the procedure in diabetic patients. The surgeon locates himself with the help of X-ray images, because there is not enough space to insert a camera. The operation lasts 30 to 45 minutes, under local anesthesia. The “classic” technique rather requiring general anesthesia.
How is the convalescence going?
The postoperative effects are not painful and we usually leave the hospital the same day. The next day, the dressing is replaced by a bandage that maintains the correction of the foot, instead of the metal bone implants usually used. If you have planned to operate on the second foot, you have to wait at least 15 days. It will take a few months to be able to put on pumps again, and six months to resume sports requiring a point of support on the ground, such as running.
