Foot conditions commonly requiring surgical correction include bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas.
Surgery is only considered after conservative management such as stretching, orthotics, exercise and shoe modification has been exhausted or deemed inappropriate. Technological advances mean that if you choose surgery it will be ambulatory. That means you will walk into the day surgery centre and you will walk out later in the day. Your foot will be bandaged and you will be wearing a surgical shoe.
Paul W Bours M Pod (Curtin)
Podiatric Surgeon FACPS FAAPSMPaul graduated from Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences and started practice as a podiatrist in 1985. Paul worked in private practice in country Victoria and NSW, subsequently establishing himself in the Sydney CBD in 1989. Paul continued another ten years of study in Podiatry to become a Fellow of the Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons. Paul has a special interest in the treatment of nail problems, warts, bunions, hammer toes and neuromas as well as sports related foot injuries. Methods of treatment range from mobilisation, exercises, and orthotic therapy to therapeutic local anesthetic injections or surgery. Paul’s aim is to provide treatment that eliminates the cause of the problem at the same time as relieving symptoms. Paul Bours encourages Ambulatory foot surgery with Minimal Incisions.
Why I try to use Minimal incisions:
Minimal incisions provide several potential benefits for patients, including smaller scars, faster tissue and bone healing, and fewer complications such as pain, bleeding and infections. These techniques can also reduce complications for high risk patients, such as those with circulatory problems caused by smoking, diabetes or other conditions.
What happens:
A small incision is made in the patients' skin and a specially designed instrument is inserted into this opening. The entire procedure is performed through this tiny opening. At the conclusion of surgery, a few stitches may be used to close the opening and a small bandage protects the area. The patient generally leaves the office walking. The condition has been corrected, the patient remains ambulatory and discomfort and prolonged disability have been avoided.
Is It Really An Effective Technique?
Today, ambulatory foot surgery is a developed art. Over 2,000 podiatric physicians and surgeons specializing in this technique are members of The Academy of Ambulatory Foot Surgery, and with each year the number increases. The triangular academy seal depicts its dedication to ambulation, rehabilitation, and education.
It is now over thirty years since the original pioneers began the development of this art. They sought the means of ending discomfort and suffering for a wider cross section of the population. They reasoned that if the necessity for hospitalization and prolonged disability was eliminated, more people could afford to avail themselves of podiatric services. As their development progressed they found that it was rarely necessary to incapacitate their patients. Painful bunions, recurring corns, heel spurs, contracted toes and hammer toes were corrected by this new technique and the patients remained ambulatory. Through the years, other interested physicians and surgeons made worthwhile contributions until we have reached today's state of the art. Cost effective, minimal incision foot surgery is a reality and is being practiced in this centre.
If you would like further information about foot and ankle surgery please visit the college website at: http://www.acps.edu.au.
