In the vast, ever-evolving world of orthopedics, there’s a term that whispers through the halls of hospitals and clinics like a magic spell – Minimally Invasive Surgery, or MIS for short. It’s the kind of buzzword that makes you think of wizards in the operating room, casting spells for quicker recovery and less pain. But how did we get here, you might wonder? Let me weave you a story, not just of facts, but of the journey, the people, and the future of foot and ankle care.
A Tale as Old as Time
Imagine, if you will, the 1940s, a time when surgical scars were badges of honor, but also of pain and long recovery. Here, in the shadows of traditional surgery, the seeds of MIS were planted. Back then, it was all about dreaming of a world where healing could be swift, scars could be minimal, and pain could be a fleeting visitor rather than a permanent guest.
Fast forward through the decades, and we meet Dr. Holly Johnson at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), a modern-day alchemist of the foot and ankle. In her video, she paints a picture of this evolution, from hesitant beginnings to a now-celebrated technique. She tells of how patients, weary of the long roads to recovery, yearned for something better, something less invasive, pushing the boundaries of what was possible.
Watch – Brief History of Percutaneous Surgery and MIS Treatment of Hallux Rigidus
The Modern-Day Bunion Saga
In the last decade, the narrative has turned epic, especially with the rise of the Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin Surgery (MICA). This isn’t just surgery; it’s an art form. Picture this: a surgeon, with tools more akin to a jeweler’s set than a butcher’s, navigating through tiny incisions to correct bunions. The technique has grown, refined by new technologies and the steady hands of surgeons who’ve become masters of this craft.
But MIS wasn’t always the golden child of orthopedics. Organizations like the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) watched with a skeptical eye. However, by early 2025, they couldn’t deny the magic anymore, endorsing the minimally invasive distal bunion osteotomy, signaling a new chapter where MIS was not just accepted but celebrated.
The Industry’s Dance with Innovation
Companies like Treace Medical, Arthrex, Stryker, and Enovis have thrown their hats into the ring, each trying to outdo the other with their own twist on the MIS bunion story. Treace, once a skeptic, now sings the praises of MIS with their groundbreaking offering from November 2024. With over ten companies now in the game, it’s clear: MIS isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s the future.
Treace’s recent involvement makes the total to over 10 companies with an MIS bunion focused product portfolio. This industry commitment, alongside the endorsement of respected professional bodies, is a testament to the lasting appeal of minimally invasive approaches in the field.
The Patient’s Quest
Now, let’s talk about the heroes of our tale – the patients. Especially the baby boomers, living longer, staying active, and demanding surgeries that fit their adventurous lifestyles. They’re not just looking for healing; they’re looking for a way to keep dancing, hiking, and living life to the fullest. And MIS, with its promise of quick recovery and minimal scarring, has become their holy grail.
A Visionary’s Prophecy
Andrew Davison, the CEO of Forma Medical, speaks like a prophet of this new era. He sees a world where every surgery can be as minimally invasive as bunion corrections. “Why settle for open procedures when we can make the whole case less invasive?” he muses, dreaming of a complete MIS portfolio that would let surgeons work their magic without the heavy hand of traditional surgery.
Forma Medical is on this quest, having already introduced three new MIS products, with another on the horizon for mid-2025. They’re not just selling tools; they’re selling a vision of a future where every surgical intervention is as gentle as the touch of a feather.
The Ever-Expanding Horizon
As we peer into the future, MIS stands tall, promising not just better outcomes but a transformation in how we think about and approach foot and ankle surgery. It’s a story of collaboration, innovation, and the undying human spirit to make life better, one incision at a time.
So here we are, standing at the threshold of a new era in orthopedic care, where the magic of minimally invasive surgery continues to unfold, ensuring that for every patient, beyond the bunion, there’s a path to healing, with less pain and more life to live.
For more information, contact the Founder of Forma Medical, James Gault @ [email protected]