Canyon Foot & Ankle Specialists offers minimal incision surgery (MIS) for a broad range of foot and ankle conditions, providing patients in Twin Falls, Burley, and throughout south-central Idaho with an advanced surgical option that prioritizes precision, reduced tissue disruption, and faster recovery. Guided by fluoroscopic imaging and performed with purpose-built instruments, MIS allows our surgeons to address the underlying cause of painful foot conditions while protecting the surrounding soft tissue as much as possible.
At Canyon Foot & Ankle Specialists, MIS is offered for bunion correction, hammertoe correction, stiff big toe (hallux rigidus), painful calluses, diabetic foot ulcerations, heel pain from plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, and plantar wart removal. Dr. Pilling, Dr. DeVries, and Dr. Chandler evaluate each patient individually to determine whether a minimally invasive approach is appropriate, ensuring that every surgical recommendation is grounded in a thorough understanding of your anatomy, your condition, and your goals.
Schedule Your MIS Consultation
Why Choose Canyon Foot & Ankle for Minimal Incision Office Based Surgery?
- Specialized MIS Training: Dr. Pilling, Dr. DeVries, and Dr. Chandler are trained in advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques for a variety of foot and ankle conditions
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- Done Right in Our Office: No separate surgical center needed — MIS is performed right here, keeping costs lower and the experience familiar and comfortable
- Less Tissue Disruption: Small incisions mean less damage to surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments, supporting a smoother recovery
- Faster Return to Activity: Many MIS patients return to regular footwear and daily routines sooner than patients who undergo traditional open surgery
- Reduced Scarring: Tiny incision sites result in far less visible scarring compared to conventional surgical approaches
- Two Idaho Locations: Expert minimally invasive foot surgery conveniently accessible in both Twin Falls and Burley
- Insurance Coverage: We accept most major insurance plans for surgical treatment of covered conditions
- No Insurance? No Problem. Due to the much lower cost of minimally invasive surgery, many procedures are now affordable enough that insurance is no longer a necessity for patients to receive the care they need. We offer affordable plans and options, and it may be worth scheduling a consultation to find the right solution for you.
When to Seek Prompt Evaluation: If you are experiencing persistent foot pain that limits your daily activities, notice a worsening structural deformity, or have tried conservative care without adequate relief, contact our Twin Falls or Burley office to determine whether surgical treatment including minimal incision surgery may be appropriate for you.
Conditions Treated with Minimal Incision Surgery
Our podiatrists offer minimal incision surgery for the following conditions. Each procedure is performed using specialized instruments and fluoroscopic imaging guidance, with the goal of correcting the underlying problem through the smallest possible incision. A consultation at our Twin Falls or Burley office will help determine whether MIS is the right approach for your specific case.
Bunions
Bunions are one of the most frequently treated conditions using MIS. A bunion forms when the first metatarsal bone drifts outward and the big toe angles inward, creating the characteristic bony prominence on the inside of the foot. Minimally invasive bunion surgery corrects the alignment of the metatarsal bone through small incisions, reducing the visible bump and relieving pain with less soft tissue disruption than open procedures. For patients with more complex or severe bunion deformities, our practice also offers LapiPlasty® 3D Bunion Correction, a specialized procedure that addresses the three-dimensional nature of the deformity with permanent stabilization.
Hammertoes
Hammertoe deformities occur when one or more of the smaller toes become bent at the middle joint, causing pain, corns, and difficulty wearing shoes. Hammertoe correction using MIS is performed through incisions of only 1 to 3 millimeters, allowing the surgeon to release or reposition the structures holding the toe in its abnormal position with minimal soft tissue disruption and barely visible scarring. Traditional open hammertoe surgery, by contrast, requires a much larger incision and often leaves a metal wire protruding from the toe for up to six weeks during healing.
Research comparing MIS and traditional open hammertoe surgery shows that MIS is associated with significantly lower complication rates: impaired wound healing occurred in 2% of MIS patients vs. 15% with traditional surgery; wound infection was 0% with MIS vs. 10%; and failed bone healing was 0% with MIS vs. 14%. Most patients walk out the same day.
Stiff Big Toe (Hallux Rigidus)
A stiff, painful big toe is often the result of hallux rigidus, a form of arthritis affecting the metatarsophalangeal joint. When conservative measures no longer provide adequate relief, minimally invasive procedures can address the underlying joint changes, remove bone spurs limiting movement, and restore more comfortable function through very small incisions.
Painful Calluses
Calluses on the bottom of the foot are often the body’s response to excessive pressure from a bony prominence beneath the skin. When conservative padding and footwear modifications do not provide lasting relief, a minimally invasive procedure to smooth or reposition the underlying bony structure can eliminate the source of pressure and allow the callus to resolve permanently.
Diabetic Foot Ulcerations
When a bony prominence is contributing to a diabetic ulcer by creating pressure against the skin from within, surgical correction through a minimal incision approach can offload the wound site and support healing. Our team provides comprehensive diabetic foot care and carefully evaluates each patient’s circulation, nerve function, and overall health before recommending any surgical intervention.
Heel Pain
Chronic heel pain from plantar fasciitis or heel spurs that has not responded to conservative care may be a candidate for minimally invasive surgical treatment. MIS techniques for heel pain involve very small incisions to release tight plantar fascia tissue or remove the bone spur contributing to symptoms, with a faster return to normal weight bearing than traditional open heel surgery.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are caused by HPV and develop on the weight-bearing surfaces of the foot. When topical treatments, Swift microwave therapy, or other non-surgical approaches have not resolved the wart, surgical removal through a minimal incision provides a direct and definitive solution.
MIS vs. Traditional Open Surgery
Understanding how minimal incision surgery compares to traditional open surgery helps patients make informed decisions about their care. Both approaches can deliver excellent outcomes when matched appropriately to the patient and condition, but they differ in meaningful ways.
Incision Size and Soft Tissue Impact
Traditional open surgery requires a long enough incision for the surgeon to see and work within the operative field directly. MIS replaces direct visualization with fluoroscopic imaging, allowing the same corrective work to be accomplished through punctures or incisions measured in millimeters. Less skin and soft tissue disruption means the body has less to repair after surgery.
Postoperative Pain and Swelling
Patients who undergo MIS typically report lower levels of postoperative pain and experience less swelling than those who have had traditional open procedures. This is a direct result of the reduced trauma to surrounding tissue, and it makes the recovery process considerably more comfortable.
Scarring
Traditional bunion or hammertoe surgery leaves a linear scar that remains visible. MIS leaves only tiny marks that most patients find barely noticeable once healed.
Recovery Timeline
Early recovery milestones — such as transitioning out of a surgical shoe or boot — may occur sooner with MIS, while full structural bone healing still requires several weeks to months regardless of incision size.
Complication Rates
Clinical research comparing MIS with traditional open surgery for hammertoe correction shows a pronounced difference. In MIS patients, impaired wound healing occurred in 2% of cases and both wound infection and failed bone healing each occurred in 0% of cases. In the traditional open surgery group, those same complications occurred in 15%, 10%, and 14% of patients respectively.
The Anesthesia Advantage
Most MIS procedures are performed using only local anesthesia to numb the foot — the foot is simply asleep while the patient remains awake and comfortable. This eliminates the need for general anesthesia in the majority of cases, which is a meaningful benefit for patients with heart disease, respiratory issues, or other health factors. Patients who may not have been considered surgical candidates under conventional techniques can often safely undergo MIS.
When Traditional Surgery Is Preferable
Not every condition or patient is suited to MIS. Severe deformities, complex bone anatomy, conditions requiring extensive reconstruction, or situations where the surgeon needs direct visualization may be better served by traditional open techniques. Our podiatrists will never recommend MIS simply because it sounds appealing — the right surgical approach is always the one that offers the best outcome for your specific condition. Learn more about alternatives to bunion surgery and how to know when foot surgery is appropriate.
The MIS Procedure: What to Expect
Minimal incision surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure — either in our office or at our surgical facility depending on the specific procedure. Patients go home the same day following a brief period of monitored recovery.
Pre-Operative Evaluation and Planning
Before any MIS procedure, we conduct a thorough evaluation that includes a detailed medical history, a physical examination of the affected foot and ankle, and weight-bearing X-rays to assess bone alignment and deformity severity. We discuss your symptoms, your activity goals, and your expectations for the outcome. For a useful overview of what preparation looks like, see our guide on scheduling foot surgery in Idaho.
Anesthesia and the Procedure
In most cases, MIS is performed using only local anesthesia applied directly to the foot — the foot is simply asleep while you remain awake and comfortable. The surgeon creates one or more small incisions or puncture sites near the area being treated, introduces specialized instruments, and uses continuous fluoroscopic imaging to guide the correction. Bony structures are reshaped or repositioned as needed, any fixation hardware is placed under imaging guidance, and the incisions are then closed with sutures or steri-strips. Most MIS procedures take between 30 and 90 minutes depending on the complexity of the condition.
Immediate Post-Operative Care
After the procedure you will spend time in a recovery area where staff will monitor your comfort, circulation, and response to the procedure. You will be given detailed written instructions covering wound care, activity restrictions, pain management, and signs of potential complications to watch for. A responsible adult must drive you home and assist you for the first day or two following surgery.
Follow-Up Schedule
Regular follow-up appointments at our Twin Falls or Burley office allow our team to monitor your healing, remove sutures, take interval X-rays to confirm bone healing progress, and guide your gradual return to normal footwear and activity. Follow-up visits are typically scheduled at two weeks, six weeks, and three months following surgery.
The Role of Fluoroscopic Imaging
Fluoroscopic guidance is central to the safety and accuracy of minimal incision procedures. Because the surgeon cannot visualize the operative field directly through such small openings, continuous imaging allows precise placement of instruments and real-time assessment of bone position and correction. This technology enables the surgeon to confirm that the correction is accurate before completing the procedure, reducing the likelihood of under-correction or the need for revision surgery.
Recovery Timeline and Post-Operative Care
Recovery after MIS is influenced by the specific procedure performed, the condition treated, and individual patient factors. The following general timeline gives patients a realistic picture of what to expect. Your surgical team will provide a personalized recovery plan based on your procedure.
First Two Weeks
- Wound Care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry and change dressings as instructed by your care team
- Elevation: Keep your foot elevated above heart level as much as possible to reduce swelling, especially during the first several days
- Weight Bearing: Depending on your procedure, you may bear weight in a surgical shoe or remain non-weight-bearing for a limited period as directed
- Pain Management: Take prescribed or recommended medications as directed to stay comfortable and reduce inflammation
- Activity Restrictions: Limit walking and standing to what is necessary and avoid activities that stress the operative site
Weeks Two to Six
- Suture Removal: Sutures are typically removed around the two-week mark at your follow-up appointment
- Gradual Activity Increase: Begin gradually increasing walking time and duration as tolerated and as directed by your surgeon
- Continued Boot or Shoe Use: Continue wearing the protective boot or surgical shoe until cleared for regular footwear
- X-Ray Monitoring: Follow-up imaging confirms that bones are healing correctly in their corrected position
- Physical Therapy: Gentle range-of-motion exercises may be introduced to maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness
Weeks Six to Twelve
- Transition to Regular Shoes: Many patients transition to supportive athletic shoes or wider dress shoes during this phase
- Resuming Daily Activities: Normal daily activities including work in sedentary or light-activity settings can typically be resumed
- Orthotic Support: Our team may recommend custom orthotics to support the corrected foot structure and prevent future problems
- Swelling Resolution: Residual swelling is normal and will continue to decrease, though minor swelling may persist for several months
Full Recovery: Three to Six Months
- Bone Healing Complete: Structural bone healing is typically complete by three to six months following surgery
- Return to Sports and Exercise: Most patients can return to running, sports, and higher-impact activities as healing is confirmed
- Expanded Footwear Choices: As the foot stabilizes in its corrected position, footwear options expand considerably
- Long-Term Outcomes: Patients enjoy the structural correction and symptom relief that motivated the decision to pursue surgery
Optimizing Your Recovery
Good nutrition, adequate sleep, avoiding smoking and alcohol, following all post-operative instructions faithfully, and attending every scheduled follow-up appointment all contribute significantly to a smooth and timely recovery. If you notice unusual swelling, increasing pain, redness, drainage from the wound site, or fever, contact our office promptly. For additional guidance on what to expect during foot surgery recovery, our team is always available to answer your questions.
Am I a Candidate for Minimal Incision Surgery?
MIS is an excellent option for many patients with painful foot conditions, but it is not universally appropriate for every deformity or every individual. During your consultation at our Twin Falls or Burley office, Dr. Pilling, Dr. DeVries, or Dr. Chandler will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether a minimally invasive approach is the best choice for you.
Characteristics of Good MIS Candidates
You may be a strong candidate for minimal incision surgery if you have a bunion, hammertoe, bone spur, neuroma, or other structural foot problem that has not responded adequately to conservative care and is causing pain or functional limitation. Ideal candidates typically have mild to moderate deformities that are amenable to correction through small incisions. Patients in generally good health without conditions that significantly impair wound healing are also well suited to MIS.
Conditions That May Affect Candidacy
Patients with poorly controlled diabetes, active foot infections, severe peripheral vascular disease, or certain neurological conditions affecting circulation and sensation in the feet will need thorough medical evaluation and optimization before surgery. Diabetic foot care is a particular area of focus for our team, and we work closely with each patient’s primary care team to ensure surgery can be performed safely. Age is rarely a limiting factor on its own.
When Open Surgery Is the Better Choice
Some conditions are better served by traditional open techniques. Severe bunion deformities with significant joint damage, complex reconstructions involving multiple bones, revisions of prior failed surgeries, or situations requiring the placement of larger fixation hardware may not be amenable to MIS. Our team will recommend open surgery when it offers a more reliable path to correction. You can explore additional foot surgery options available at Canyon Foot & Ankle to understand the full range of approaches we offer.
The Evaluation Process
Determining candidacy involves a complete review of your medical history, a physical examination of your feet and ankles, and weight-bearing X-rays to assess bone alignment and joint integrity. We discuss your symptoms, how long you have experienced them, what conservative treatments you have already tried, and what outcomes you hope to achieve. This thorough process ensures that our surgical recommendation is genuinely the best option for your situation.
Non-Surgical and Conservative Options
Surgery of any kind is appropriate only when conservative care has been exhausted or when the severity of the condition makes surgical correction the clearly superior path to relief. We always explore non-surgical options first.
- Custom Orthotics: Prescription orthotic devices redistribute pressure across the foot and correct abnormal biomechanics. Our team provides guidance on choosing between prefabricated and custom orthotics based on your condition and needs
- Footwear Modifications: Transitioning to shoes with adequate width, depth, and support often reduces pain significantly and slows deformity progression
- Padding and Protective Devices: Gel pads, silicone toe sleeves, and bunion pads cushion irritated areas and reduce friction from footwear
- Physical Therapy: Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises improve flexibility, reduce muscle imbalances, and optimize foot mechanics
- Anti-Inflammatory Treatment: Oral or topical anti-inflammatory medications reduce pain and swelling, and corticosteroid injections can provide more targeted relief when appropriate
- MLS Laser Therapy: Our practice offers MLS laser therapy for chronic pain conditions including tendinitis, neuroma discomfort, and post-surgical recovery support
- Activity Modification: Reducing or temporarily avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms while maintaining overall fitness through low-impact alternatives
In-Office MIS Hammertoe Procedures Now Available
Beginning in March, Canyon Foot & Ankle Specialists will offer minimally invasive hammertoe correction as an in-office procedure at our Twin Falls and Burley locations. By performing this surgery directly in our office rather than coordinating with a third-party surgical center, we are able to provide a more streamlined, comfortable experience for our patients while also making the procedure significantly more cost-effective and accessible.
A Better Experience From Start to Finish
Scheduling surgery at an outside facility adds steps, travel, and complexity to what is already a significant decision. Bringing MIS hammertoe correction in-house means patients come to the familiar environment of our office, work with the same team they already know and trust, and complete the procedure in a single convenient visit. There is no need to navigate a separate surgical center, coordinate with additional staff, or adjust to an unfamiliar setting on the day of your procedure.
MIS hammertoe correction is performed using only local anesthesia to numb the foot, so patients remain relaxed and alert throughout. The 1 to 3 millimeter incisions cause minimal disruption to surrounding tissue, which directly translates to less postoperative soreness, less swelling, and a faster return to normal footwear and activity. Most patients walk out of the office the same day.
Available for Insured and Cash Pay Patients
In-office MIS hammertoe correction is available to patients with insurance coverage as well as those choosing to pay out of pocket. Eliminating the third-party surgical center from the process reduces the overall cost of care, making this advanced technique a realistic option for a wider range of patients. Our team will review your insurance benefits and provide clear, transparent information about any costs before you commit to a procedure. For questions about coverage and costs, visit our insurance information page or contact our office directly.
What to Expect
The in-office MIS hammertoe procedure follows the same carefully refined technique used in surgical center settings. Your foot will be numbed with a local anesthetic, the correction will be performed through tiny incisions using fluoroscopic guidance, and you will be monitored briefly before heading home the same day. Recovery is typically faster and more comfortable than traditional open hammertoe surgery, with significantly lower rates of wound complications and a much shorter period of restricted activity.
Interested in In-Office Hammertoe Surgery? We encourage patients who have been considering hammertoe correction to contact our office to discuss whether this approach may be right for them. Same-day consultations are available at both our Twin Falls and Burley locations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minimal Incision Surgery
What is minimal incision surgery for the foot?
Minimal incision surgery (MIS) is a technique in which a podiatric surgeon corrects foot and ankle conditions through very small incisions or puncture sites rather than the larger openings required in traditional open surgery. Specialized instruments and fluoroscopic imaging guide the procedure, allowing the surgeon to work precisely with minimal disruption to surrounding soft tissue. MIS is used to treat bunions, hammertoes, heel conditions, neuromas, and other foot deformities, often resulting in less postoperative pain, reduced scarring, and faster recovery than conventional surgical approaches.
What conditions can be treated with minimal incision foot surgery?
At Canyon Foot and Ankle Specialists, minimal incision surgery is offered for bunion correction, hammertoe correction, stiff big toe (hallux rigidus), painful calluses caused by underlying bone problems, diabetic foot ulcerations, heel pain related to plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, and plantar wart removal. Not every patient or condition is a candidate for MIS, so a thorough evaluation by a qualified podiatrist is necessary. During your consultation at our Twin Falls or Burley office, our podiatrists will assess your condition and advise you on the most appropriate surgical technique.
Is minimal incision surgery safer than traditional foot surgery?
Minimal incision surgery carries many of the same general surgical risks as traditional open procedures, but the smaller incisions reduce disruption to surrounding tissue, which typically lowers the risk of certain complications such as excessive scarring, prolonged swelling, and wound-site infection. Both approaches are safe when performed by a trained and experienced podiatric surgeon. Your doctor will recommend the technique best suited to your anatomy, the severity of your condition, and your overall health rather than defaulting to one approach for all patients.
How long is recovery after minimal incision foot surgery?
Recovery time after MIS varies depending on the procedure performed and the individual patient. Many patients experience less pain and swelling than with traditional surgery and can return to regular footwear more quickly. Hammertoe corrections may allow a return to a surgical shoe and light activity within a few weeks. Bunion corrections may require a protective boot for four to six weeks. Full recovery, including return to athletic activity, typically occurs within two to four months.
Am I a candidate for minimal incision foot surgery?
Candidacy for minimal incision surgery depends on the type and severity of your condition, your bone structure, and your overall health. Patients with mild to moderate deformities who have not found relief through conservative care are often good candidates. Severe or complex deformities may require traditional open techniques for optimal correction. During your consultation, our podiatrists will perform a comprehensive examination including weight-bearing X-rays to determine whether MIS is the right approach for you.
Does minimal incision surgery leave scars?
One of the most valued benefits of minimal incision surgery is significantly reduced scarring. Because the incisions are very small, often only a few millimeters, the resulting marks are much less visible than those left by traditional open surgery. Most patients find that any remaining marks fade substantially within several months of healing. Proper wound care during recovery supports the best possible cosmetic outcome.
Does insurance cover minimal incision surgery?
Most major insurance plans cover medically necessary foot surgery, including minimally invasive procedures, when conservative treatment has been inadequate. We also welcome cash-pay patients, and performing procedures in-office eliminates the surgical center fees that often represent a significant portion of the total cost. Contact our office for details about your specific coverage, or visit our insurance information page for more information.
Twin Falls & Burley Locations
Twin Falls Foot Surgery Center
Our Twin Falls location provides comprehensive foot and ankle surgical evaluation, including minimal incision procedures, for patients throughout south-central Idaho.
- Address: 2190 Village Park Ave Ste 100, Twin Falls, ID 83301
- Phone: (208) 733-0436
- Fax: (208) 733-0438
- Services: Minimally invasive foot surgery, traditional open surgery, conservative foot care, custom orthotics, and laser therapy
- Advanced Technology: Digital fluoroscopic imaging, digital X-ray, and specialized MIS instrumentation
- Parking: Convenient on-site parking with accessible entrances
Burley Foot Surgery Center
Serving patients in Burley, Rupert, Heyburn, and surrounding Cassia County communities with expert minimally invasive foot surgery and comprehensive podiatric care.
- Address: 382 Overland Ave, Burley, ID 83318
- Phone: (208) 678-2727
- Fax: (208) 678-1477
- Services: MIS evaluation and procedures, bunion surgery, hammertoe correction, heel surgery, and wound care
- Specialized Care: Advanced surgical techniques alongside conservative podiatric management
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible facility with a patient-friendly environment
Areas We Serve
Canyon Foot & Ankle proudly provides minimal incision surgery and comprehensive foot care to patients throughout Southern Idaho including:
- Twin Falls, Idaho and surrounding communities
- Burley, Idaho and Cassia County residents
- Jerome, Idaho and the surrounding Magic Valley area
- Kimberly, Idaho and nearby communities
- Heyburn, Rupert, Declo, and other south-central Idaho communities
Schedule Your Minimal Incision Surgery Consultation
If a painful foot or ankle condition is limiting your daily activities, our board-certified podiatric team will provide honest, expert guidance to get you back on your feet. Whether MIS is the right approach or a different treatment path makes more sense, you deserve a thorough evaluation, clear answers, and a plan designed around your individual needs.
Ready to Explore Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?
Call Today to Schedule Your Comprehensive Foot Surgery Evaluation
Twin Falls: (208) 733-0436
Burley: (208) 678-2727
Most insurance plans accepted • Convenient scheduling at both locations
What to Expect at Your MIS Consultation
- Comprehensive foot and ankle examination by a board-certified podiatrist
- Detailed review of your medical history and current symptoms
- Weight-bearing X-rays to assess deformity severity and bone alignment
- Discussion of minimal incision surgery, expected outcomes, and recovery
- Honest review of alternative surgical and non-surgical treatment options
- Insurance verification and cost estimate for your procedure
- Opportunity to ask all your questions and address any concerns
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- A list of your current medications and supplements
- Your insurance card and photo identification for verification
- Any previous X-rays or imaging related to your foot condition
- The shoes you wear most regularly, including athletic and dress footwear
- Any orthotics or shoe inserts you currently use
- A written list of questions about MIS and your treatment options
- Information about any previous foot surgeries or treatments you have received
Prompt Evaluations Available: We understand that foot pain affects every aspect of daily life. Contact our Twin Falls or Burley office to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward finding lasting relief. Dr. Pilling, Dr. DeVries, and Dr. Chandler are committed to providing thorough, expert care and treating every patient with the time, attention, and respect they deserve.
Committed to Your Foot Health: Canyon Foot & Ankle has been serving families throughout Twin Falls, Burley, and south-central Idaho with expert podiatric care and advanced surgical solutions. Our podiatrists combine the latest techniques in minimally invasive foot surgery with compassionate, personalized care so you can achieve lasting pain relief, restore your mobility, and get back to the activities and life you love.
