Surgery Most podiatrists who are members of the SCP are qualified to undertake nail and soft tissue surgery and can administer local anaesthetics. More complicated procedures are done by a Podiatric Surgeon.
Podiatric Surgery is the surgical treatment of the foot and its associated structures. It is carried out by a Podiatric Surgeon, usually as a day case procedure and often under local anaesthetic. Podiatric Surgery is available in many NHS trusts as well as in private hospitals and clinics. A Podiatric Surgeon manages bone, joint and soft tissue disorders.
Mr Jason Nandlal, a Consultant Podiatrist and a Specialist in Podiatric Surgery who works for both the NHS and privately, outlines the training involved, the most common problems and which patients are most likely to benefit.
Podiatric Surgeons are Fellows of the Surgical Faculty of the College of Podiatrists, whose qualification is registered under the Health Professions Council. Fellowship requires a minimum of six years post-graduate training. This includes a two to three year surgical residency within an approved centre. Podiatric surgeons acquire comprehensive knowledge of related subjects including pharmacology, regional anaesthetic techniques and radiographic interpretation, as well as an in depth knowledge of foot surgery.
The published "Feet First" report of the Department of Health & NHS Chiropody Task Force, heavily endorses podiatric surgery and commends it to all purchasers of health care services (NHS Executive 1085. 16M9/94). The high standard for fellowship, set by the Surgical Faculty of the College of Podiatrists, are reflected in the high levels of patient satisfaction. Indeed our best advertisements are the many thousands of patients who have been helped by podiatric surgery provided within the NHS. Over the last 20 years Podiatric Surgeons have pioneered the development of day case surgery under local anaesthesia. The rapid development of this new speciality is testament to the quality and cost effectiveness of our service. Results of several recent patient satisfaction surveys in different practices all show that over 80% of patients fell in highest bracket on a 1-10 Visual Analogue Scale of satisfaction in response to the service offered. Results show that this group would recommend the service to another person and that if they needed another foot operation they would consider podiatric surgery as their first and best option.
While many foot problems respond to non-surgical treatment, some are best treated by podiatric surgery. This is particularly effective for persistently painful conditions or where the foot is being affected by deformity.