One example, arthritis of the big toe is better treated with early surgery as the patient is more functional post-operative. If the arthritis worsens and move into an advanced stage, surgical options become limited. When extremely advanced, the treatment options include joint replacement or a fusion of the joint. Foot surgery as a treatment has seen major improvements. Surgical equipment is now more sophisticated and there are surgeons who have expertise in performing the procedures.
Laser surgery is a modern technique that can only be used on soft tissue.
It is more difficult to control the laser when cutting through the bone. A scalpel still works equally well for all procedures. The use of anesthesia in foot surgery has also changed. Regional rather than general anesthesia is not used for all forefoot surgery and most midfoot surgery. There are two advantages to regional anesthesia.