The SPARE™ Method
The Five Principles of SPARE™
S — Surgery
Every procedure begins with meticulous planning and an individualized assessment of the patient's anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.
P — Preserving
Preserving healthy bone, joints, ligaments, and soft tissues.
A — Anatomy
Respecting the natural anatomy and biomechanics of the foot rather than unnecessarily altering them.
R — Restoring
The objective is not simply correcting an X-ray, but restoring comfortable movement, stability, and quality of life.
E — Endoscopically
Using advanced endoscopic techniques to minimize surgical incisions.
Surgery Preserving Anatomy, Restoring, Endoscopically.
Pioneered and refined by Dr. Fabio D'Angelo, the SPARE™ Method is an innovative surgical approach that rethinks how foot and ankle surgery should be performed. Rather than focusing solely on correcting a deformity, the SPARE™ Method is built on the principle of preserving healthy anatomy whenever clinically appropriate while restoring natural function through advanced endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques.
Every patient is unique. Every foot is unique. For this reason, the SPARE™ Method is not defined by a single procedure, but by a consistent commitment to preserving anatomy, restoring function, and selecting the most appropriate surgical technique for each individual patient.
Rather than adapting the patient to a procedure, the SPARE™ Method adapts the procedure to the patient.
Why the SPARE™ Method?
While the SPARE™ Method guides Dr. Fabio D'Angelo's approach to a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, it is particularly transformative in the treatment of bunions (hallux valgus). This is because traditional bunion correction has historically relied on an osteotomy — a surgical procedure in which the bone is cut and repositioned to correct the deformity.
For many patients, the prospect of cutting the bone is one of the main reasons bunion surgery is delayed or avoided. Because the bone must then heal in its new position, recovery involves a prolonged healing period, swelling, protected weight-bearing, and gradual rehabilitation before patients can return to normal activities.
The SPARE™ Method was developed to challenge the traditional approach. By preserving healthy anatomy and avoiding unnecessary bone cutting whenever clinically appropriate, it combines advanced endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques to reduce surgical trauma while restoring alignment, stability, and natural foot function. For appropriately selected patients, this innovative approach allows Dr. D'Angelo to treat a broad spectrum of bunion deformities while preserving healthy anatomy whenever clinically appropriate.
The goal is not simply to correct the deformity, but to help patients recover with greater comfort and confidence while achieving durable, long-term functional outcomes.
SPARE™ Method vs Traditional Bunion Surgery
| SPARE™ MethodEndoscopic TightRope® + screws when needed | Traditional bunion surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Incision size | Very small(endoscopic) | Larger, open approach |
| Soft tissue disruption | MinimalPreserves anatomy and surrounding tissues | More extensiveSoft tissues are cut and retracted |
| Fixation method | TightRope® + screws when neededTightRope® provides dynamic stability. Screws, when needed, secure the bone and maintain correction. | Usually screws and/or platesRigid fixation is standard and remains in the bone; it may require removal in some cases. |
| Recovery | Faster recoveryMay allow earlier return to daily activities in selected patients. Less post-operative discomfort and swelling. | Longer recoveryRecovery time varies depending on technique. More post-operative discomfort and swelling. |
| Risk of the bunion coming back | Low riskDr. D'Angelo uses his own technique to fix the toe and maintain correction over time. | Moderate riskRisk increases if surgery is done at a younger age or in more severe deformities. |
| Philosophy of care | Preserve anatomy. Restore function. Endoscopically.The SPARE™ Method prioritises preservation, precision and long-term joint health. | Realign.Focuses on realigning the bone through structural correction, often with more tissue disruption. |
All surgeries carry risks and outcomes vary by individual. Consult with Dr. D'Angelo to determine the best approach for you.
The SPARE™ Method
The SPARE™ Method incorporates advanced techniques, including endoscopic TightRope® bunion correction, as part of a personalized surgical plan designed to achieve the best possible long-term functional outcome.
Is the SPARE™ Method right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Fabio D'Angelo to discuss your treatment options.