Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

The bunion (hallux valgus) is a condition where the big toe of your foot has a protruding bump on its base on the outside of your foot. The bump develops as your foot's alignment alters and causes the big toe of your foot to move toward your smaller toes. It can cause pain as due to pressure caused by the bump on your shoe or if the big toe touches the second toe. Additionally, pain may be experienced in the ball of your foot due to the big toe's misalignment.

Can Bunions be Corrected With Surgery?

The most effective, nonsurgical treatment for bunions is to wear wide-toed shoes and/or soft ones with "bunion pads" or toe spacers, and also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) for example, ibuprofen. Toe spacers and devices that help keep the big toe separated from the second one may aid in relieving pain, but they are not going to eliminate the bunion. Toe alignment is not going to improve with time without surgery.

Who Should Undergo Bunion Surgery?

Bunion removal surgery must not be performed for aesthetic reasons only. The procedure is done on people whose lives suffer from the pain and discomfort of wearing shoes, even after trying larger, more comfortable shoes.

If you've tried wearing more spacious shoes or padding toe spacers, or other methods but you still experience discomfort that limits your activities, you could be a good candidate for surgery bunion treatment.

What's the Procedure to be Used to Correct Bunion?

The procedure to correct a bunion is called the metatarsal osteotomy, also known as a bunionectomy. There are many methods to choose from however all of them involve cutting bones and repositioning them using screws of steel to align the toe of your big and lessen the bump on the sides of the foot.

The majority of the time, bunion surgery is thought to be extremely painful and requires an extended recovery. However, some patients benefit from modern, less surgical techniques that offer important advantages. In the past these procedures have been carried out through massive incisions however at HSS I have perfected two specific techniques for correcting bunions with tiny incisions.

What is the Minimally-Invasive Bunion Surgery Perform?

The minimally-invasive bunion surgical procedure can be done using a burr in place of a saw to cut through the bone. This permits the cuts to be done "percutaneously," or through tiny cuts made via the skin around the heel instead of the lengthy cuts that are typically utilized in traditional procedures.

In avoiding the need for large incisions smaller soft tissues (skin muscle joint capsule and joint capsule.) are damaged, meaning that the foot will be less sore and aching after surgery. The result is immediate weight bearing as well as faster healing of the bone and faster return to normal levels of activity. I provide two types of bunion correction that are minimally invasive according to the degree of the bunion:

• For moderate to mild bunions, I recommend the PECA, also known as the Percutaneous Chevron Akin, method. The procedure involves cutting off the first metatarsal bone, as well as that of the toe's big bone. and repositioning them to fix the alignment
• For serious bunions, I use the (minimally minimally invasive, or MI) Percutaneous Lapidus technique. This involves moving and fusing a joint to the arch and cutting the bone of the toe. We can fix the bunion on all 3 levels (including rotation) with my unique method. Although most surgeons employ the use of a large incision saw and large plates to perform this kind of treatment I prefer to use an emery burr and put screws through tiny cuts. Like the PECA technique, this procedure also permits early weight bearing with less discomfort a more pleasing appearance, and a quicker return to work and sports.

What are the Advantages of a Minimally Invasive Procedure Versus an Open Procedure for Bunion?

Minimally invasive bunionectomy is characterized by less discomfort, faster recovery time, and more attractive outcomes due to the tiny incisions. However, open surgery is the most effective treatment for extremely severe deformities. It also lowers the chance of recurrence for severe bunions.

I've observed that my patients who use the minimally invasive technique use fewer painkillers have a greater range of motion for their big toes and can return to regular shoes in less time than my patients who go through the open procedure.

Do I Qualify for Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?

It is possible to determine this by a physical inspection of your feet. This includes observing how you stand and taking weight-bearing X-rays that show your feet. If you suffer from a serious deformity due to other foot issues that require surgical treatment and treatment, you might require a more extensive open procedure. It is recommended to talk with the orthopedic surgeon for your ankle and foot to determine the best option for you.

How Painful Bunion Surgery?

The bunion surgery I do at the Hospital for Special Foot Surgery in Perth is not at all as painful as conventional bunion surgery. Every patient receives an injection of nerves that puts the foot in a state of numbness for 24 hours following surgery. Patients are advised to take acetaminophen and ibuprofen (Tylenol) for 2 to 3 days following surgery too. About half of patients require stronger medication and those who take just five or fewer pills.

When bunion surgery is carried out as part of a bigger foot procedure, pain could be more severe.

How Long Should you Remain off your Feet Following Bunion Surgery?

In every foot surgery, the patient should not be on their feet for the initial two weeks. In general, it is suggested to keep your surgical area elevated for 80 percent of the time in the first week, and 50 percent of the time during your second week. Depending on the kind of correction you've had and the type of correction you have, you'll be able to place weight on your foot within one hour (for the PECA procedure) or about two or four months (for less invasive Lapidus procedure). Most patients require at least two weeks off work except when you are working from your home. It can be longer if they must commute via public transport or drive.

How long Will it Take to Heal Following Bunion Surgery?

The total recovery time is dependent on whether you had minimally invasive or open surgery. Most minimally invasive surgery patients can walk around in sneakers normally six weeks after the PECA procedure or 8 weeks using the MIS Lapidus procedure (compared to between 10 and 12 weeks following an open procedure). Then, the activity can be intensified as tolerated by the patient. Jumping and running are not permitted for 12 weeks, however spinning, biking walking, swimming, and walking can progress in the manner that the patient can tolerate.

Recoveries from the Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Following the PECA procedure, you will receive a surgical post-op shoe. You will be able to bear the full weight in a matter of minutes, once complete sensation in your foot is restored. In the first 2 weeks following surgery, you'll need to be cautious about your activities and elevate your foot between 50 and 80 percent of the time to lessen swelling and allow healing of the wounds.

In the initial 2 weeks of healing, you will be fitted with the bunion splint to keep the postoperative alignment. In this period you will gradually increase the amount of walking you do and return to normal daily life.

How Many Months after a Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Will I be Able to Wear Normal Shoes?

It is recommended to wear the post-op shoe that is specially designed for about six weeks following the surgery. Most likely, you'll be able to wear regular sneakers after six weeks, based on the extent of swelling and your comfort. Most patients can wear comfortable, flat shoes and all boots and sneakers within three months post-operatively. Patients may experience a certain amount of swelling lasting six to twelve months following surgery, which can limit fashionable footwear. It varies for each individual, however, if different operations have been carried out for the foot for instance correcting hammertoes, the amount of duration required to get into regular footwear can be extended. In general, you'll be able to wear a normal sneaker around 10 to 12 weeks following surgery. You can expand your activities as tolerated after that.

How Successful Are Bunion Surgeries about the Potential Risks?

A majority of patients are extremely satisfied with the bunion procedure. If the patient follows the instructions for postoperative care carefully The results are excellent. There are some risks associated with bunion surgery in Perth, but delay in bone healing is a possibility during any foot surgery however it's rare. This risk is higher when patients undergo surgery too quickly (against the advice of a doctor) or have health problems that hinder the healing process of bone. There may be numbness around the area of the incisions that could be noticed following the procedure. The majority of the time, it disappears within 3 to 6 months. In rare cases, it could be persistent. Bleeding, clots in the blots, and other risks that are associated with anesthesia are not uncommon complications. The recurrence (the bunion returning) may occur following any kind of correction and the risk isn't recognized to be higher when you undergo minimally invasive bunion surgery.

Do Bunions Come Back After Surgery?

The rate of recurrence (a bunion returning in the aftermath of surgery) is around 20% for the course of a patient's life. Recurrences of a mild bunion are accepted by the majority of patients. The more severe recurrences of bunion pain that can cause discomfort and require further surgery are not as common. Recurrences can happen when the bunion was not properly repaired during surgery, or if the incorrect bunion procedure was utilized. It can also happen if patients fail to follow instructions for postoperative care attentively. Incorrection ("hallux varus") is possible, though it's less prevalent. Overcorrection or recurrence could necessitate a second surgery (revision operation).

What Can You Do to Prevent the Growth of a Bunion?

Bunions are hereditary, so certain conditions could make a person more susceptible to having the bunion recur. Any disorder that causes hypermobility and tissue flexibility could cause repeated occurrences. If bones aren't healed properly, the bunion may become recurrent. The use of sensible shoes (flat and comfortable) as often as you can will assist in keeping your bunion corrected.