What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bony protrusion located at the base of the big
toe. This is actually not a new bone growth, but rather just the bone that is slowly being pushed outwards due to weak
structures in the foot or abnormal foot mechanics.
How do you treat bunions?
The only treatment for bunions is through surgery. Bunion surgery usually involves realigning the first
metatarsal so that the joint no longer deviates. This is done by applying
local anesthetic to numb the affected foot. In some cases, a sedative may be
used to calm the patient. The surgery usually lasts an hour or so and is commonly done on
an outpatient basis. The aim of bunion surgery is to restore the normal alignment
of the joints and eliminate pain.
What are the major types of bunion surgery? Types of bunion surgery
1. Traditional Bunion Surgery
Traditional or Typical bunion surgery is done by making an
incision, around 5 to 7 cm, to expose the bulging bone. Then a part of the metatarsal head is
removed. This process is called bunionectomy or exostetomy. The bones are then positioned and pinned in
place and excess bone is removed. In
this type of bunion surgery, expect swelling and pain after surgery. It takes
about 6 to 8 weeks for recovery to occur, during which time, crutches are required when moving around.
Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
This is a new bunion surgery technique, also called no scar bunion surgery or scarless bunionectomy, is less invasive
compared to the traditional type of surgery. This involves a very small
incision, around 5mm or less. Then a live x-ray is used to help the surgeon locate the
best place to cut the metatarsal bone. After cutting, the bone is repositioned to
its adjacent metatarsal bones to get the foot as normal as possible. Once
the bone is realigned to its ideal location, a pin is inserted to immobilize
the bone and the incision is closed. Minimally invasive bunion surgery is
virtually painless and the procedure is done as an outpatient basis. There is very little to no pain after surgery, and recovery time is only about 2 to 3
days.
