Bunion surgery may be considered when a bunion remains painful despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. The aim is usually to improve pain, function and problems with shoe fitting, while correcting the position of the big toe where appropriate.
Mr Edward Dawe is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising exclusively in foot and ankle surgery. He has a particular specialist interest in minimally invasive, or keyhole, bunion surgery, and this is his usual approach where appropriate. However, not every bunion is suitable for the same procedure, and open bunion surgery may be more appropriate in some cases depending on the deformity, the X-rays and the wider clinical picture.
Surgery is usually considered when symptoms continue despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. This may include persistent pain, rubbing over the bunion, problems with shoe fitting, difficulty with activity, or progression of deformity causing symptoms in the forefoot.
The decision to proceed depends on the pattern of symptoms, examination findings, weight-bearing X-rays and the overall shape of the forefoot. The aim is not simply to remove the bump, but to choose the most appropriate procedure for the underlying deformity.
There is no single bunion operation that suits every patient. The choice of procedure depends on factors such as the severity of the bunion, joint shape, the position of the bones, the condition of the big toe joint and whether there are associated problems elsewhere in the foot.
Surgical options may include minimally invasive, or keyhole, bunion surgery, open bunion correction, and in some cases additional procedures to address related forefoot problems. The recommended procedure is based on the individual bunion rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery, often referred to as keyhole bunion surgery, uses smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. This technique is commonly suitable for bunion correction, but whether it is appropriate depends on the bunion deformity, the X-rays and the wider clinical picture.
The potential advantages of minimally invasive bunion surgery may include smaller wounds and less soft tissue disruption. However, it is still a real bony corrective procedure and recovery remains important. Not every bunion is best treated in the same way, and open surgery may be more appropriate in some cases.
Bunion surgery aims to improve symptoms by correcting the alignment of the big toe and reducing the prominence on the inner side of the foot. Depending on the procedure, this may involve cutting and repositioning bone, balancing soft tissues, and fixing the correction with screws or other implants where needed.
The aim is usually to improve pain and function rather than to produce a cosmetically perfect foot. Treatment planning also takes account of how the bunion affects the rest of the forefoot.
Recovery depends on the type of bunion operation performed. There is usually a period of swelling, activity restriction and modified footwear or a post-operative shoe. Return to driving, work and exercise varies between patients and depends on the procedure performed, the foot involved and individual progress.
Swelling can take time to settle fully after bunion surgery. Recovery advice is tailored to the procedure and will be discussed before surgery and reviewed again afterwards.
As with any foot surgery, risks can include:
The likely risks and benefits depend on the procedure being considered and the overall shape of the foot. These should be discussed in detail as part of treatment planning.
Bunion surgery may be considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment and the bunion continues to cause pain, problems with shoe fitting or functional problems.
No. Minimally invasive, or keyhole, bunion surgery is suitable for many patients, but the best procedure depends on the type and severity of the bunion and individual clinical factors.
Keyhole bunion surgery is a minimally invasive technique using smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. It can be very useful in selected cases, but it is not the right option for every bunion.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed. There is usually a period of swelling, restricted activity and modified footwear or a post-operative shoe.
Yes, recurrence is a recognised risk after bunion surgery, although the likelihood depends on the type of bunion, the procedure performed and other individual factors.
That is often one of the aims of surgery. Bunion correction may help reduce the prominence and improve shoe fitting, although outcomes vary between patients.
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Goring Hall and
Nuffield Haywards Heath Private secretary: Nicole Murray Tel: 07856 521034 [email protected] |
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