Surgical Highlight: Bunions
Do you have a bunion? Has it grown progressively worse despite conservative treatments? Are you nervous about bunion surgery? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should keep reading.
Many of our patients worry about bunion surgery and want to know more about it. The truth? There are actually over 150 different recognized operations to correct bunions (Hallux Valgus). Although the techniques may vary, the goal is the same—realign the soft tissue and bone to straighten the great toe joint.
Your foot & ankle surgeon will determine the best surgical procedure for you based on the severity of the bunion, the degree of dislocation, your activity level, and your overall health.
For mild deformities, a bunionectomy is commonly employed. During this procedure, the bump of the bunion is shaved down, a process called an ostectomy. The tissues surrounding the joint are then realigned to hold the big toe straight.
For more severe bunions, an osteotomy of the first metatarsal (the bone just behind the big toe joint) or midfoot is performed. This achieves a more powerful correction. If the joint shows signs of hypermobility, a fusion of the joint (Lapidus procedure) may be necessary for a reliable correction.
The board-certified podiatrists at the FAAWC are well versed in all types of bunion surgeries and can help choose the right one for your unique needs. If you are tired of living with bunion pain, visit the FAAWC today to learn more about your options.
