Bunion surgery fixes a bony outgrowth at the base of the big toe.
The growth is called a “bunion” orhallux valgus, and it forces the toe inward.
Surgery for a bunion is not usually the first treatment option.
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What Is Bunion Surgery?
Bunions form along the big toe.
Outgrowths on the other side of the foot just below the pinky toe are calledbunionettes.
These growths can also be fixed with bunion surgery.
Instead, bunion surgery involves removing the bony outgrowth and cutting and straightening the affected toe bone.
The surgeon will also reposition thetendonsandligamentsin the foot.
Open vs. Minimally-Invasive Bunion Surgery
Bunion surgery can be done in a couple of ways.
Types of Bunion Surgery
There are over 150 types of surgeries for bunions.
This is called soft tissue repair.
Who Cannot Have Bunion Surgery?
What Are the Risks of Bunion Surgery?
Any surgery has risks.
There are also some specific risks of having bunion surgery that you should know about.
The first step is to contact your insurance provider and ask how much they will cover.
Then, it’s possible for you to get an idea of what theout-of-pocket costsfor bunion surgery might be.
Where Is Bunion Surgery Done?
Bunion surgery can be done in a hospital, a surgical center, or an office by anorthopedic surgeonorpodiatrist.
The exact timing will depend on the pop in of anesthesia you will be having during the procedure.
Do not wear any jewelry, including anybody piercings.
You could also bring shorts to change into before you go home.
You will need someone to take you home after your surgery is done.
Then, you will be wheeled into the operating room on a gurney.
During the Surgery
Bunion surgery can be done under local, general, or spinal anesthesia.
In most cases, only one foot is operated on during the procedure.
If you better have a bunion on your other foot removed, a second surgery can be scheduled.
After the Surgery
In the recovery room, a nurse will monitor your vital signs.
Finding a comfortable way to sleep after bunion surgery may take some trial and error.
You’ll go back to see your surgeon about one to two weeks after you have bunion surgery.
At this appointment, your dressings will be changed and your stitches will be removed.
The width of your forefoot will not change much after bunion surgery.
In fact, the average correction of forefoot width is just a fraction of an inch.
For example, you might need a second bunion surgery if the bones do not heal after anosteotomyand realignment.
Surgical correction of bunion recurrence can be challenging and require a lot of skill.
Your toes should have enough wiggle room and good arch support.
If you have to wear shoes with a narrower toe box, only do so for a short time.
Some studies have shown thatmaintaining a healthy body weightfor your height also helps prevent bunion recurrence.
The key in of bunion surgery you need will depend on how serious the bunion is.
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Edwards WHB.Avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head.Foot Ankle Clin.
Cleveland Clinic.Bunion Surgery (Bunionectomy).
Raikin SM, Miller AG, Daniel J.Recurrence of hallux valgus: a review.Foot Ankle Clin.
