Bunions cause pain and interfere with walking and wearing shoes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can help relieve the pain, but for many people surgery is necessary to correct the bunion deformity and restore foot function.
Bunion surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. That means you can go home the same day. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
PROstep MIS
Bunions are deformities that grow on the inside of the foot under the big toe joint. Over time they can cause the big toe to lean towards the second toe, causing pain and interfering with walking and wearing shoes. Bunion surgery is a great option for people who want to get back on their feet and start living their life again. However, traditional surgery requires a long recovery period and can be painful.
Thankfully, cutting-edge surgical techniques are revolutionizing bunion surgery and decreasing recovery times. One such technique is MIS (minimally invasive) bunion surgery, which uses smaller incisions and spares tendons, nerves and arteries during the procedure. In addition, MIS procedures typically lead to less post-operative pain and swelling than traditional surgery.
In addition to reducing pain and inflammation, MIS surgery also increases the surgeon’s ability to see the surgical area during the procedure. This allows for more precise cuts and better alignment of the toes. In addition, the MIS procedure reduces the chance of infection and leads to a quicker recovery.
One of the key innovators in MIS bunion surgery is Wright Medical, who developed their PROstep MIS solution. This MIS bunion surgery utilizes percutaneous, micro incisions to correct bunions, hammertoes and hallux rigidus, which minimizes the amount of damage done to the foot during the procedure. Moreover, the PROstep MIS system can be used by surgeons alone, eliminating the need for a surgical assistant.
Another innovative company in the MIS bunion surgery space is Stryker. Their PROstep MICA SOLO Procedure Guide streamlines the MIS bunion surgery process and reduces surgical time by providing a more predictable outcome for patients. Stryker’s procedure guide acts as a surgeon’s third hand, ensuring screw placement is aligned, stabilizing the head fragment and offering customizable adjustments.
As more patients seek out innovative solutions to their bunion pain, orthopedic companies are taking note. Many are investing in surgical training and marketing campaigns designed to educate surgeons and connect them with patients looking for alternatives to the traditional bunionectomy procedure. This will help drive adoption of these new MIS procedures and decrease the number of patients who suffer from the pain and complications associated with traditional surgery.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Bunions are a painful foot condition caused by misalignment of the big toe and its joint with the rest of the foot. Symptoms include skin irritation, pain, swelling and mobility problems. While bunions can be treated conservatively with a change in footwear, orthotics and toe spacers, surgery is often necessary when the bunion becomes too severe. Surgical options are numerous but picking the right procedure makes all the difference in your recovery. Minimally invasive surgery offers a faster healing time and less pain than traditional procedures.
Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions and advanced tools to realign the bones and soft tissues. This outpatient procedure involves making 3-5 mm pin hole incisions and introducing specialized instruments through these holes to correct the alignment of the big toe. Your doctor may also use a mini camera to see better inside the joint. This is called a percutaneous chevron akin procedure.
This method of surgery reduces the risk of complications like infection, pain and long recovery times. It also minimizes scarring, which is a big deal for patients who prioritize aesthetic outcomes. The lack of large incisions also reduces soft tissue disruption that can lead to more pain and swelling after surgery.
Traditional bunion surgery has a long track record and works for many patients. It involves a large incision on the side of the foot, allowing direct visualization of bones and soft tissues. The surgeon cuts and repositions the misaligned bones, often securing them with screws or plates and addresses any soft tissue imbalances. This method of correction is appropriate for most patients with moderate to severe bunion deformities.
The big drawback of traditional bunion surgery is a long recovery period. You are typically off your feet for six to eight weeks, icing and elevating the foot, in a cast or boot. It’s tough to get around and is a significant inconvenience. With minimally invasive surgery, you can walk right after the operation and are back to your regular activities much faster. Depending on the type of correction, you can resume full weight bearing in 24 hours (PECA) or two to four weeks (MIS Lapidus). This allows you to return to work and other activities sooner.
Traditional Bunion Surgery
Traditional bunion surgery is often referred to as an osteotomy, and is typically performed through large incisions with metal hardware. This type of surgery is effective at correcting the bunions but may require a lengthy recovery period and is more likely to cause complications in some patients, including swelling, pain, and stiffness. It is important to consult with an experienced foot and ankle surgeon to determine which surgical method is best for you.
To perform an osteotomy, your orthopedic surgeon makes a cut on the top of your big toe bone and removes the bony bump. They then realign your big toe bones by putting screws or pins into the bone. These hardware pieces help to stabilize the bone and reduce your chances of recurrence.
However, it is not uncommon for these hardware pieces to shift, break, or irritate surrounding tissues. In 10-30% of patients, this leads to the need for a second surgery, called revision. This is expensive, time consuming and frustrating for patients who are hoping to get back on their feet quickly.
Bunion removal surgery is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. It is best to discuss your options with an experienced foot and ankle surgeon who will examine your foot in a weightbearing position and use X-rays to determine your candidacy for the procedure. They can explain the benefits of each method, and help you to decide which is right for you.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery offers significant advantages over traditional techniques for correction of hallux valgus (bunion) deformities. Smaller incisions reduce scarring and healing time, while minimizing the risk of complications. MIS also allows patients to return to their normal activities more quickly than with open surgery methods.
In addition to the shorter recovery times and improved patient satisfaction, MIS techniques have shown superior radiographic results and clinical outcomes compared with open surgery. These advances in surgical techniques allow doctors to offer patients a safe, effective treatment that is cost-effective and provides better long-term results than previous treatments.
Post-Operative Care
The majority of patients who undergo bunion surgery experience a significant reduction in foot pain and improvement in the alignment of the big toe. To ensure proper healing and the success of your procedure, it is important to follow your doctor’s postoperative care instructions carefully. During recovery, it is recommended that you keep your foot elevated as much as possible to minimize swelling. You may also use ice packs as directed to alleviate pain and discomfort. You should avoid putting weight on your foot until your doctor advises you to do so. If you put too much pressure on your foot, the bones that were corrected by surgery could shift and cause the bunion to return.
On the day of your surgery, you will receive anesthesia to ensure that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. Depending on your comfort level, you will either be given general anesthesia or local anesthesia that will numb only your foot and the area around it. You will be moved to a recovery room where your doctor will monitor your condition. Plan to arrive at the hospital or surgical center 1 to 2 hours prior to your surgery.
During traditional bunion surgery, your surgeon makes an incision on the top of your foot near your big toe. Using the incision, they will cut, realign, and remove portions of bone, ligaments, and tendons as needed to correct your bunion deformity. After performing the necessary corrections, they will place stitches and close the incision. Typically, this procedure takes weeks to months to recover from, and can significantly impact your daily activities.
Minimal Scarring: With a minimally invasive technique, your surgeon makes incisions that are less visible on the skin’s surface. This results in a faster healing process, reduced risk of complications, and improved aesthetic outcomes.
Quicker Recovery: The smaller incisions used in minimally invasive surgery result in a quicker recovery time, with many patients returning to their regular activities within weeks. This allows patients to recover with a more normal lifestyle and reduces the need for post-surgical pain management medications.