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Bunion Surgery

Prior to and following the bunion surgery, a gait analysis, x-rays, along with appropriate laboratory and vascular analysis may be necessary. When your doctor, Podiatrist or Orthopedist recommends surgery, he will usually recommend the newer more advanced procedures known as Arthroplasty and Osteotomy.

There are many recent innovations that help make this procedure successful. Generally this procedure can be done under a local block anesthesia (an injection of Liodocaine, Marcaine or Dexamethoasone). An Osteotomy (cutting of the bone) is best performed utilizing a small titanium screw that has a hole down the center which allows for a very small incision to be made. These screws are very strong and will allow the bone to knit at a much faster rate and also allowing for earlier weight bearing. The screw is used to hold the bone in its new, corrected position. It is intended to stay within the foot and behind the joint for long term stability. Sometimes, however, this screw may become loosened and may have to be removed at a later date. The screw is only removed if it is causing irritation and this can be accomplished with a local anesthetic and a small incision on an outpatient basis.

Another innovation that has helped the advance of this procedure is the ankle tourniquet (a device that stops the blood at the ankle while the surgery is being performed). Following this procedure good splinting is needed to allow the toe to remain in a good straight position, utilizing the Angus bunion splint. In addition, earlier ambulation is encouraged with the use of the newer Cast Walkers. Full leg shower guards can be used with the walking boots. When the surgery is performed this way immediate ambulation is allowed, faster healing ensues and markedly reduced pain is usually the post operative course. When post operative analgesics are needed, Advil, Tylenol, or Cataflam are recommended, or some of the newer anti-inflammatories such as Voltaren.

Commonly Asked Questions About Bunion Surgery

How long does bunion surgery usually last?: Between 1 and 2 hours.
Will the surgery be painful?: There is no pain during the procedure and only minimal discomfort following surgery. Bunion repair requires only local sedation, the most commonly recommended post-surgical pain reliefs being Tylenol 3 and Advil.
How long will I be off from work following bunion surgery?: Most patients return to work within 3-5 days after the procedure. Some return on the same day of surgery.
Can I walk immediately after surgery?: Yes. It's an ambulatory procedure.
Can anything be done to avoid surgery?: Certain measures can be taken which provide varying degrees of effectiveness; these include orthotics and use of alternative footwear.
Will the problem re-occur?: In over 99% of our bunion repairs, the problem is completely corrected and requires no further treatment.

Bunion Surgery Video

If you're really interested in bunion surgery, this video clip of actual bunion surgery will show you the details of the procedure. You must have an application that will allow you to display mpeg video.

7.8 mb MPG Video Clip

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