Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery is performed to relieve pain and correct deformities caused by a bunion. A bunion also called as hallux valgus which is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big or little toes. This is known as a bunionette or tailor's bunion. Bunions commonly form when the joint is stressed for an extended period of time. Women are more likely to develop bunions than men, owing to their propensity to wear tight, pointed, and confining shoes. Bunions may be passed down through families. Bunions can also be caused by arthritis. The big toe joint is frequently affected by this.

Procedure

Before the procedure

Your doctor will do a complete physical examination and assess your health to identify any problems that could interfere with your surgery.
Several preoperative tests such as blood tests, urine sample, a electrocardiogram, and a chest x-ray may be required.
Your doctor may order special foot x-rays to help plan your procedure. These x-rays should be taken while standing and in weight bearing position to ensure that your doctor can clearly see the foot deformity. These x-rays help your doctor decide where along the bone to perform an osteotomy to straighten the toe.
Inform your doctor about any medications such as blood thinners which are being currently used.
Several factors will be considered by your doctor when planning your surgery, including the severity of bunion, age, general health and any other underlying medical issues that may affect your recovery.
Bunion surgery is done on an outpatient procedure. You will be asked to arrive at the hospital 1 or 2 hours before your surgery.

During the Procedure

Most bunion surgery is performed under anaesthesia that numbs the area for surgery but does not put you to sleep. The anesthesiologist will stay throughout the procedure to Monitor your Condition And administer other medications, if necessary, to make sure you are comfortable.
An intravenous line may be initiated and IV medication is given to your arm or hand, if general anaesthesia is used.
An antiseptic solution can be used to clean the skin over the bunion.
Depending on the severity of the bunion, the surgeon will cut, realign, and possibly remove portions of the bone, ligaments, and tendons of the affected foot.
The surgeon will close the wound with stitches and apply a sterile bandage or dressing.

After the procedure

You will be taken to the recovery room following post your surgery. Your recovery time will differ depending on the type of anaesthesia you where administered. Blood flow and sensation in the foot will be monitored. You will be taken to a hospital room once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert.
Your doctor will give specific instructions to take care of your feet at home. You will be discharged from the hospital wearing a special surgical shoe or cast to protect your foot.
You'll need to rest once you get home. Keep your foot elevated on one or two pillows. This is done to help with pain and swelling. Your doctor may also advise you to apply ice and limit your walking. Post your surgery, you may be advised to use a cane or walker.
It is critical that the dressing is kept clean and dry. When taking a shower, wrap the dressing in plastic and tape it using plastic tape.Take a sponge bath instead. During follow-up visit, the stitches will be removed. This is usually done two weeks after surgery.
Take pain medication for soreness and antibiotics to prevent infection as directed by your doctor following surgery. Aspirin and other painkillers should be avoided as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

Benefits

The following are the benefits after having bunion surgery:

Corrected deformity
Foot pain relief
Pressure relief
Toe alignment
Ability to wear normal shoes after recovery
Improvement of balance and foot strength

Risks

Complications are possible with any surgical procedure. Some potential complications include:

Delayed healing
Stiffness
Numbness
Swelling
Infection

Bunion Surgery Care at Medicover

Other complications include the recurrence of the bunion, nerve damage, and continuous pain. Overcorrection of the problem may lead to extension of the big toe away from the other toes.

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Citations

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/bunion-surgery

https://www.northshore.org/healthresources/encyclopedia/encyclopedia.aspx?DocumentHwid=hw33928

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/bunion-surgery/

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/tests-and-procedures/b/bunion-surgery.html

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony deformation that develops at the base of the big toe. It causes the big toe joint to protrude from the joint's base forming a bump.

2. What are the signs and symptoms of bunion?

A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe. Pain and swelling in the bunion area caused by long-term pressure from a shoe or boot.

3. How long do you have to be off your feet after bunion surgery?

You should always keep your foot dry and stay off your feet for 3 to 5 days after surgery. You can use a walker, cane, knee scooter, or crutches.

4. How painful is it after bunion surgery?

You may experience mild pain and swelling will slowly improve after 6 weeks. You have to wear a cast or a special type of shoe to keep it in an accurate position for 3 to 6 weeks.

5. Are bunions hereditary?

Bunions are most commonly caused by an inherited faulty formation of the foot and also certain foot types that predispose a person to developing a bunion.

6. Do over-the-counter pads and splints really work in bunion surgery?

Pads placed over the bunion area may help minimise pain from a bunion. However, padding and splinting cannot reverse a bunion deformity.

7. What is the newest bunion surgery?

Lapiplasty is a new procedure that uses patented technology to treat not only the bunion but also its underlying cause. It straightens the metatarsal bone in three dimensions.

8. When is the most pain felt after bunion surgery?

Bunion surgery typically causes pain for the first 48 hours after surgery and then subsides. The most painful time is when the local anaesthesia used to numb your foot wears off completely. Ice, elevation of foot and pain medication are the best ways to manage your pain.

9. Do all bunions require surgical treatment?

Bunions can be managed conservatively to reduce pain. However, the only way to properly correct the bunion deformity is surgical. Ultimately increasing severity of symptoms(pain, loss of motion, aesthetics etc) is the motivation to consider surgical correction.

10. Is physical therapy necessary after surgery?

Yes. Physical therapy is required following surgery to regain toe motion, break up scar tissue, and reduce swelling. It is normal to experience some weakness in foot following surgery. A physical therapist can assist you to regain strength and balance. This is usually started two and a half weeks after the procedure and continues until your goals are met.