Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery is the operation performed to correct the deformity caused by a bunion. A bunion(aka the hallux vagus) is a deformity caused by the enlargement of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe or the smallest toe. This small toe bunion is often called a bunionette or a tailor’s bunion. Bunions form mostly in women due to frequent use of tight, high heeled shoes. Bunions can also be inherited as a family trait or as a result of arthritis.

Bunions may cause pain and swelling, cause deformity in the toe, big toe drifts towards the smaller ones, inability to bend or straighten the big toe, shoes stop fitting. Your doctor might suggest you wear comfortable shoes with customised splints and orthotics. But if the bunion is too painful or the inflammation or swelling does not relieve with medication or rest and is causing functional problems, then you will need surgery.

If your doctor suggests surgery, there are different techniques at the disposal of a surgeon. They are-

Exostectomy – During this, the surgeon shaves off the bunion, often using it along with Osteotomy to reposition the toe. This procedure is rarely done and only for the most minor bunions.
Osteotomy – This is the most common form of surgery where your surgeon may make several small incisions on the bones and then use screws or pins to realign your joint. This can happen at the big toe or further down where the metatarsal meets midfoot.
Arthrodesis – When Arthritis inflammation leads to bunions, your surgeon will remove the parts of the big toe that has arthritis and place screws to hold the bones together as they heal. This is usually done with the most severe of bunions.
Post surgery, you may need to continue the bandage and dressing for around 6-8 weeks. Regular exercising and physiotherapy can help regain strength and help find your footing again. High heels should be avoided for at least 6 months.