See also:
Bunion Surgery
Bunion surgery involves realigning the joint into a better position. The procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic so the patient is not awake during the operation.
A bunion is a prominent bone over the inside of the joint between the foot and the big toe (the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint). It gives the appearance of the big toe pointing in towards the others. Surgery is used as a treatment option in severe cases which make walking or wearing shoes painful, and once all other treatments (such as padding, a bunion splint and orthotics) have failed.
Bunion surgery involves realigning the joint into a better position. The procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic so the patient is not awake during the operation. It is usually an out patient procedure, so the patient does not have to stay in hospital overnight.
The procedure involves the surgeon making a cut on the inside of the big toe joint and removing excess bone whilst also repositioning ligaments and tendons. The joint may be fixed with screws or wires, which may be dissolvable, or may be removed at a later date or in some cases, remain in the foot.
After the operation the foot will be immobilised, often in a cast to keep the bones in alignment. Crutches will usually be issued to help the patient get about. The foot is immobilised for 4-8 weeks. After this period, the foot will be assessed to check the bones have healed correctly. At which point full weight bearing may be gradually introduced.
