A bunion removal is a surgery to repair a deformity in the joint that connects the big toe to the foot. It is done by removing excess bone in the joint area.
A bunion is an inflammation and enlargement of the big toe's joint and the tissue around it. In some cases, the deformity is so severe that the big toe begins to slant toward the outside of the foot. Surgery to correct it is considered when:
If you are planning to have a bunion removal, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Your doctor will likely do the following:
Leading up to your procedure:
Depending on the complexity of the surgery, you may be given:
There are several types of bunion removal procedures. Generally, the doctor will cut into the foot near the bunion. The excess growth of bone will be removed with a bone saw. Depending on the degree of deformity, the doctor may need to cut into the bone of the toe. The bones will then be realigned so that the toe no longer slants to the outside. Other revisions may be needed as well. Improving the angle of the toe and repairing these bones may require a metal pin, screw, or rod. This hardware will help hold the bones in place. The incisions will be closed with stitches. A bulky bandage will be placed over the area.
Anywhere from less than 30 minutes to over 2 hours
Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. You will have pain after the surgery. Talk to your doctor about medicine to help manage the pain.
0-1 day
Bunion removal may ultimately result in better mobility with less pain. It may take as long as eight weeks after bunion surgery for your foot to be well-healed.
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
American Podiatric Medical Association
http://www.apma.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Podiatrists in Canada
http://www.podiatrycanada.org/fin_pod.html
References:
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.acfas.org/.
Ferrari J. Higgins JP. Prior TD. Interventions for treating hallux valgus (abductovalgus) and bunions. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (1):CD000964, 2004.
Wexler D, Kile TA. Frontera: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1st ed. Philadelphia; Hanley and Belfus; 2002.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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