Bunion Surgery

What is bunion surgery?

Hallux Valgus, commonly known as a bunion, is a complex deformity of the big toe (first ray) that causes the toe to deviate outward, leading to pain on the inner side of the foot and difficulty wearing shoes. Bunion surgery is performed to correct this condition, which involves a bony bump forming at the base of the big toe, often pushing it toward the second toe. This misalignment can result in pain, swelling, and problems finding comfortable footwear. The surgery involves realigning the bones, removing the excess bone, and correcting the deformity to relieve pain and restore normal foot function.

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Bunion surgeryndications

Bunion surgery is typically indicated for patients who experience:

  • Persistent pain: If you experience ongoing pain in the bunion area that does not improve with non-surgical treatments such as medication, orthotics, or changes in footwear, surgery may be recommended.
  • Difficulty walking: When the bunion causes significant discomfort or limitations in your ability to walk or perform daily activities, and conservative methods fail to provide relief.
  • Progressive deformity: If the bunion is progressively worsening, leading to increased deformity of the toe and surrounding joints, surgery may be necessary to prevent further complications and to realign the toe.
  • Severe joint stiffness: In cases where the bunion has led to significant joint stiffness or arthritis, making it difficult to move the toe or causing additional joint issues, surgical intervention might be required.
  • Failed conservative treatments: When non-surgical treatments such as custom orthotics, physical therapy, or changes in footwear do not alleviate symptoms or halt the progression of the bunion.
  • Cosmetic concerns: For some patients, the appearance of the bunion and its impact on foot aesthetics can be a significant concern. If the bunion affects your quality of life or self-esteem, surgery might be considered.

 

How does Dr Abramson perform bunion surgery?

Dr Michael Abramson employs a range of techniques to address bunions tailored to the specific needs of each patient. His approach includes:

  • Bunion correction: Dr Abramson utilizes advanced surgical methods to realign the big toe and correct the bunion deformity. This typically involves repositioning the bones and adjusting the surrounding soft tissues to achieve optimal results.
  • Bunionette (Little Toe Bunion) correction: For patients with bunionettes or bunions on the little toe, Dr Abramson applies specialized techniques to correct the deformity and relieve associated symptoms.
  • Minimally invasive keyhole bunion surgery: Dr Abramson offers minimally invasive keyhole bunion surgery, a technique that involves smaller incisions, reducing recovery time and post-operative discomfort while achieving effective correction of the bunion.

Dr Abramson’s expertise and advanced techniques ensure a comprehensive and effective approach to bunion correction, aiming for optimal outcomes and improve quality of life for his patients.

 

FAQ’s

Are there risks associated with bunion surgery?
As with any surgery, bunion surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, swelling, and complications related to anaesthesia. Dr Abramson will discuss these risks with you before the surgery to ensure you are well informed.
How long does it take to recover from bunion surgery?
The recovery period can differ based on the specific surgery and individual factors. Typically, patients can anticipate resuming their usual activities within a few weeks to a few months. Dr Abramson will provide a personalized recovery plan based on your specific situation.
Will I need physical therapy after surgery?
Physical therapy may be advised to help rebuild strength, flexibility, and function in the foot after surgery. Dr Abramson will assess your needs and recommend a therapy plan if necessary. For any forefoot surgery, expect swelling and some degree of pain/stiffness for up to 6 months.