| For a short video of the surgical procedure for dealing with bunions, please click here |
| WHAT IS A BUNION? |
Also known as hallux valgus this
is a malalignment of the big toe joint which causes the big
toe to go off at an angle. As a result the big toe starts to
crowd the smaller toes. It makes the foot wider which causes
footwear fitting difficulties and also can give rise to pain
within the big toe joint and the development of painful calluses.
Because the big toes joint does not bear weight normally it
can also cause pain under the second knuckle joint which will
feel like walking on a marble. Although this foot problem can
be made worse by certain shoe types it is an inherited condition. |
| AIMS OF SURGERY |
To correct position of toe, prevent
footwear irritation and improve appearance. |
| ANAESTHETIC |
Local anaesthetic: Local anaesthetic
with sedation. General Anaesthetic |
OVERVIEW |
| Operation time |
30mins |
| Incision placement |
To the side of the big toe joint,
so when you look down at your foot when standing the scar cannot
be seen. |
| Stitches |
We use dissolvable stitches where
possible. |
| Will I have wires? |
Yes, usually a combination of small
screws and wires which are countersunk into the bones. These
ensure that the bones heal in the position that the surgeon
aligned them in |
| When do I go home? |
You are usually able to go home
the same day. You must have a responsible adult to stay with
you. |
| Time off work |
Varies according to the nature of
your work and the surgery required but usually is 6 weeks. |
| INDICATIONS FOR SURGERY |
Pain from the big toe joint. Difficulty
with shoe fit. Crowding of the small toes leading to deformity
and painful corns and calluses. Failure of conservative care
e.g. padding , splints and changing shoes. |
| ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS |
Manage your symptoms by altering
activity levels, use of painkillers, change in footwear possibly
with a foot support. The use of insoles / orthotics will not
correct your bunion. |
| GENERAL RISKS OF SURGERY |
- Infection(minor&serious)
- Scar problems
- Postoperative pain
- Loss of sensation
- Postoperative swelling
|
- Failure of the operation
- Medication side-effects
- Blood clots
- Chronic pain / swelling
|
|
| SPECIFIC RISKS RELATED TO THIS OPERATION |
- Recurrence
- Stiff toe joint
|
|
- Pain under the ball of the foot due
to change of weight distribution
|
| RECOVERY TIME |
Most patients can return to normal
footwear (eg training or lace up shoes) and driving 2 weeks
following surgery so long as there have been no post operative
complications |
