An Overview of Bunion Surgery

Women are majorly affected by bunion. The reason being they are more likely to wear pointed and tight shoes. Bunion is the enlargement of tissue or bone around the joint either at the bottom of the little toe or big toe.

Different Types of Bunion:

Severe bunion: In this case, surgery is required to remove the enlarged portion of the bone, realign the bone and to correct the position of the ligament and tendons.

Moderate bunion: This involves cutting of the bone and placing it in its right position. The surrounding ligaments and tendons also need to be repositioned.

Mild bunion: In this situation, the enlarged portion of the bone is removed and the ligaments, muscles and tendons around the joint are realigned.

Tailor's bunion: It is the treatment of the fifth Metatarsal bone at the bottom of the little toe that expands externally and forms a stiff bony knot near the little toe.

Hallux Valgus: It is the structural deformity of the foot that makes the bones permanently inflexible. The surgery involves the removal of an abnormal bulge at the toe joint.

Arthritic bunion: It involves the reconstruction and replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial joint. Sometimes, surgeons also use replacement implants.

Bunion Surgical Procedures:

Bunion surgeries are typically done to

• Correct the alignment of toe and foot bones
• Realign the metatarsophalangeal joint at the bottom of the big toe
• Repair the soft tissue surrounding the big toe
• Relieve pain

Major Types of Surgeries to Correct Bunion:

Arthrodesis: In this surgical procedure, the arthritic joint surfaces are removed. Doctors insert wires, plates and screws to hold these surfaces together. It is usually recommended for patients with severe deformity of the big toe joint.

Exostectomy: Although this procedure seldom corrects the cause of bunion, doctors have to conduct exostectomy along with osteotomy for successful surgery. In this procedure, surgeon takes out the bump from the toe joint.

Osteotomy: In this surgery process, the joint is realigned by making minute cuts in the bones. However, these cuts are fixed with plates, screws and pins. Osteotomy is often combined with soft tissue procedure to maintain the proper alignment of the big toe.

Resection Arthroplasty: The surgeon eradicates the damaged part of the joint while conducting arthroplasty. An artificial joint is placed by scar tissue. Doctors pin the joint with wires which is removed post three weeks of the surgery.

Before deciding whether to conduct bunion surgery, doctors often consider a few factors including the age of the patient, their medical and general health history, the severity of the symptoms, their lifestyle and occupation and patient's expectations from the surgery.

Postoperative Care:

Postoperative management is important as it improves the short and long term surgical outcomes. Usually the doctors recommend appointing a physical therapist to ensure your foot heals properly and on time. The majority of patients who go through bunion surgery can easily reduce the length of their recovery period if they follow a few important instructions as follows

• Proper dressing and keeping the toe in the right position for successful healing
• Regular intake of the prescribed medicines
• Following doctor's advice concerning weightbearing
• Doing physical therapy and exercise as instructed by the therapist
• Wearing the right-fitted shoes

Most importantly, consult your doctor as soon as you notice any warning signs of infection.

Source : articlesbase.com