Choosing a Surgical Procedure for Bunions

Bunions are a very common and often painful condition. Medically known as hallux valgus, an estimated 33 per cent of women will develop bunions at some stage in their lives.

The term bunion refers to a swelling on the outside of the big toe joint which occurs when the big toe leans too much into the second toe.

For a long time, bunion surgery had a reputation for being very painful with a lengthy recovery period. Indeed, many people put up with their bunions for years rather than face surgery.

This was because older techniques involved cutting the bone and not using any form of fixation. Newer techniques introduced during the past decade enabled surgeons to fix the bones into the correct position, reducing pain and promoting a better, more controlled recovery.

Doctors are constantly exploring ways of moving from open surgery to minimally invasive or arthroscopic techniques, replacing large incisions with small 'ports' through which the surgeon works. In doing so, they can offer important benefits for the patient, removing or damaging less tissue, reducing scarring and the subsequent risk of infection.

Bunion Surgery Video: