Since the 1940s, surgeons have been performing minimally invasive bunion surgery. However, these techniques have evolved over the last two decades, and we are now in our third generation of minimally invasive bunion correction, providing benefits to many patients.
Bunions can be treated in many ways. Conservative, non-surgical treatments should always be utilized first. These include anti-inflammatory medication, wide toe box shoes, and various pads to prevent the bunion from rubbing against the shoe. Although non-surgical treatments can help manage pain, they cannot correct the bunion.
Bunions that continue to cause pain are corrected through various surgical techniques. The subtle differences in a patient’s exam and x-rays help determine what surgical technique is recommended.
For patients with a flexible (correctable) bunion and a stable joint in the arch of their foot, minimally invasive bunion surgery is usually the best option. Minimally invasive bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour to an hour and a half. It uses several small “keyhole” incisions and specialized instruments to correct the bunion and realign the bones.
When using a minimally invasive technique, there are many benefits for the patient which may include:
- Smaller incisions
- Decreased swelling
- Less post-operative pain
- Overall easier recovery
- Better range of motion in your big toe post surgery
By avoiding large incisions, fewer soft tissues such as the skin and muscle are disrupted, so the foot is less swollen and painful after surgery. This allows for improved healing of the bone, earlier weight-bearing, and a quicker return to normal activity.
Bunions are corrected through various surgical techniques and for some patients, minimally invasive bunion surgery is the best option. This outpatient procedure has many benefits for those suffering from bunion pain.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a painful bunion, schedule an appointment with Dr. Daniel Dean to find out if minimally invasive bunion surgery is right for you.
Dr. Daniel Dean is a fellowship trained foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon. He treats all musculoskeletal pathologies of the foot and ankle in adolescent and adult patients. He has specialized training in total ankle arthroplasty, sports injuries, flatfoot, complex fractures, and minimally invasive techniques in bunion correction.
