Bunion Removal Overview

A bunion removal is a surgery to repair a deformity in the joint that connects the big toe to the foot. It is done by removing excess bone in the joint area.

Bunion © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

• Physical exam, especially of your foot
• Foot x-rays
• Blood work

Leading up to your procedure:

• Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin )
• Blood thinners, like clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)
• Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
• Arrange for help at home after the procedure.
• The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
• You may be asked to shower the morning of your procedure. You may be asked to use a special antibacterial soap.

Anesthesia

Depending on the complexity of the surgery, you may be given:

• Local anesthesia—The area will be numbed.
• General anesthesia—You will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

There are several types of bunion removal procedures. Generally, the doctor will cut into the foot near the bunion. The excess growth of bone will be removed with a bone saw. Depending on the degree of deformity, the doctor may need to cut into the bone of the toe. The bones will then be realigned so that the toe no longer slants to the outside. Other revisions may be needed as well. Improving the angle of the toe and repairing these bones may require a metal pin, screw, or rod. This hardware will help hold the bones in place. The incisions will be closed with stitches. A bulky bandage will be placed over the area.

How Long Will It Take?

Anywhere from less than 30 minutes to over 2 hours

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. You will have pain after the surgery. Talk to your doctor about medicine to help manage the pain.

Average Hospital Stay

0-1 day

Postoperative Care

• Your foot will be bandaged. You may need to wear a special postoperative shoe for several weeks.

• You will be given instructions about whether you may bear weight on your foot. You may need to wear a splint or cast. You may need to use crutches or a walker for a brief time.

• To keep the swelling down, you should ice your foot. Wrap ice in a towel; do not apply it directly to your skin. Keep your foot propped up on pillows for several days.

• After your foot has healed sufficiently, you may need to do specific exercises or physical therapy. They will help you regain strength, flexibility, and stamina in your feet.

• Discuss with your doctor the kind of footwear you should use. Make sure that it fits correctly.

• If pins were used in your feet, you may need to have these removed several weeks after your operation.

• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions .

Bunion removal may ultimately result in better mobility with less pain. It may take as long as eight weeks after bunion surgery for your foot to be well-healed.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/

American Podiatric Medical Association
http://www.apma.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/

Podiatrists in Canada
http://www.podiatrycanada.org/fin_pod.html

References:

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.acfas.org/ .

Ferrari J. Higgins JP. Prior TD. Interventions for treating hallux valgus (abductovalgus) and bunions. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (1):CD000964, 2004.

Wexler D, Kile TA. Frontera: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1st ed. Philadelphia; Hanley and Belfus; 2002.