Bunionectomy
A bunion is a "bump" along
the inner border of the foot, along the base of the great toe and arch.
It is usually accompanied by drift or angulation of the great toe toward
the second toe. In many instances, there is a genetic tendency toward bunions
due to the inherited alignment of the great toe as it relates to the second
toe. Depending on the size of the bunion and choice of footwear, pain can
develop over the bump leading to limited mobility.
When symptoms are not controlled
by shoe orthotics and other non-invasive interventions, surgical correction
is needed.
Three major goals of surgery
include:
-
Removal of the bony prominence
from the side of the foot.
-
Realignment of the angulated
great toe.
-
Narrowing the gap between the
first and second toes.
The success rate of a
bunionectomy is quite high with over 90% satisfactory rating at five to
ten years post-operatively. To lessen the chance of bunion reoccurrence,
choosing proper shoe wear is important.
This procedure is performed
on an outpatient basis under general anesthetic lasting approximately one
hour. You will need to schedule a consultation with the anesthesiologist
prior to surgery to identify any possible problems and to answer any questions
you may have.
What to expect following
your surgery:
-
Swelling and stiffness.
-
Drainage/bleeding through the
dressing.
-
You may require ambulation assistance
(crutches or walker) for one to two weeks.
-
Dressing change every 10 to
14 days for the first eight weeks.
-
X-rays done every 3 to 4 weeks
to check healing process.
-
Pins removed at 4 to 6 weeks
based on x-ray findings.
-
Sutures removed approximately
7 to 10 days post-operatively.
At 8 weeks, you are released
to wear comfortable shoes although swelling may persist for several months
following your surgery.
If you are having problems with
your feet because of bunions, you should contact one of our physicians
to discuss treatment alternatives.
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