Bunion Removal
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Definition
Bunion removal is surgery to treat deformed bones of the big toe and foot. For more information on this type of deformity, see: Bunion
Alternative Names
Bunionectomy; Hallux valgus correction
Description
You will be awake during the procedure. You will be given anesthesia (numbing medicine) so that you will not feel pain and medicines to help you relax.
The surgeon makes a cut to around the toe joint and bones. The surgeon repairs the deformed joint and bones using pins, screws, plates, or a cast to keep the bones in place.
The surgeon may repair the bunion by:
- Making certain tendons or ligaments shorter or longer
- Arthrodesis, which involves taking out the damaged part of the joints and then using screws, wires, or a plate to hold the joint together
- Shaving off the bump on the toe joint
- Removing the damaged part of the joint
- Cutting parts of the bones on each side of the toe joint, then putting them in their proper position. This is called an osteotomy.
Why the Procedure Is Performed
Your doctor may recommend this surgery if you have a bunion that hasn't gotten better with other treatments, such as shoes with a wider toe box. A bunion is when your big toe points toward your second toe, forming a bump.
Bunion surgery corrects the deformity and relieves pain caused by the bump.
References
Richardson EG. Disorders of the hallux. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds.
Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 78.
Review Date: 2/19/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Bunionectomy; Hallux valgus correction
After the Procedure
Most people go home the same day they have bunion removal surgery.
You should keep your foot propped up and protected from injury while it heals.
Your doctor will tell you how much weight you can put on your foot.
Full recovery may take 3 to 5 months.
Outlook (Prognosis)
You should have less pain after your bunion is removed. You should also be able to walk more easily. This surgery does repair some of the deformity of your foot, but it will not give you a perfect-looking foot.
References
Richardson EG. Disorders of the hallux. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds.
Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 78.
Review Date: 2/19/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Bunionectomy; Hallux valgus correction
Risks
Risks for any anesthesia include:
Risks for any type of surgery include:
Risks for bunion surgery include:
- Numbness in the big toe
- The wound does not heal well
- The surgery does not correct the problem
- Nerve damage
- Persistent pain
References
Richardson EG. Disorders of the hallux. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds.
Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 78.
Review Date: 2/19/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: 2/19/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.