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What is Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?

Minimally invasive bunion surgery, is a procedure to treat a foot condition called a bunion or hallux valgus. During minimally invasive bunion surgery, a few small incisions are made to access the bone around the bunion, as opposed to a much larger incision made during an open bunion surgery that cuts across layers of tissue around the bone, causing more postoperative pain, a larger scar, and damage to the surrounding soft tissues.

A bunion is an enlargement of the bony prominence or soft tissue around the joint at the inner portion of the the big toe, resulting in the formation of a painful bump. The metatarsal foot bone that joins the big toe begins to drift inwards, in turn causing the base of the big toe to angle outward, resulting in a painful deformity. The main objective of minimally invasive bunion surgery is to realign the joint, correct the deformity, and to relieve pain and discomfort with minimal complications.

Who is a Good Candidate for Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?

You are a good candidate if you exhibit the following signs and symptoms:

  • Significant foot pain that limits your activities of daily living (ADL)
  • Deformity of the big toe: a drifting in of the big toe toward the smaller toes
  • Failure to obtain pain relief with changes in footwear
  • Unsuccessful treatment of pain with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Procedure for Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Minimally invasive bunion surgery is usually done as a same-day surgery with general anesthesia. The procedure will typically involve the following steps:

  • The skin over the bunion is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
  • A few tiny keyhole incisions are made with the aid of specialized instruments to access the bone around the bunion.
  • Through the small incisions, specially-designed instruments are inserted to create an osteotomy, or cut in the bone, and release the soft tissue, enabling realignment of the big toe joint.
  • Your surgeon may remove portions of bone, ligament, and tendon in the affected foot, based on the severity of the bunion.
  • The incisions are closed with stitches and a sterile dressing is applied.

Postoperative Care and Instructions

The general postoperative care and instructions involve:

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Some of the benefits of minimally invasive bunion surgery include:

  • Minimal post-surgical pain
  • Less scarring
  • Minimal swelling
  • Faster recovery
  • Small incisions
  • Minimal stiffness in the big toe

Risks and Complications of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Minimally invasive bunion surgery is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, there may be some minor risks and complications, such as:

  • Recurrence of bunion deformity
  • Continued pain
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Damage to nerves

Other Foot & Ankle Procedures

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Locations & Directions

  • Banner Sports Medicine Scottsdale

    7400 N Dobson Rd., Suite 201, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

  • Banner Health Center plus at Arcadia

    4200 East Camelback Road, Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85018

  • Banner - University Orthopedic &
    Sports Medicine Institute

    755 East McDowell Road, Floor 2, Phoenix, AZ 85006

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