MINIMALLY INVASIVE BUNION SURGERY
Author : advanced footsurgery | Published On : 29 Jan 2024
In the past century over the last 100 years, more than 100 distinct techniques have been outlined for treating bunions. The objective of any bunion surgery is to restore normal biomechanics and shape of the foot to ease pain and allow returning to normal shoes.
Minimally Invasive (Keyhole) Bunion Correction
Correction of the bunion using surgical cuts to the bone (osteotomies) is the most popular procedure and a majority of bunions respond to this treatment. Dr Reza is a Foot surgeon in Perth who performs minimally the most invasive (keyhole) bunion surgeries for the majority of patients suffering from bunions.
In a minimally invasive (keyhole) bunion correction procedure, small incisions are made along the sides of the large toe. Under x-ray guidance cutting burrs are utilized through these keyholes to make the corrective bone cuts on both the 1st metatarsal as well as 1st proximal the phalanx bones. The bone cuts are secured using screws.
The benefits of bunion surgery using this minimally surgical procedure are fewer scars or soft tissue damage swelling, and pain compared to conventional techniques that require larger incisions. This generally means a faster recovery for the majority of patients.
Procedure
The patients are taken to the hospital at the time of their surgery as the surgery is performed under a general anesthetic, using an ankle block. An ankle block is the use of a local anesthetic on the ankle. It usually offers pain relief for a period of up 12 hours following the operation.
If, in general, someone undergoes surgery on a foot then they can go back to their home the day of surgery. If they have had bunions treated on both feet, it is suggested to stay in the hospital for a night.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Patients are permitted to walk at a full weight bearing in the shoes with a stiff sole from when they have surgery. On average, crutches will be necessary for the first five to ten days following surgery for stability and comfort, however, it's fine to remove the crutches sooner if you are able.
Local anesthetic blocks generally will keep the foot completely pain-free for 6-12 hours. The most powerful painkillers are typically used for only the first three to seven days, and after that paracetamol is usually the only thing needed.
After the discharge, dressings, and bandages need to remain dry and intact until the 2nd week following surgery. In this period it is crucial to keep your foot elevated for all day long and with "toes over that of the nostril"! A strict elevation can help swelling go down more quickly, which means less discomfort and less risk of problems with wound healing.
Two weeks after surgery after surgery, the wounds are inspected. Exercises for a range of motion and rehabilitation exercises are initiated when the incisions are been healed. A simple routine of manually moving the toe back and forth is essential to avoid stiffness.
After 2-3 weeks, patients can move to a more supportive shoe as their swelling and comfort permits. The shoe should have a supportive sole that is firm and straight on the entire inner side (so that you don't force the big toe toward the smaller toes).
Return to Work & Activities
driving: Patients who have had left foot surgery can drive an automatic vehicle when they're walking normally and have stopped taking any strong painkillers (usually after 1 week). If they're having surgery on their right, or those who have a manual vehicle patients can drive as soon as they're wearing a normal shoe that is comfortable and can safely use the brake/clutch (usually 3 to 6 weeks after surgery).
Work Work: Desk and office workers can return to work after about 2 weeks, however those who do manual work that requires them to stand for long periods often need 6 weeks of complete rest.
Exercise Most patients can utilize an exercise bike, or elliptical training after 4 weeks. You can begin swimming after 4 to 6 weeks. Training with impact, like running or jumping is typically feasible after three months.
The bone cuts can take up to 12 weeks for complete healing and the majority of swelling will diminish by 3-4 months. In 6 months, most patients are back to their regular activities without discomfort or pain.
What are the Most Important Things to Know for Patients Thinking About Bunion Surgery?
There is no risk-free surgery. Therefore, patients must be experiencing enough issues with their feet to justify surgery and be aware of potential dangers. Minimally invasive surgeries are not recommended for certain types of bunions, specifically in cases of arthritis.
A recurrence of the bunion may occur and is dependent on the degree of the patient's preoperative deformity, the technique used, and their age. The incidence of infection is generally low and so are the chances of nerve injury or stiffness. There are also problems in the healing process of bone.
Diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, as well as prolonged use of immunosuppressant medicines (eg steroids), can be a reason for avoiding surgery. Patients with these conditions need to be evaluated by an orthopedic doctor (medical specialist).
Bunion surgery in Perth is covered by Medicare as well as private health funds only if it is it is performed by a orthopaedic physician (medical medical doctor).
