Understanding Bunion Surgery: Types, Procedures, and Recovery

Bunion surgery is a corrective procedure performed to address bunions, which are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. Several surgical approaches are available, depending on the level of deformity and individual patient needs.

Common Types of Bunion Surgery

• Osteotomy: This involves cutting and realigning the bone to correct the deformity, often using the Chevron technique for mild to moderate bunions.
• Exostectomy: A less invasive option, this removes the bunion without realigning the bone, suitable for mild cases.
• Arthrodesis: A technique that fuses bones together, details about this procedure are still limited.
• Lapidus Procedure: Mentioned for bunion correction, but specifics are not widely available.

Minimally Invasive Approaches

These techniques use smaller cuts to reduce scarring and healing time, although further research is required for widespread acceptance.

Surgical Options Based on Severity

Factors such as deformity severity, patient age, and overall health are crucial in choosing the right surgical approach. Consult a specialized foot surgeon to discuss options.