Traditional methods of bunion surgery often include larger incisions to expose the patient’s joint or joints in order to make cuts and/or osteotomies to shift the patient’s bone and reduce prominence of the deformity. Following this, screws are often placed to hold the correction. Many physicians will then have their patient immobilized in a boot for an extended period of time which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient at times for the patient.
A minimally invasive technique involves multiple small stab incisions rather than one large incision(s). With this new technique, there is less risk for scar tissue adhesion, increased range of motion to the large toe joint and reduced swelling and redness surrounding the surgical site. Overall, this minimally invasive technique, which has been incorporated into our practice, increases overall patient satisfaction. In addition, this procedure cuts down recovery time and allows the patient to transition into normal supportive shoes much sooner. Although there is still hardware involved, the correction is solid and maintained with very little chance of recurrence.
If you are interested in learning more about this new technique for your bunion correction, please call or text to make an appointment to discuss the procedure with one of our podiatrists and see if this might be the best fit for you.