14 things to know about bunion surgery
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- Bunions are a direct consequence of hallux valgus, which is the deviation of the first metatarsal of the big toe.
- The bunion occurs when the hallux valgus puts too much pressure on the tissue and the tissue becomes infected and inflamed, causing the protrusion.
- Surgical intervention is the only effective way to completely and permanently eliminate hallux valgus and, therefore, the bunion.
The main causes of the appearance of bunions are: the hereditary factor on the one hand and the use of inappropriate shoes on the other.
As for the genetic factor, what is inherited is the predisposition and the way of walking that causes Hallux Valgus, not the bunion itself. As for the use of unsuitable shoes, we are referring to those that are narrow at the toe and cause pressure on the toes, such as high heels and ballet shoes, which is why bunions are more common in women.
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Bunions do not appear from one day to the next, but are caused by years of pressure on the toes and abnormal stepping patterns.
When the bump has already developed and become infected, resulting in a bunion, it can no longer disappear permanently on its own, but must be surgically treated to remove the deviation completely.
Here are some questions about bunion surgery that we think it is important for you to know.
What you need to know about bunion surgery
- Surgical intervention is the only way to definitively eliminate hallux valgus and, therefore, the appearance of bunions.
- There are several types of interventions to eliminate bunions, but the most common are with osteotomy and without osteotomy.
- Neither technique requires hospitalisation of the patient. They are performed on an outpatient basis.
- In the hallux valgus operation with osteotomy, the surgeon cuts the protruding bone to realign the toe: Hallux valgus surgery with osteotomy.
- In the technique without osteotomy, the patient is not "cut open", but three small incisions are made through which the surgical tools are inserted, reducing recovery times: Hallux valgus surgery without osteotomy.
- The bunion disappears when the toe is realigned, as it stops putting pressure on the tissue.
- In bunion surgery without osteotomy, recovery times are shorter, as there is less damage to the soft tissue.
- After the operation, a separator is placed between the toes so that the operated toe remains rigid.
- Both surgeries last approximately 30 to 90 minutes.
- Bunion surgery is recommended when the bunion causes pain and discomfort to the patient, as it will allow them to return to their daily activities.
- If the hallux valgus deviation is not corrected, there is a possibility that it may worsen and cause more serious deformities in the foot, such as claw toes or hammer toes, which are more complicated problems to treat.
- The price of the hallux valgus surgery with osteotomy is €2,790, all-inclusive.
- The price of the hallux valgus surgery without osteotomy is €2,290, all-inclusive.
- The assessment consultation with the traumatology specialist at Operarme is free and immediate.
As we can see, bunion surgery is the best option to eliminate hallux valgus and bunions completely. In addition, this will prevent the bunion from recurring.
Both options, with osteotomy and without osteotomy, are equally recommendable, although the latter will only be viable in patients whose deviation does not exceed 30º, so it will be the traumatology specialist who will determine whether the patient is a candidate for surgery.
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However, in bunion surgery without osteotomy, postoperative pain and patient recovery times are shorter, as the incisions made on the patient with this technique are smaller. This allows the patient to return to their daily activities more quickly.
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Medical disclaimer: All the published content in Operarme is intended to disseminate reliable medical information to the general public, and is reviewed by healthcare professionals. In any case should this information be used to perform a diagnosis, indicate a treatment, or replace the medical assessment of a professional in a face to face consultation. Find more information in the links below:
