Procedure overview
What is a bunion?
A bunion (hallux valgus) is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe or at the base of the little toe (in which case it is called a "bunionette" or "tailor's bunion"). Bunions often occur when the joint is stressed over a prolonged period. Ninety percent of bunions occur in women, primarily because women may be more likely to wear tight, pointed, and confining shoes. Bunions may be inherited as a family trait. Bunions may also result from arthritis, which often affects the big toe joint.If nonsurgical treatment fails, your doctor may suggest surgery, which resolves the problem in nearly all persons. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain and correct as much deformity as possible. The surgery is not cosmetic and is not meant to improve the appearance of the foot.
Other related procedures that may be used to help diagnose foot disorders include X-rays of the bone and foot. Please see these procedures for additional information.
Different types of bunion surgery
The type of surgical procedure performed depends upon the severity of the bunion, the individual’s age, general health, activity level, and the condition of the bones and connective tissue. Other factors may influence the choice of a procedure used:-
Mild bunion. For this type of surgery, the surgeon may
remove the enlarged portion of bone and realign the muscles, tendons,
and ligaments surrounding the joint.
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Moderate bunion. For a moderate bunion, the surgeon may
cut the bone and shift it to its proper position. Whether or not the
bone is cut depends on the severity and location of the deformity. In
addition, the surrounding tendons and ligaments may need to be
repositioned.
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Severe bunion. For a severe bunion, surgery may involve
removing the enlarged portion of the bone, cutting and realigning the
bone, and correcting the position of the tendons and ligaments.
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Arthritic bunion or big toe joint. If the joint is
damaged beyond repair, as is commonly seen in arthritis, it may need to
be reconstructed or replaced with an artificial joint. Joint replacement
implants may be used in the reconstruction of the big toe joint.
Reasons for the procedure
Reasons to undergo bunion surgery may include severe foot pain that occurs even when walking or wearing flat, comfortable shoes. Surgery may also be indicated when chronic big toe inflammation and swelling does not subside with rest or medications.Other reasons for surgery include toe deformity, a drifting in of the big toe toward the small toe, and an inability to bend and straighten the big toe.
There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend bunion surgery.
Risks of the procedure
As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur. Some possible complications may include, but are not limited to:-
Stiffness
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Numbness
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Swelling
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Delayed healing
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Infection
There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.
Before the procedure
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Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and offer you the
opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the
procedure.
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You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your
permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask
questions if something is not clear.
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In addition to a complete medical history, your doctor may
perform a complete physical examination to ensure you are in good health
before undergoing the procedure. You may undergo blood tests or other
diagnostic tests.
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Notify your doctor if you are sensitive to or are allergic to
any medications, latex, tape, and anesthetic agents (local and general).
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Notify your doctor of all medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking.
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Notify your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders
or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications,
aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. It may be
necessary for you to stop these medications prior to the procedure.
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If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should notify your doctor.
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You may be asked to fast for 8 hours before the procedure, generally after midnight.
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You may receive a sedative prior to the procedure to help you
relax. Because the sedative may make you drowsy, you will need to
arrange for someone to drive you home.
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Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.
During the procedure
Bunion surgery may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor’s practices.Most bunion surgery is performed under ankle block anesthesia, in which your foot is numb, but you are awake. Occasionally, general or spinal anesthesia is used.
Generally, bunion surgery follows this process:
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You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
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An intravenous (IV) line may be started in your arm or hand.
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The skin over the bunion will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
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If a local anesthetic is used, you will feel a needle stick
when the anesthetic is injected. This may cause a brief stinging
sensation. If general anesthesia is used, you will be put to sleep using
intravenous medication.
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The doctor will cut, realign, and possibly remove portions of
bone, ligaments, and tendons of the affected foot based on the severity
of the bunion.
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The doctor will close the opening with stitches and apply a sterile bandage or dressing.
After the procedure
After your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Your recovery process will vary depending on the type of anesthesia that is given. The circulation and sensation of the foot will be monitored. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to your hospital room or discharged to your home.Your doctor will give you specific instructions for caring for your foot at home during the first few weeks after surgery. You may be discharged from the hospital wearing a special surgical shoe or cast to protect your foot.
Once you are at home, you will need to rest and keep the foot elevated on 1 or 2 pillows to help reduce pain and swelling. Your doctor may also recommend that you apply ice and limit walking. You may be advised to use a cane or walker following surgery.
It is important to keep the dressing clean and dry. You should cover the dressing with a plastic bag or plastic wrap and tape it with plastic tape when showering. An alternative is to take a sponge bath. The stitches will be removed during a follow-up visit, generally scheduled about 2 weeks after surgery.
Take a pain reliever for soreness as recommended by your doctor. Aspirin or certain other pain medications may increase the chance of bleeding. Be sure to take only recommended medications. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection following your surgery.
Notify your doctor to report any of the following:
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Fever
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Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage from the incision site
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Increased pain around the incision site
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Swelling in lower leg of the affected foot
Exercises or physical therapy may be recommended to help the foot recover its strength and range of motion after surgery. High heels should be avoided for at least 6 months after surgery.
Your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.
Online resources
The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.This page contains links to other websites with information about this procedure and related health conditions. We hope you find these sites helpful, but please remember we do not control or endorse the information presented on these websites, nor do these sites endorse the information contained here.