Bunion Surgery
Bunion Surgery Treatment
What is a Hallux valgus or bunion?
Hallux valgus or bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint where the big toe moves towards the little toe and the long bone (1st metatarsal) moves away from the little toe. This forms an abnormal angle in the joint causing stress and pain to the joint and soft-tissue around the joint, frequently with periods of joint inflammation. It is very often an inherited problem, but can also be the result of injury or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Bunion Surgery - Good Results
Unfortunately, there is no medical evidence to show that hallux valgus can be corrected other than by corrective bunion surgery. Fortunately bunion surgery is much more successful now; with predictably good results and a much quicker recovery. It can be performed as a day-case procedure under sedation and local anaesthesia, with recovery at home. Different procedures are used for bunion correction depending on the severity of the deformity. In our practice we use the scarf osteotomy for mild to moderate bunion deformity; and the modified Lapidus (TMTJ1 fusion) for severe or unstable/hypermobile bunions.
Tailor's Bunion Deformity
This is very similar to the bunion deformity (hallux valgus) of the big toe joint but less common. In effect the 5th metatarsal (long bone to the little toe) protrudes, making the foot wider (splaying) and the little toe joint becomes inflamed when being rubbed in footwear. It can be managed by wearing sensible wider footwear to prevent the rubbing. Surgery is usually straightforward where the 5th metatarsal is cut and slid back into correct alignment to reduce the splaying, remove the lump and re-align the little toe joint.
