Bunion surgery
Bunion surgery
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bony deformity affecting the main joint of the big toe. The medical term for a bunion is called hallux valgus. It is caused when the big toe tilts towards the second toe. The big toe position can worsen over time. Bunions are a common problem. They tend to run in families and are more frequent in women.
An operation is only recommended as a last resort, once all non-operative treatment measures for your bunion have been exhausted, and if your symptoms remain significant. Bunion surgery is not recommended for cosmetic reasons or to avoid problems that are not yet present.
What happens during bunion surgery?
In most cases the operation is performed under general anaesthetic (whilst you are asleep). Alternatively, you can have a spinal or regional anaesthetic, which just numbs the leg.
A surgical cut is made on the inside of your foot over the bunion. The bump is removed and the long bone in the big toe (metatarsal) is cut with a small saw. The big toe can then be repositioned straight and held with screws to allow the bone to heal back together. If further straightening is required, another bone in the big toe (proximal phalanx) can also be cut, repositioned and held with a screw or staple.
Once the operation is completed the wound is closed with stitches, local anaesthetic is given to provide pain relief for the first few hours after surgery, then a bulky bandage along with a surgical sandal is applied.
What are the risks of bunion surgery?
The risks of any operation generally relate to the anaesthetic and the surgical procedure.
You will be able to discuss your anaesthetic options and associated risks with the anaesthetist before your surgery. With a general anaesthetic, the risks will vary depending on your general health.
The main surgical risks of bunion surgery are listed below, but it is not exhaustive. These will be further explained in the outpatient clinic.
Swelling– The foot will swell after surgery in response to the surgery itself and the healing process. It will take more than six months for the swelling to settle.
Stiffness– The big toe usually remains stiffer than before surgery. For most people this is not a problem, however it can be an issue for athletes and dancers. This is often improved with physiotherapy once the bones in your big toe have healed.
Non-union– There is a risk the bones in your big toe that were cut will not heal back together. Patients who smoke are at a much higher risk of this complication. We will therefore ask you to stop smoking (including nicotine vapes) before surgery and while your big toe is healing. We can direct you to services that can help with smoking cessation.
Change of position– In some people the big toe gradually tilts back to the original position or more rarely the toe can tilt the other way. If the position of the big toe becomes problematic some patients may consider further surgery to adjust this.
Pain– Some patients may experience pain under the second toe (metatarsalgia), due to weight transfer changes after bunion surgery. Careful surgical technique can reduce this risk, but it cannot be completely avoided. This may require further surgery in the future.
Prominent metalwork– If the metalwork in your foot becomes a problem, you can have another operation to remove it. After six months the bones in your big toe will have solidly healed for the metalwork to be removed.
Nerve injury – With an operation there is always a small risk of injuring or stretching the surrounding nerves, which can lead to numbness. These symptoms mostly resolve in time, but they can persist.
Infection– The wound usually heals within two weeks. In a small number of cases the wounds become infected. The majority are minor infections that can be simply treated with antibiotics. Occasionally, some patients can develop a deeper infection that might require another operation.
Blood clots (leg or lung) – There is small risk of developing a blood clot after foot surgery. Measures are taken to reduce the chance of this happening but cannot be completely avoided.
Chronic regional pain syndrome – Following foot and ankle surgery a small proportion of patients can develop chronic regional pain syndrome. Your foot becomes indefinitely painful, swollen and sensitive. If you develop this, you may require specialist care from a pain consultant.
What happens after my operation?
When will I go home after surgery?
Most patients can go home on the same day of surgery. You may require an overnight hospital stay, if you have other significant medical problems.
Can I walk on the foot?
After the operation you can fully weight bear through the operated leg. Before you go home, the physiotherapist will make sure you are safe to get around on crutches. It is important to wear the surgical sandal continuously for six weeks to protect the operated area.
In the first few weeks keep your leg elevated as much as possible to help reduce the swelling and aid wound healing. It is important that your bandage remans dry and you may find using a waterproof cover helpful (www.limboproducts.com).
When will I be followed-up in clinic?
You will be seen two weeks after surgery in the outpatient clinic. Your wound will be checked, the stitches removed and a bunion splint applied. You are required to wear the surgical sandal continuously for a further four weeks.
You will then be seen six weeks after surgery with an X-ray to confirm the bones in your big toe are healing. If everything is progressing well, you will can then start wearing your own footwear. An accommodative soft trainer is best. You will be referred to our specialist physiotherapists and further appointments will depend on your individual progress.
When can I go back to work?
If you have a sedentary job (desk based) and are able to elevate your foot, you can return to return to work two weeks after surgery. If you have a more physically strenuous job, you may need longer off work.
When can I drive?
You can start driving when you are comfortably walking in your own footwear. If you cannot safely make an emergency stop, your insurance will not cover you in the event of an accident. Start by sitting in the car and trying the pedals, then drive round the block. Drive short distances before long ones. If you are having surgery on your left leg and drive an automatic car, you could consider to start driving sooner, but only if you are safe to do so.
When can I return to full activity levels?
It varies how quickly people can take up exercise again. You should though avoid high impact exercises for 12 weeks and then return gradually to full activity levels as your comfort levels allow.
When can I fly after surgery?
If you are flying after recent surgery you are at an increased risk of developing a blood clot in one of the deep veins in your body, usually the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). Please ask your surgeon for individual guidance on how long to delay flying after your surgery. Also, each airline has its own regulations about flying after surgery and you will need to check with your airline before flying.
Wellbeing Advice
Patients that have a healthy diet, take regular exercise and refrain from smoking are more likely to experience a quicker recovery with a more successful outcome from their surgery.
Taking vitamin C supplements for six weeks before surgery and six weeks after surgery can also be beneficial. You can purchase them from your local pharmacy or supermarket.
If you have any concerns about your general health and well-being (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) you are encouraged to discuss this with your GP, who will be able to provide advice on the options available to you.
We hope this leaflet has answered any questions you might have. If you have any further queries, please feel free to discuss them with any of the medical or nursing staff.
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Our Aim
Our aim is to help eliminate your pain and allow you to get back to the things you want to do, as quickly as possible. Experienced in the latest advances in surgery and rehabilitation, we want to get you back on your feet and help them last a lifetime.
Meet Our Team
Mr Arul Ramasamy
Consultant Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon
PhD, FRCS(Tr&Orth), DipSportsMed, MFSEM, MA(Cantab)
Mr Joel Humphrey
Consultant Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon
BSc(Hons), MBBS, MSc(SportsMed), FRCS(Tr&Orth)
Testimonials
My condition had deteriorated to the point that I was unable to walk for extended periods of time without pain and swelling of the ankle, and I would rarely be able to join in most family activities. The support and guidance provided by Mr Ramasamy were exemplary and enabled me to make a fully informed decision regarding the options available to me. Now, the pain is much more manageable and the stability that the treatment has provided is such that I feel that I regained a significant part of my life and as such my confidence.
I found Mr Ramasamy extremely professional and reassuring. On the day of my procedure I received the most efficient, organised and professional care in my life. Your nurses were the best I have ever experienced. Mr Ramasamy’s team, in theatre made me feel at ease and made the whole procedure more bearable. They go way beyond the extra mile for their patients.
I wanted to share my excellent experiences and compliment Mr Ramasamy and his team. I found him extremely professional and reassured that he understood how much pain I was in. On the day of my procedure, it was the most efficient, organized and professional care I have ever received – from checking into reception to being allocated a bay and taken into theatre – your nurses in the recovery area were the best I have ever received. Mr Ramasay’s team, especially in theatre, made me feel at ease, kept me informed throughout the whole procedure and made the whole procedure more bearable.
Treatments
Health care is the diagnosis, treatment,and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical impairments in human beings.
Frequently Asked Questions
After your appointment you will be emailed an invoice to be paid within 30 days via a bank transfer.
Our practice is covered by the major healthcare insurance providers. If you have private medical insurance, please contact your insurer to confirm that you are covered for your consultation and imaging appointments and whether you will need a GP referral. Please do this prior to seeing your Consultant. Your insurance company will provide you with an authorisation code which we will need when booking your appointment, along with your policy or membership details. All of this information can be obtained from your insurance company.
Depending on your specific insurance policy you may liable for some of the costs and there may be certain outpatient treatments such as joint injections and blood tests that may not be fully covered by your insurance policy. Please note, even if you are privately insured, you are entirely responsible for all of your consultants’ fees and that the contract you undertake is with your consultant and not your insurance company.
In most cases, your outpatient costs should be covered by your insurance company, but please check as this can vary depending on your individual insurance and excess policy. If you are a self-pay, new appointments are £200 and follow up appointments are £150.
If you have not seen the Consultant previously for this problem, you have a different problem or if it is more than 1 year since your last appointment then please book a new appointment.
If you are claiming through your health insurance, they may require a referral from your GP or therapist before authorising your consultation and treatment. If you are unsure then please call 01908 382 353 or email us on admin@mercuryfootandankle.clinic and one our team will be able to assist you. If you are paying for treatment yourself then you do not need a referral letter.
To arrange an appointment with one of our Consultants, please call 01908 382 353 or email us on admin@mercuryfootandankle.clinic
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