Bunionectomy

Bunionectomy with Distal Head Osteotomy

Most bunions can be treated very effectively without surgery. But when nonsurgical treatments are not enough, surgery may be required to relieve your pain, correct any related foot deformity, and help you resume your normal activities. Our physicians will help you decide if surgery is the best option for you.

A bunion is one problem that can develop due to hallux valgus, a foot deformity. The bone which joins the big toe, the first metatarsal, becomes prominent on the inner border of the foot. This bump is the bunion and is made up of bone and soft tissue. Visit our bunions page for more information.

Surgical Options

A bunionectomy is performed to correct the deformity of the toe joint. One of the more common and effective procedures for removing bunions is called osteotomy, which removes a portion of bone from the big toe.

Once the bones of the joint have been corrected and realigned, they may be stabilized with pins, sutures, or screws. Depending on the type of osteotomy and fixation, a walking cast, splint or special shoes may need to be worn for several weeks. Normal activities are usually resumed after the bones and soft tissues have healed, which often takes 6-8 weeks.