What is bunion surgery and how does it work?

 

What is bunion surgery and how does it work?

Bunion surgery is performed to relieve discomfort and repair a bunion's deformity. An expansion of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe or the base of the little toe is known as a bunion (hallux valgus). This is known as a "tailor's bunion" or "bunionette." Bunions form when the joint is overworked over an extended period of time. Women are more likely than men to develop bunions, owing to their proclivity for wearing tight, pointed, and constraining shoes. Bunions can be passed down through the generations. Bunions can also be caused by arthritis. The big toe joint is frequently affected.

Your healthcare professional may advise you to wear comfortable, well-fitting footwear before considering surgery (particularly shoes that conform to the shape of the foot and do not cause pressure areas). Splints and orthotics (custom shoe inserts fitted to your foot) may also be recommended to realign the big toe and/or offer padding. Medicines can help with arthritis-related bunions by reducing pain and swelling.

If these therapies don't work, your doctor may recommend surgery. This frequently solves the issue. Surgery's purpose is to alleviate discomfort and rectify as much deformity as feasible. The operation is not intended to improve the appearance of the foot and is not intended to be cosmetic.

X-rays of the bone and foot are another treatment that may be done to assist diagnose foot diseases. For further information, please see these procedures.

The type of surgery required is determined by the severity of the bunion, your age, general health, degree of exercise, and the state of your bones and connective tissue. Other considerations may have an impact on the procedure chosen:

• A minor bunion. The surgeon may remove the enlarged section of bone and reposition the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that surround the joint during this procedure.

• Bunions that are moderate in severity. The surgeon may cut the bone and reposition it to its normal position for a moderate bunion. The severity and location of the malformation determine whether or not the bone is sliced. It's also possible that the surrounding tendons and ligaments will need to be realigned.

• A bunion that is quite painful. Surgery for a severe bunion may include removing the swollen section of the bone, cutting and realigning the bone, and adjusting the tendons and ligaments' position.

• The big toe joint, sometimes known as the bunion, is arthritic. It may be necessary to fuse the joint if it is damaged beyond repair, as is common with arthritis. This allows the bones to heal simultaneously, eliminating discomfort and movement. Joint replacement implants are occasionally employed in the reconstruction of the big toe joint.

What are the chances that I'll need bunion surgery?

If you have severe foot discomfort that persists even when walking or wearing flat, comfortable shoes, you may need bunion surgery. When rest and medications fail to relieve chronic big toe irritation and swelling, surgery may be required.

Toe deformity, a drifting in of the big toe toward the tiny toe, and an inability to flex and straighten the big toe are all indications for surgery.

Your healthcare professional may prescribe bunion surgery for various reasons.

What are the potential dangers of bunion surgery?

Complications can occur with any surgical operation. The following are some examples of potential complications:

• Stiffness

• Numbness

• Swelling

• Healing takes longer than expected.

• Infection

Recurrence of the bunion, nerve injury, and ongoing discomfort are all possible risks. Overcorrection of the condition, in which the big toe stretches away from the other toes, may occur as a result of surgery.

Other dangers may exist, depending on your medical condition. Before the procedure, make sure to share any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.

What should I do to be ready for bunion surgery?

• Your healthcare professional will explain the procedure to you and provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

• You'll be asked to sign a consent document, indicating that you agree to the operation. If something is unclear, read the form carefully and ask questions.

• Your healthcare professional may undertake a comprehensive physical exam in addition to a complete medical history to ensure that you are in good health before performing the treatment. You can be subjected to blood testing or other diagnostic procedures.

• Any drugs, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents that you are sensitive to or allergic to should be disclosed to your healthcare professional (local and general).

• Inform your doctor about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements you're using.

• If you have a history of bleeding disorders or are using any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin, or other blood-clotting medications, tell your doctor. You may need to stop using these medications before the surgery.

• You should tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant.

• Before the procedure, you may be requested to fast for 8 hours, usually after midnight.

• You may be given a sedative to help you relax before the treatment. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home because the sedative may make you drowsy.

• Your healthcare professional may require further preparation based on your medical condition.

During bunion surgery, what happens?

Bunion surgery can be done as an outpatient procedure or as part of a hospital stay. Procedures may differ depending on your situation and the procedures of your healthcare practitioner.

The majority of bunion surgery is done under ankle block anaesthetic, which makes your foot numb but keeps you awake. General or spinal anaesthetic may be administered on occasion.

In general, bunion surgery goes like this:

• You will be asked to take off your clothes and handed a gown to wear.

• In your arm or hand, an intravenous (IV) line may be started.

• An antiseptic solution will be used to clean the skin around the bunion.

• When a local anesthetic is injected, you will feel a needle stick. There may be a temporary stinging sensation as a result of this. You will be put to sleep with intravenous drugs if general anaesthetic is utilized.

• Depending on the severity of the bunion, the healthcare professional will cut, realign, and even remove sections of the affected foot's bone, ligaments, and tendons.

• Stitches will be used to close the wound, and a sterile bandage or dressing will be applied.

After bunion surgery, what happens next?

You will be brought to the recovery room for observation after your procedure. Depending on the type of anaesthetic used, your recovery time will vary. The foot's circulation and feeling will be monitored. You will be brought to your hospital room or discharged to your home if your blood pressure, pulse, and respiration are stabilized and you are conscious.

During the first few weeks after surgery, your healthcare professional will provide you specific instructions for caring for your foot at home. To preserve your foot, you may be discharged from the hospital wearing a special surgical shoe or cast.

To assist reduce pain and swelling, you should relax and elevate your foot on one or two cushions after you get home. It's also possible that your doctor will advise you to use ice and minimize your movement. Following surgery, you may be advised to use a cane or walker.

It's critical to maintain the dressing clean and dry at all times. When showering, cover the dressing with a plastic bag or plastic wrap and tape it in place with plastic tape. Take a sponge bath as an alternative. The stitches will be removed at a follow-up appointment, which is usually two weeks after surgery.

As directed by your healthcare professional, take a pain medication for soreness. Aspirin and other pain relievers can raise the risk of bleeding. Take only the medications that have been prescribed to you. Antibiotics may be prescribed by your healthcare practitioner to assist prevent infection after surgery.

Any of the following should be reported to your healthcare provider:

• Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or as recommended by your healthcare provider

• Incision site redness, edema, bleeding, or other discharge

• Pain surrounding the incision site has become more intense.

• Swelling in the affected foot's lower leg

Your healthcare practitioner will advise you on how to proceed following your surgery. For the first 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, your foot may require continual support from dressings or a brace. After surgery, you may need to avoid driving for a week or more.

After surgery, exercises or physical therapy may be advised to help the foot regain strength and range of motion. After surgery, high heels should be avoided for at least 6 months.

Depending on your specific scenario, your healthcare professional may offer you extra or other instructions after the surgery.

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source:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/bunion-surgery