Bunion surgery is essentially a procedure performed to address the pain and correct the deformity brought on by a bunion, the bony protrusion that develops on the outside of the big toe. The procedure is typically a last-resort option for when the symptoms are not alleviated with an extensive course of conservative intervention (e.g., oral pain medications, cortisone shots, orthotics, etc.)
If you’re living with a bothersome bunion and wondering if surgery is right for you, below are the key aspects of bunion surgery that you will want to discuss with your foot specialist (podiatrist).
Types of Bunion Surgery
Since bunions vary in size and shape, there are also different surgical procedures done to correct them.
Your podiatrist will recommend the most suitable surgical procedure for your bunion based on the results of their comprehensive evaluation. It could be any of the following:
- Osteotomy
- Arthrodesis
- Exostectomy
- Resection arthroplasty
Risks of Bunion Surgery
Bunion surgery is technically a challenging procedure and, like any type of surgery, has some inherent risks—albeit very rare and can be limited with the skills of an experienced podiatric surgeon.
Some risks associated with bunion surgeries include the following:
- Chronic numbness, stiffness, and swelling
- Continued pain
- Excessive bleeding
- Failure of the bone to completely heal (nonunion)
- Infection
- Nerve injury
- Overcorrection of the problem- resulting in the big toe extending away from the other toes
- Procedure failure (i.e., bunion does not get resolved)
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Recurrence of bunion
If you have other medical conditions, there may also be other risks involved, depending on your specific health issue. Make sure to discuss these with your podiatrist.
Nonetheless, it is worth noting that bunion surgery has a fairly high satisfaction rate: roughly 95 percent of patients reported a significant improvement in their symptoms six months after the procedure.
Contraindications
If you have any of the following conditions, you may not be eligible for a bunion surgery:
- Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
- Poor blood circulation in your feet (e.g., peripheral vascular disease)
- Severe arthritis of the affected joint in your big toe
Bunion Surgery in Cincinnati, OH
If you’re looking for a reliable podiatrist in the Cincinnati area, turn to us here at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care. Our board-certified podiatrists have performed numerous successful bunion surgeries over the course of their career, helping scores of patients walk free from pain and limitations. You can rest assured that we will take all necessary measures to minimize your risk of complications, and you can rely on our skills to lead you to your desired treatment outcome.
If you want to learn more about bunion surgery, particularly whether you qualify for the procedure, schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists today by calling our clinic nearest you or using our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to serving you soon!
