Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery and Why it’s Better
Minimally invasive surgery for pinched nerves, heel spurs and bunions is vastly different from traditional surgeries for feet.
Most podiatrists will recommend non-surgical treatments like wearing suitable footwear to alleviate pain and other symptoms of bunions, before suggesting surgery.
If it’s an adolescent bunion, it is advised avoid surgery altogether until you have reached skeletal maturity and only if the bunion is a source of excessive pain that doesn’t improve with other non-surgical treatment options.
What happens during surgery?
Surgery for bunions aims to realign the bone, nerves, tendons and ligaments to bring the bigger toe in the correct position. It can also involve completely removing swollen tissue around the joint. This can be followed by straightening the big toe which may require eliminating some of the bone.
While the procedure isn’t too extensive, it is quite common for the recovery period to be long, while this may vary depending on each individual. It also is more likely to keep bunions at bay with a significantly lower probability of them returning.
The following are some things you should keep in mind before you decide surgical options:
- Don’t rush into the surgery.
- Don’t opt for it solely for the purpose of cosmetic appeal.
- Make sure you speak with the surgeon beforehand to find out their credentials and discuss your options at length.
- Ask the surgeon to explain the procedure to you at length.
- Inquire about the anesthesia before the surgery takes place.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of minimally invasive procedures when it comes to bunions.
More cost-effective
Since you don’t have to spend a night in the hospital, you can go in and out from the clinic in the same day. You also don’t need general anesthesia, and only get ankle block anesthesia, which keeps you awake during surgery. This reduces your medical bills significantly.
Shorter duration of the procedure
As compared to traditional bunion surgery, the minimally invasive one takes less time since it doesn’t require too many large incisions. This also means that the surgeon takes lesser time suturing since the procedure itself is not that elaborate.
There are lesser chances of scarring and tissue damage
The incisions made are smaller than an inch or half an inch and don’t cut through the muscles. This leaves fewer scars as well as less time healing and recovering. The tiny incisions also mean lesser chances of getting infections since the surgery itself is performed on a smaller surgical site.
There are greater benefits of minimally invasive surgery which are too great to overlook. Our experienced foot surgeons offer services in clinics and surgical centers, where you get individualized care. Feel free to reach out to us to learn more about foot and ankle treatment surgery, lapiplasty and other services that we offer.