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Types of Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery is a last resort treatment for a bunion. After all conservative treatments have failed, your podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgical treatment for correction. There are a variety of types of bunion surgery--each done specifically for the individual patient based on the degree of deformity and the condition of the bunion. The goal of treatment is to restore normal alignment to the joint, relieve the pain and correct the deformity.

  1. Definition

    • When the big toe points towards the second toe causing a bump or a deformity on the inside edge of the foot at the joint of the big toe, this bump is called a bunion. A bunion consists of soft tissues and bones.

    Exostectomy

    • An exostectomy is the removal of the bump or part of the foot that is bulging out of the metatarsal bone. This procedure is not usually done because it does not always give the best results in correcting the cause of the bunion.

    Realignment of Soft Tissues Around the Big Toe Joint

    • In this situation, the ligaments around the big toe joint may be too loose or too tight. This causes the big toe to shift towards the other four toes causing a deformity. A realignment of the soft tissues around the big toe joint tightens and lengthens the ligament, resolving the deformity.

    Resection Arthroplasty

    • A resection arthroplasty is the removal of the deformed portion of the joint. It is usually done as a repeat bunion surgery, done for elderly patients or for patients with arthritis. It creates a "scar" joint.

    Arthrodesis

    • An arthrodesis procedure removes the damages on the joint surface. Screws, wires or plates are applied, securing and fusing the big toe joint. This procedure is usually done for a severe bunion.

    Metatarsal and Phalangeal Osteotomy

    • In this procedure a small wedge of bone is removed from the foot or from the toe. The former is called a metatarsal osteotomy, while the latter is called a phalangeal osteotomy.

    Lapidus Procedure and Implant Insertion

    • A lapidus procedure fuses and creates a fusion of the metatarsal bone and the mid foot; while an implant procedure is the insertion of a partial or total artificial joint in the affected joint.

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