About 30% of all people in the world have a large bump on the side of the foot (Hallux Valgus). It is an outward curvature of the big toe and the shift of the first metatarsal bone towards the inside. Untreated bunion (Hallux Valgus) causes pain and later on, deforms other fingers and foot bones. If a conservative treatment with orthopaedic braces is not effective, then a surgery (osteotomy) is recommended. The purpose of this surgery is to fix the metatarsal axis and restore the normal foot anatomy and function of the joint.
Surgical procedures are chosen according to the complexity of deformation:
- In a case of simple deformation, bone spurs are removed and a plastic surgery is done for tendons and ligaments of the joint;
- In a case of average deformation, bone spurs are removed, the deformation is repaired by cutting the bone and realigning it to the right position. A plastic surgery is done for tendons and ligaments of the joint;
- In a case of severe deformation, bone spurs are removed, the bone is cut, realigned to the right position and fixed by metal constructions. A plastic surgery is done for tendons and ligaments of the joint.
POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD:
After surgery, the foot is bandaged and physical activity is limited for 4-6 weeks. For more complicated cases, a plaster cast is put on for 4-6 weeks. It is recommended to walk with crutches, avoid putting weight on the operated foot and wear an orthopaedic shoe. Anatomy of the foot changes after surgery, this might cause pain.
REHABILITATION:
Bone fully heals after 8 weeks but how long the rehabilitation will last depends on each patient individually. Exercises for the big toe can be applied 10-12 days after surgery, when the surgical incision is fully healed.
