Services
BUNION REPAIR
What is a bunion repair?
A bunion repair, also known as a bunionectomy or bunion removal surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deformed area of the foot caused by the formation of a bunion. A bunion is a bony lump or bump that develops at the base of your big toe. This occurs when the bones on your toes move out of place. This forms a union with a bone called the first metatarsal, which results in the big toe pointing excessively towards the second toe.
Bunions may be caused by wearing tight, narrow shoes, by an inherited foot type or a deformity present at birth. A bunion may cause symptoms such as a bump or lump at the base of your big toe, corns or calluses, and swelling or soreness around the big toe joint. The condition may also cause ongoing pain or pain that comes and goes.
When is a bunion repair recommended?
Bunion removal surgery may be recommended if you are experiencing severe foot pain when you are walking or wearing flat, comfortable shoes. Bunion repair may also be recommended for other reasons, such as:
- Toe deformity
- When the big toe drifts in towards the small toe
- Limited movement of the big toe
- When chronic big toe inflammation and swelling hasn’t been relieved by conservative treatment such as medication and rest
What does bunion removal surgery entail?
In most cases, bunion removal surgery is done under general anaesthesia combined with local anaesthesia called an ankle block. An ankle block makes your ankle and foot numb. When your foot is completely numb, Dr Gräbe will make an incision over the bunion. He will then realign the bone behind the big toe to correct the abnormal position of the big toe joint. Dr Chris Gräbe may also remove a portion of the bone, ligaments and tendons of the affected foot. After the procedure, the incision will be stitched closed, and a sterile dressing or bandage will be applied.