Bunionectomy (Chevron Bunionectomy)

Bunionectomy (Chevron Bunionectomy)

When a patient develops a bunion, it may affect them every day. A bunion is a bump that forms on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe, as a result of the bone shifting. A bunion can be painful when walking or wearing shoes, and most patients are not aware of the amount of treatment options available. There are over 100 surgeries available to help remove bunions and reshape the foot to a more comfortable and livable position. One of these is a Bunionectomy (Chevron Bunionectomy). 

Cause for a Bunionectomy

Bunions are generally not painful, especially when not wearing shoes or in the early stages of development. Sometimes this can be worse for the person, as they feel that if it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t need treatment. If you develop a bunion but take measures to prevent it from getting worse, you may not experience pain for a long time. However, if the pain continues to grow or the bunion protrudes more and more, this may be a cause to seek out more invasive forms of treatment like surgical removal. Bunions unfortunately cannot go away on their own and if left untreated, they get worse. They are easy to diagnose, so making an appointment with your doctor as quickly as possible would be in a patient’s best interest. 

Bunionectomy (Chevron Bunionectomy)

Before a doctor recommends a bunionectomy, they will likely first recommend less invasive forms of treatment to try to help the patient feel symptom relief. This procedure is one of the most common ways to treat bunions surgically, and it has been in use for several decades. One of the reasons why this surgery is more popular than others is because the patient does not have to be placed under anesthesia.

Procedure

First, the affected foot is numbed so that the patient will not feel any pain but is still conscious for the procedure. Then the surgeon makes a small incision in the skin over the bunion. They first saw off or file down some of the protruding bone. Then they make a chevron (or v-shaped) cut through the bone just below the big toe. They then slide the bone into alignment with the other toes in the foot and place a screw to hold it into place. The surgeon also removes any excess bone that may protrude as a result of the realignment. Sometimes, this can leave some excess soft tissue around the area, so the surgeon may remove that as well to improve the visual presentation of the foot. Most of the time, the patient can go home shortly after the procedure is complete. 

Recovery

The patient will need to wear a special shoe or boot that protects the bones and does not allow the patient to put weight on them while they heal. This means that they will have to walk on their heel for the first few weeks. The patient may need a walker or crutches for the first few weeks to avoid putting weight on the affected area. Some doctors also recommend physical therapy after the boot comes off, to help the patient walk properly and avoid any gait problems. If the bone fails to heal correctly or if the patient develops poor walking habits, there is a chance for recurrence. Every patient should do everything they can to listen to post-operative instructions for their Bunionectomy (Chevron Bunionectomy) to try to avoid those complications. 

Treatment and Bunionectomy

Regardless of the severity of your bunion or other foot problems, having the right treatment plan makes a difference. You may not need surgery, or a bunionectomy may not be right for you. Having the right doctor who cares about you and ensures you have the care you need is essential! Make an appointment with Orthopaedic Associates of Riverside today. We can help you get the care you need, and start on the road to recovery. 

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