Bunionectomy With Wedge Osteotomy

Bunionectomy With Wedge Osteotomy

A bunion is a deformity of the joint of the big toe. When patients start to develop a bunion, it may be painful and may cause difficulty wearing shoes. Most patients with bunions think that the treatment options are limited, but this is not true. There are many different surgeries and other options that can help patients with bunions. One of these options is a bunionectomy with wedge osteotomy, which is a surgery to correct the bunion. This surgery is usually recommended in patients with less severe bunions. 

What Causes Bunions?

Bunions can come from many different sources, but this may not always be known for the particular patient. Some bunions develop as a result of genetic disorders like Cerebral Palsy or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Others may develop from other foot conditions like flat feet. Some bunions even develop from the patient wearing shoes that are not properly fitted or that are too tight. Other causes can include injury or excessive wear and tear on the feet. While you may not know what causes your bunion, you may feel that it can be fixed by wearing tight shoes or wrapping the foot, which will not help the bunion. You can stop the bunion from worsening, but the only way to completely correct a bunion is through medical intervention, like a bunionectomy with wedge osteotomy. 

Bunionectomy with Wedge Osteotomy

This procedure is one of over 100 that are available for bunion treatment. This surgery is often used for patients whose bunions have not progressed too far. This is a simpler surgery than most and it has a low recurrence rate. Many patients are nervous about having surgery, but this can help with pain, and most patients can return to normal function after six to eight weeks. Many people can return to work or other activities sooner but need to wear specialized casts or walking boots to ensure the bones and muscles heal properly. 

Procedure

A bunionectomy with wedge osteotomy procedure begins with the patient placed under anesthesia, or the foot may have localized anesthesia and the patient will remain awake, depending on the severity of the bunion. The doctor will make a small incision over the bunion and cut away the excess bone that causes the side of the foot to jut out. Sometimes a tendon will be misplaced and pull on the toe bone, so the surgeon may have to cut away this tendon. In some cases, this is all that needs to be done to correct the bunion. 

An additional part of this surgery includes the wedge osteotomy, which the doctor may choose to perform if the big toe is still not in complete alignment with the foot. They will then remove a wedge of bone from one of the upper bones in the feet to correct this alignment. The surgeon secures this bone into place using screws, plates, or other fixating devices. 

Recovery after Bunionectomy with Wedge Osteotomy

The recovery time varies for each patient, especially depending on the severity of the bunion. Most patients can go back to work or do most basic things right away, provided that they wear their cast or boot. This cast will stay on for about three weeks, then the doctor will likely have you come back and make sure the bones are set correctly and the incision is healing. If everything looks good, the patient can usually go back to normal function after about 6-8 weeks.

Bunionectomy Consultation

If you are uncertain about what kind of bunion surgery you may need, make an appointment with us at Orthopaedic Associates of Riverdale. We will help you find the right treatment plan for your case, and make sure you get the best possible care. You don’t have to live in pain or struggle with your bunion, we can help you find relief and recovery! It can be scary to make an appointment for surgery, so we will help you to have the best experience you can. 

Contact us today!