This outpatient procedure is performed to correct a bunion, a deformity of the toe joint. This surgery is commonly performed with regional anesthesia.
In preparation for the procedure, the patient is positioned and anesthesia is administered. The surgeon creates an incision along the side of the toe to expose the bunion. Typically, the surgeon will trim away the bony bump. If a tendon is pulling the toe out of alignment, the surgeon may release it. In some cases, these modifications may be enough to correct the deformity. But in severe cases the bones of the toe require realignment.
To correct the toe's alignment, the surgeon carefully removes a wedge of bone and then shifts the head of the first metatarsal to improve the alignment. The head of this bone is stabilized with screws, pins or other fixation devices.
When the procedure is complete, the surgeon closes the incision and bandages the foot. After a brief period of monitoring, the patient is allowed to go home. The patient will wear a walking cast, splint or surgical shoe for the next several weeks while the toe heals. The patient will be able to resume normal activities after six to eight weeks.