How Is Bunion Surgery Performed?
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Arthrodesis
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There are several types of bunion surgery, each specifically designed for the type and seriousness of the bunion.
Arthrodesis is done when a bunion occurs on a joint, and involves removing the damaged surface of the joint. The joints are then screwed or wired together to allow the affected area to heal.
Resection Arthroplasty
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When a bunion is serious enough to affect the entire joint, arthrodesis is not enough to fix the problem. In these cases a resection arthroplasty may be performed. In this procedure the entire part of the joint that is affected is removed. In this case a scar joint is created to still allow the joint to be flexible.
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Exostectomy
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When the bunion only causes an enlargement or bump on the toe joint, an exostectomy may be performed. This is only done when the toe has not started to drift because of the bunion. The surgery removes the bunion bump from the joint, but does nothing else to address the cause. Because of this, this procedure is less common than other forms of bunion surgery
Osteotomy
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An osteotomy is the most common form of bunion surgery. Not only does the surgery remove the bump on the joint itself, it also realigns the joint. Without realigning the joint, a shaved off bunion can easily form again due to the foot deformity. An osteotomy is performed by cutting the first metatarsal bone and realigning the joint to a more natural position. This treats the bunion, and keeps other bunions from forming in the future.
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References
- Photo Credit National Institutes of Health
