Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery In Miami

Are you struggling with bunions? If you are, you must be searching for the answer to this very common medical issue, and we have just what you’ve been looking for. Bunions can be corrected surgically, but if you want a simple procedure, you should consider minimally invasive bunion surgery. What is it exactly, and what kind of benefits does this kind of procedure offer patients? Check out this text for all the relevant information on this subject.

AVERAGE COST

$8,000 - $12,000

PROCEDURE TIME

20 – 40 Min

BACK TO WORK

2 week

FULL RECOVERY

6 weeks

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How Exactly Does Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Work?

The small size of these incisions is the reason why minimally invasive surgeries are also called keyhole surgeries. To understand the principle behind this, we can explain it this way – minimally invasive procedures compared to traditional ones are exactly what laparoscopic surgery is to open abdominal surgery – it gets the job done easier, with less trauma to the soft tissue.

Bunion surgery, regardless of the way it’s performed, is sometimes referred to as a bunionectomy. The operation involves repositioning the big toe (and sometimes realignment of tendons and ligaments) so that the bump on the inside of the foot is removed. This can be done with a few different techniques, and which one your surgeon chooses depends on your case – the surgeon will decide on the type of procedure required when you come in for a consultation and a physical exam. Here are the most common procedures used for treating bunion deformities:

Osteotomy – Once the incisions are made, your surgeon will use small screws or pins to fix the bone deformity. This is the most common procedure for treating bunions. Screws and pins will be removed at a later date once the structure of the foot is stabilized.
Exostectomy – This procedure is often referred to as the ‘shaving’ of the bunion. It’s rarely used and is helpful only in cases of mild deformities. Sometimes, surgeons will combine this approach with osteotomy for better results.
Arthrodesis – When a patient’s big toe joint is affected by arthritis, this type of surgery is usually performed. The surgeon removes the part of the joint that’s affected and repositions the toe using the screws to hold the bones in place. This is typically a procedure that’s reserved for severe cases.

Regardless of the technique that’s used, the surgery itself doesn’t last long. About 20-40 minutes are enough to fix the deformity in most cases – it depends on the severity of the case, of course. Once the bunion is fixed, the surgeon applies a dressing that will stay intact for about two weeks. It’s important to note that the procedure doesn’t require general anesthesia – you will most likely be given just a local anesthetic, which will be more than enough to prevent you from experiencing any pain.

This is an outpatient procedure, which means you just have to spend an hour or two in the postoperative care unit after the surgery, and then you will be discharged and good to go home. You will be able to walk, but keep in mind that you will still require a bit of time to fully recover from the surgery. Special, custom-made footwear will be provided to you by your doctor after the procedure – it will be an essential part of your recovery process.

What Is the Surgery for Bunion Correction?

So, if you face one of the challenges listed above, the question is – what kind of surgery will you be subjected to in order to fix the deformity? There are two main options from which your surgeon can choose – traditional surgery and minimally invasive procedures. Both options include many different techniques, and deciding which one is the best approach for you depends on your doctor and the severity of your deformity. When it comes to traditional approaches, there are many advantages to them, but also a significant number of disadvantages.

These procedures are invasive, which means the patient’s recovery time is way longer compared to minimally invasive bunion surgeries. There is a lot more scarring and more pain after the procedure. However, traditional surgery is sometimes necessary – when the deformity is too complex to be treated with minimally invasive techniques or when there is another condition that the surgeon wants to fix at the same time – for example, a hammertoe deformity.

Luckily, most cases aren’t so complex and can be treated with minimally invasive approaches, which are undoubtedly easier for the patient, with better and smoother recovery periods and fewer complications. Before you undergo any type of surgery, you will have to consult with your doctor, who will do a detailed physical examination and assessment of your condition to decide what would be the best treatment for you. Hopefully, it will be a minimally invasive bunion surgery. Whether you’re scared of paying a visit to the surgeon or not, this is the kind of surgical procedure that you have nothing to worry about.

What Are Bunions and How to Know You Need to Treat Them?

Bunion deformity, also known as hallux valgus (which is a correct medical term), is a common foot problem that involves the first metatarsal bone, and it can cause plenty of unpleasant symptoms. A bunion is essentially a protrusion at the base of the big toe that’s forming on the inside of the foot as a result of an irregular foot alignment. This bump becomes more severe over time and starts putting pressure on the shoe.

At the same time, the deviation of the big toe will cause rubbing between the second and the big toe. Both of these changes will be responsible for unpleasant symptoms that the patient will experience, affecting their everyday activities and life quality. There are a few reasons why this foot deformity can form. Some of them are simply genetic – certain people have a predisposition to developing bunions during their lifetime, and might have even helped form them thanks to their lifestyle.

There are a few reasons why this foot deformity can form.

Some of them are simply genetic – certain people have a predisposition to developing bunions during their lifetime, and might have even helped form them thanks to their lifestyle. Uncomfortable footwear (high heels, shoes with a narrow toe box) is another common reason for bunion occurrence. Inflammatory joint disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis can also be an important factor that leads to this kind of foot problem. Structural defects of the foot can be another explanation for why bunions may develop – lax ligaments or flat feet are common causes.

How do you know when this condition needs to be addressed?

The answer is simple – if the symptoms related to the bunion present a disruption in your everyday life, it’s best to find a skilled doctor who will take care of it. Maybe you can’t find comfortable shoes or experience pain while running, walking, or even just standing. Whatever the reason, you know it’s time to get in touch with a medical professional when things get uncomfortable. Of course, bunions can be treated for purely aesthetic reasons as well.

What Are the Bunion Symptoms?

The pain is the most obvious symptom, of course – it can be persistent or intermittent. The localization is predominantly the joint of the big toe, but it can also be under the balls of the toes. Wearing closed footwear increases the pain because of the pressure – on the other hand, wearing sandals or going barefoot relieves the symptoms.

Swelling and redness of the big toe (results of inflammatory processes) are also common symptoms, and patients may also experience some soreness in the big toe joint. If the arthritis is present as comorbidity, the toe movements can become restricted. Rubbing or overlapping of the big and the second toe can result in calluses or corns, which give their own unpleasant symptoms. Progression of the bunion symptoms often occurs, but it’s hard to predict the tempo of changes – it depends on the individual.

Who Is the Best Candidate for Bunion Surgery?

Generally speaking, there is no specific condition that you have to fulfill to become a candidate for surgical removal of bunions. Even if you don’t have terrible symptoms, you can still reach out to your foot surgeon and discuss surgery options – the choice is up to you. However, in cases when a patient experiences severe symptoms, it often feels like surgery is inevitable. Non-surgical treatment options do exist, but they can’t help you get rid of the bunion permanently – they just make the symptoms feel less unpleasant. So, eventually, bunion surgery remains the only efficient solution. Usually, patients contact their doctors for help in one of these cases:

Pain, inflammation, and swelling start interfering with everyday life and pose a problem with common activities such as walking and running,
The big toe becomes stiff (the condition is called hallux rigidus), and the movement is limited,
The big toe crosses over the second toe, causing corns and calluses at the point of pressure,
The bump on the inside of the foot becomes prominent,
It becomes difficult to find comfortable shoes that can fit the foot.

What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?

As we’ve mentioned, minimally invasive procedures are less painful and easier to recover from compared to traditional surgical approaches. This makes them the first choice for treating bunions if the condition isn’t extremely severe. In most cases, minimally invasive surgery can do the job perfectly and fix the deformity, thus bringing patients satisfaction and outstanding results.

Since the incisions are very small, there isn’t much damage to the soft tissue, which means less pain and faster recovery.
The scarring – both internal and external – will be minimal. Sometimes, you can’t even see the scar from the surgery. If it is present at first, it fades over time in most cases.
Your joint won’t be rigid, and the swelling and inflammation will go down way faster than when the traditional surgery is at play.
Returning back to walking and running, or any other kind of day-to-day activities will be possible in a short amount of time.

How Much Does Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Cost?

Minimally invasive bunion surgery cost is something that you’re probably very interested in will this procedure be a burden on your budget?

The short answer would be it depends on a few factors. Firstly, it depends on whether your bunion is a medical issue or simply a cosmetic problem. If it’s the latter, you shouldn’t expect your insurance to cover it – it won’t happen. Even in the severe cases when a bunion poses a significant problem to a patient’s well-being, the coverage depends on the type of insurance you have – so you would have to check with your insurance provider.

The price of minimally invasive bunion surgery in the United States can vary from $6,500 to $12,000, depending on the case. The average cost is about $8,560.

The cost greatly depends on where you’re having the procedure – prices can vary by state and the reputation of the clinic. Your surgeon’s expertise and experience also play a role – if you want the best, the price will reflect that.

What Is Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Recovery Time?

The recovery time after minimally invasive bunion surgery is about six weeks. As mentioned earlier, you will be discharged from the hospital the same day after surgery and provided with special footwear that will help with the recovery.

In the first two weeks, you should stay home and rest. It’s recommended to elevate the leg above the level of your heart – 80% of the time in the first week and 50% of the time during the second week. This is done in order to reduce swelling more quickly.
After the two weeks are up, you will go in for a postoperative visit when the doctor removes the dressing and the sutures from the surgical site. Once the dressing is removed, you can soak the incision (not recommended before that point).
Four weeks after the surgery, you will go in for a second visit when the surgeon will remove the pin if it was used. Also, four weeks is the amount of time you will be obligated to wear special footwear – after that, you can transition into regular shoes, preferably some comfortable sneakers.
At six to eight weeks post-op, you will be able to return to everyday physical activities. However, high-demand activities such as running or sports will have to wait until ten to twelve weeks post-op.

That’s when your foot should regain full function. However, in some cases, there can be prolonged swelling that may last six to nine months after surgery, but this is rare. Although we’re talking about minimally invasive procedures, there will be some pain after the surgery – the level of pain depends on the patient. Some won’t feel anything, and some will need pain medication. Usually, the doctor will prescribe NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and they will do the job. Cases, where stronger medication is required, are rare.

BUNION SURGERY

Frequently asked questions

Can I Have Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?

There are no special requirements for minimally invasive bunion surgery. You can undergo this procedure whether you need it for cosmetic or medical purposes. It is definitely a better alternative to traditional bunion surgery. The results are excellent, and the procedure is quick – you won’t regret it.

How Long After Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Can You Wear Normal Shoes?

After the surgery, you will have to wear special footwear for four weeks – it is designed to help with the recovery and improve the results. Once those four weeks are up, you can slowly transition back to normal shoes. It’s best to start with comfortable sneakers until you’re fully recovered – stay away from high heels and uncomfortable shoes of any kind.

How Successful Are Bunion Operations?

Minimally invasive bunion surgery has a very high success rate – about 95%. Most patients are extremely satisfied with the results, but it’s important to remember that, in some cases, the deformity can reoccur.

What Are the Risks of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?

The risks of the surgery include infection of the surgical site (the most common problem), prolonged pain or swelling, wound dehiscence, and nerve damage. There is also a possibility that the bunion will return in the future.

Do Bunions Grow Back After Surgery?

Unfortunately, bunions can sometimes return after a successful procedure to remove them. It doesn’t happen often, but if it does, the patient would need another surgery to fix the deformity again.