bunionectomy
Bunionectomy is a surgical procedure used to correct a bunion, a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe. The procedure involves removing the bony protrusion, realigning the bones of the big toe, and sometimes, repositioning the tendons and ligaments.
There are several different types of bunionectomy procedures, including:
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Osteotomy: This is the most common type of bunionectomy. It involves cutting and repositioning the bone in the big toe to correct the deformity.
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Arthrodesis: This procedure fuses the bones in the big toe together to correct the deformity.
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Exostectomy: This procedure removes the bony protrusion, but does not involve any bone cutting or repositioning.
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Lapidus Procedure: This is a procedure that fuses the first metatarsal bone to the cuneiform bone.
Recovery time and the type of surgical procedure chosen will depend on the severity of the bunion, and the overall health of the patient. Generally, patients are able to walk with the use of a special shoe or a cast after the surgery, but weight-bearing and full recovery can take several weeks or even months. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help improve the range of motion, strength, and function of the foot after the surgery.
It's important to note that bunionectomy is a serious and invasive procedure and should be considered only after all non-surgical options have been exhausted. Additionally, it's important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with a foot and ankle surgeon and to have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery.