Hallux Valgus (Bunion)

• To reduce pain and deformity caused by bunions.
• To straighten the big toe.

• Stabilises the foot and allows correction of larger deformities.
• Improves function and quality of life.

• Joint stiffness.
• Arthritis in the same or other joints.
• Transfer of pressure to the ball of the foot.
• Recurrence of symptoms.
• Damage to nerves, tendons, or blood vessels.
• Delayed or non-union of bone (bone does not knit together).
• Fixation problems (with the screws/plates/pins).
• Elevation of the first metatarsal.
• Shortening of the big toe.
• Potential need for further surgery.
• Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

Usually about 40 minutes.

Incisions are made on the top and side of the big toe joint, using absorbable stitches where possible.

• An incision is made at the joint. A bump is removed from the side of the foot, and sometimes a tendon is released between the first and second toes.
• The first metatarsal is then cut either in a ‘>’ shape or a side-on ‘Z’ shape.
• The bone is shifted to realign the big toe joint, and one or two screws are used to hold the bone in the new position until the fracture has united (usually 4–6 weeks).
• Additionally, an Akin or closing wedge osteotomy (bone cut) of the big toe may be required.

• Internal fixation (bone screws, plates, or wires) is usually used.
• These are typically not noticeable and do not usually need to be removed (<20%).

No, you will need a special post-operative shoe for about 3–4 weeks, then transition to lace-up supportive shoes.

Yes, you will the same day.

• Non-manual work: approximately 4 weeks.
• Manual work: 5–6 weeks.

• Painful bunions.
• Inability to fit into shoes.
• Blisters or risk of ulceration.

Manage symptoms by altering activity levels, using painkillers and anti-inflammatories, changing footwear (including bespoke options), joint injection therapy, and using an insole or orthotic foot support (note that insoles, orthoses, or toe splints have not been shown to correct toe deformity).