General
Information
DEFINITION--Removal of a bunion, a bony and fibrous outgrowth at the base of the
big toe.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Foot; joint between the metatarsal bone and big toe; fluid
sac that surrounds the joint.
REASONS FOR SURGERY
- Relief of pain.
- Correction of deformity.
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Poor nutrition.
- Recent illness.
- Alcoholism or chronic illness.
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES--General surgeon, orthopedist or podiatrist.
WHERE PERFORMED--Doctor's office, outpatient surgical facility or hospital.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: X-rays of foot; blood and urine studies.
- After surgery: X-rays of foot.
ANESTHESIA
- Local anesthesia by injection.
- Spinal anesthesia by injection.
- General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the
windpipe.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
- An incision is made over the bunion.
- The capsule of the joint connecting the metatarsal bone and the big toe is opened.
- A section from the metatarsal bone is cut or filed away and removed. Another small bone
(the sesamoid bone) attached to a tendon is removed also.
- Tendons attached to the base of the metatarsal and toe bones are cut. This allows the
bones to straighten when healed.
- The skin is closed with sutures, which usually can be removed about 10 days after
surgery.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Excessive bleeding.
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Slow healing.
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 1 day.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 6
weeks for recovery from surgery.
Postoperative Care
> Apply non--
> You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
ACTIVITY
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. Don't put weight on the affected foot
until the surgical area heals.
- Resume driving 4 days after returning home.
DIET---No special diet.
Call Your Doctor If
> Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
- You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill
feeling and fever.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop.
