Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery: Is It Right For You?

You may have recently seen television ads regarding Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery or Mini Bunionectomy. This is a procedure available at Houston Foot Specialists performed by Dr. Jeffrey Bowman.

The first step in evaluating whether the Mini Bunionectomy is right for you is to understand what causes the bunion or Hallux Abducto Valgus deformity. The space between the first and second metatarsal bones (the long bones in your foot) is called the Inter-metatarsal angle or IM angle. As the angle increases, so does the growth at the base of the big toe (Hallux) from shoe pressure. The big toe usually drifts toward the second toe, sometimes overlapping or underlapping the second toe. Some of the factors causing this include weak ligaments, trauma, improper fitting shoes, tight high heels, flat feet, and hereditary factors. When bunion pain first starts, it should be treated conservatively. If this fails, then surgery is usually indicated.

There are numerous bunion procedures, and your podiatrist will take X-rays and perform a biomechanical exam to determine which procedure is the one that is correct for you. The bone enlargement is removed in all procedures and the big toe is placed in a straighter position.

Most bunion procedures are named after the surgeon who developed them. One procedure that isnt named after a doctor is the minimally invasive procedure called the Mini-Tight Rope procedure. It is extremely important that a patient realize this procedure is not meant for everyone. As with any surgical procedure, complications could develop. Your podiatrist will determine whether you are a candidate for surgery and whether the Mini-Tight Rope procedure is right for you. What does the Mini-Tight Rope procedure involve? Two small incisions are made: one to remove the enlarged bone at the base of the big toe, and the second incision is placed over the second metatarsal. Next, a very strong type of suture is placed into the first metatarsal then passed through the second metatarsal to pull the first metatarsal over toward the second, in essence narrowing the foot. This is secured in place by two small buttons on either side of both bones. A shift is needed in all procedures to help minimize any return of the foot deformity and again, your podiatrist will determine if this procedure or another is better to correct your bunion.

If you suffer from pain at the base of the big toe or Bunion Deformity, please see your podiatrist. At Houston Foot Specialists, we perform and are experienced in all types of bunion procedures. Contact us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com for details and ask a question on our Contact Us page. Or, you may call Dr. Bowman at 713-467-8886, and one of our caring and friendly staff members will be glad to help. Our goal is to stop your foot pain and get you back into all the shoes you want to wear with comfort!

Category: Foot Problems

Tags: Bunions, Flat Feet, foot pain, Foot Problems, Foot Surgery, High Heels, shoes, Toe Pain