Bunion Surgery

Hallux valgus, more commonly known as a bunion, is a large, protruding bump on the side of the big toe. Bunions can cause swelling, soreness, and inflammation, although not all bunions are painful. A bunion is removed surgically, either with a bunionectomy to smooth the bone and realign the muscles and ligaments, or via the MICA (minimally invasive chevron akin) procedure, a two-phase bunion surgery designed to correct a mild-to-moderate hallux valgus and ease bunion pain. The fellowship-trained surgeons at Surgical Solutions Network perform private surgery, including these safe, effective bunion surgeries, in Canada to realign the bones, eliminate the bump, and create a straight big toe.

Bunion Surgery With Surgical Solutions Network

Patients across Canada choose Surgical Solutions Network’s private medical clinics for bunion surgery. Our surgeons have extensive experience performing this and other foot, ankle, and toe procedures. Our patient-centred philosophy means we strive to provide exceptional pre- and post-operative care and a compassionate, caring, and rewarding experience. You don’t have to live with chronic pain and discomfort while waiting for bunion surgery. Discover options for private healthcare in Canada and get quicker access to bunion surgery. Surgical Solutions is a network of private medical clinics across Canada, with centres in Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Calgary.

Values That Matter to Us and Our Patients

Compassion

We are patient focused and provide effective care with human kindness.

Innovation

We combine innovation with the latest technology and processes to advance surgical care in Canada and better serve patients and providers.

Quality

We are a continuously learning organization that measures, monitors, and improves every day.

Respect

We support, respect, and accept our patients, team members, and partners, while operating with honesty and integrity in providing our services.

What Are the Symptoms of a Bunion?

Bunion symptoms can include the following:

  • A bump that bulges on the outside of the base of the big toe
  • Swelling, redness, or soreness around the big toe joint
  • Corns or calluses where the big toe overlaps the second toe
  • Restricted and painful movement of the big toe
  • Skin thickening at the base of the big toe

How Is a Bunionectomy Performed?

Once your surgeon determines you’re a good candidate for bunion surgery, he may recommend a bunionectomy. This surgical procedure is performed under anesthesia as an outpatient surgery. During the surgery, your surgeon created an incision in the foot near the big toe. He then cuts or shaves down the excess bone and repositions the bones of the big toe using specially-designed plates and small screws to straighten the toe. If needed, he will also realign the tendons or ligaments around the big toe to help reshape the toe. The incision is then closed and bandaged.

How Is MICA Bunion Surgery Performed?

If your surgeon has determined that your bunion needs surgical intervention, the MICA surgical option may be for you. This unique procedure was designed for precise bunion correction surgery. It allows the surgeon to fix the bone accurately and correct the soft tissue issue for potentially better results than with other methods. With the surgeon’s approval, there is even the possibility of weight-bearing shortly after surgery.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision at the base of the big toe, then cuts the bones using a small (2mm) drill under X-ray guidance. Next, the surgeon realigns the metatarsal bone and removes any excess tissue or bony growths. The surgeon then realigns the bone using small specially designed screws for stabilization to ensure the bones remain in the correct position while they heal. Once the correction is complete, the surgeon closes the incision and bandages the foot.

How Long Is Recovery From Bunion Surgery?

While individual results may vary, you should be able to wear comfortable and supportive shoes within 4 to 6 weeks after your procedure. You will be limited in movements for the first 2 weeks, but most people with sedentary jobs can return after that. For active, physically demanding occupations, 6 weeks may be required. Driving will be limited until your surgeon advises it is safe to do so.

What Is Recovery Like After Bunion Surgery?

You will be provided with the specialty post-surgical cast boot, post-op medication prescription, and a cold therapy machine to aid in pain relief and manage swelling while you heal. Most patients can immediately put gentle weight on the affected foot if they wear the protective boot. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may need to use crutches for a few days or stay off the foot for 2 to 3 weeks. Each patient is different, so your surgeon will tell you the best way to protect your foot and enjoy a fast complete recovery.

It is not uncommon to have swelling for 4 to 6 months post-surgery. Physiotherapy or occupational therapy after 6 weeks post-op may assist in your recovery by helping to restore a normal gait and massage and mobilization of the joints to reduce swelling. Typically, patients must postpone exercise until at least 2 months post-op and avoid impact exercise until 4 months post-op.

Is Bunion Surgery Worth Having?

The vast majority of patients who undergo bunion surgery or MICA say they are extremely happy with the procedure. While individual results may vary, this is a safe, minimally invasive, and highly effective surgical procedure. Bunion surgery relieves the pain, swelling, and misalignment of the metatarsal bone and joint. You should be able to wear comfortable and supportive shoes approximately 1 to 2 weeks after your procedure.

Bunion Surgery FAQ

What is MICA bunion surgery for and how will it alleviate my symptoms?

MICA, which stands for minimally invasive chevron akin, is a much less invasive method of correcting bunions and hallux valgus (big toe turning outwards). While all bunions cause pain, the angle of the big toe can cause pressure on the second toe, which can also become deformed (called a hammertoe). In some cases, the first two toes cross over each other, causing considerable pain in shoes.

What are the goals and benefits of bunion surgery?

Bunion surgery is designed to relieve the pain and ongoing damage in the foot caused by a bunion. A bunionectomy involves an incision in the foot where the surgeon shaves down the protruding bone and realigns the muscles and ligaments to straighten the big toe back to its natural position. The MICA procedure is an innovative new option for those suffering from a bunion or hallux valgus. It is an effective way to permanently treat the pain, soreness, stiffness, and limited mobility caused by foot bunions. If you’re experiencing severe foot pain – even when wearing comfortable, supportive shoes – and the swelling and stiffness affect your daily activities, bunion surgery can provide relief. It can also prevent further damage to the joints and cartilage in your toe, which could eventually lead to arthritis.

Is the MICA procedure better than a traditional bunionectomy?

The MICA procedure offers the following advantages over traditional bunion surgery:

  • Quicker recovery as there is no need to wait for the bone to fuse
  • Less pain as the incision is smaller
  • Increased mobility sooner. Patients are typically up and around in half the time.

What are the risks of bunion surgery?

Bunion surgery involves minimal risks, which can include infection, toe stiffness, neuroma (nerve pain), slow healing, and localized numbness. Your surgeon will provide detailed information and follow-up care to ensure you have the best possible outcome and enjoy lasting relief from foot and bunion pain.

How do I qualify for this procedure?

You will first need to complete a pre-surgical patient questionnaire to provide us with your basic medical history. We also request you have standing X-rays completed for both feet arranged by your family physician. Not all diagnostic facilities do standing X-rays, so make sure to ask before you go.

Should the initial intake confirm you are a suitable patient for the procedure and our facility, we will request a history and physical form be completed along with bloodwork and ECG via your family doctor. Prepare your questions for the surgeon to answer during your consultation. An experienced orthopaedic surgeon will determine whether you could benefit from a bunionectomy or the MICA procedure. Although non-surgical options can manage symptoms, the only way to correct a bunion once it has formed is with surgery.

How should I prepare for my surgery?

Try to maintain as much range of motion in your great toe as possible. Your surgeon may suggest you lose weight and initiate an exercise program to achieve the most successful recovery. Smoking can significantly affect the healing process. If you smoke, be sure to speak with your surgeon about it, as smoking can dangerously increase surgical risks and slow down the healing process.

Next Steps: Book Your Bunion Surgery Consultation

If you are ready to discuss your bunion surgery needs with the fellowship-trained surgeons at Surgical Solutions Network’s private medical clinics, contact us using our online form to request a consultation today. During your consultation, your patient care adviser will discuss:

  • Your medical history
  • Pre and post-operative care
  • Potential risks and complications
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