Why is this procedure done?
A bunion is a bony bump that happens on your big toe. The bone that joins the big toe gets bigger and sticks out. This can distort how your foot looks. ‚
It is most often caused by: ‚
- Wearing shoes that do not fit
- Shoes that puts pressure on your toes
- Swelling of the joints
Bunion removal is a surgery done to remove the deformed joint of your big toe. It is used when the bunion: ‚
- Gets bigger and causes too much pain
- Makes it hard to walk
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What will the results be?
The bunion is removed. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-ray of your big toe
- Wear comfortable pants that are easy to put on over a bandaged foot after the procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are fully asleep.
- Your doctor will make a small cut along the bones of the big toe on your foot. Special tools are used to remove the bunion. The doctor may use screws, pins, wires, or plates to hold joints and bones together. Some pins and screws will not need to be removed.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages that cover your foot and ankle.
- The procedure takes 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours. The staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain. The nurse will prop your foot up on pillows to lessen swelling and pain.
- Your foot will feel numb for a few hours from the drugs used for your surgery. After the drugs wear off, take the drugs for pain and keep your foot propped up to lessen your pain.
- Your doctor may tell you to use crutches, a walker, or a cane for the first few days after surgery. You can slowly put weight on your foot as it heals.
- You can go home after the procedure.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clot
- Bone heals in the wrong position
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid activities that cause foot pain, such as standing for long periods of time.
- Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight may put extra stress on your feet.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00140 ‚
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons ‚
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/bunions.htm ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bunion/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚