Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Bonion Surgery Questions

Hello,

Has anyone had any type of bunion surgery?  I am a very active person (i.e. very long walks, jogging, etc.), have to have both feet done, and am concerned about post-surgical results that could limit or affect my mobility?

Any help would be appreciated.

Cat
8 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
is there a doctor who will perform a bunionectomy using popliteal block without so-called "twilight sleeps" and no I.V. set up.

I have contacted 5 doctors so far.  They all quote "standard of care" procedures for the surgical centers or hospitals.  I do not want an I.V. and cannot tolerate the "twilight sleeps".  I come up fighting and that is not a good thing when a doc is doing surgery.

thanks,
sunny
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
the implant replaces the joint.  The cartilage is removed from both sides of the joint-- the head of the metatarsal, and the base of the proximal phalanx.  Then  a  sort of plastic prosthesis is placed in there.  This allows the big toe joint to bend.  But there is criteria to be met in order for this procedure to work for you.  And some doctors do these, some others just don't.  Just another option.  Good luck!
Lisa
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks again for your help.  I'm wondering what a 1st MTPJ implant is?

Cat
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
If the joint is still salvagable, then its reasonable to get a bunion surgery.  If the bunion is moderate to severe, then you'll need more than just the "bump" taken off- that doesnt help anything.  Hopefully, your dr.  will  do a first met.  osteotomy, lateral release, and remove the bump.  This is how a bunion surgery is done, and this should buy you some time.   You might also mention the 1st MTPJ implant.  We do a few of these with good results, but it depends on whether or not you're a good candidate for the procedure.
good luck to you.
Lisa
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thankyou for your input.  You are correct:  there is some arthritis in my right big toe joint (none in the left toe) which he said he would remove before applying the titanium plate--if I chose that route.  My doctor has said nothing about an implant.

I am not in severe pain yet; however, because my bunions are in bad shape, and will only get worse, I am considering the first surgical option (removing the bunion on the bone without the plate) which may give me satisfactory results--preventing any further deformities.

Cat
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
your doctor must feel that your big toe joint is not salvagable,  in other words, you must have end-stage arthritis, flattening of the metatarsal head or first phalangeal base, reduced joint space, pain, etc.  If this is the case, you have two choices-- fusion (with screws or a plate) or a first MTPJ implant.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thankyou for your help and support. I will check out the website.

I had the appointment with my Orthopedic surgeon this past Wednesday. He said there are two options. One is to remove just the bunion then put a toe divider between the big toe and the one to its right to help straighten the defect and prevent further impact on my other toes. Degree of success is individual. If this does not help enough, he can operate again using the second option.

The second is to remove the bunion, put a titanium plate between the foot bone and the first toe bone to straighten the big toe. However, I would never have any movement in that joint again. This would be permanent and  unreversable. My activity level would be affected. To help, he would give me a device to put under the middle big toe joint to increase its motion. Hence, it could somewhat compensate for the lack of movement of the first joint.

He also said that one option is not necessarily better than the other--except that the second would correct the deformities yet ending movement of the first joint and the first option could have a longer recovery time.

This is why I would like feedback from others before making a decision.
Both options will not totally correct the problem; however, they will help to some degree.

Thanks again,

Cat.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
do not worry much , it is better you consult your orthopedician for treatment, corrective surgery could be considered. you can also go through this URL for more info. http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/467/main.html
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Orthopedics Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
How to bounce back fast from an ankle sprain - and stay pain free.
Patellofemoral pain and what to do about it.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.