Bunion surgery has been around for over 100 years.  Historically, there were about 120 different types of bunion surgeries that could be performed.  This has changed over the years as long-term data became available and we could see different outcomes with different procedures.  This has shaped bunion surgery and now there are only about 4 commonly used procedures in the United States with 2 of the 4 being the most popular.

The first one is called an Austin bunionectomy.  This procedure is executed at the head of the 1^st metatarsal.  It involved cutting the bone and realigning the joint.  It is usually secured with 1 or 2 screws.  Most patients can walk on this in a boot following surgery.  The average time to heal is typically 4-8 weeks.  This procedure is primarily reserved for smaller bunions.  It is the most popular bunion procedure done to date.

However, some of us surgeons that do a lot of bunion surgery have been utilizing a procedure called the Lapidus bunionectomy.  It is a little more technically challenging but has better long-term outcomes.  This type of bunion correction holds up the best and is best for people with large bunions or young children.  Recently Treace Medical has come out with a system to make the Lapidus easier and more reproducible for surgeons.  This system is called Lapiplasty.  I have found it can be helpful and is getting a lot of traction in health care currently. 

If you have bunion pain I can help, call to make an appointment with me at 425-391-8666 or fill out a contact form online. 

Sincerely,

Dr Brandon Nelson

American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Bunion surgery has been utilized for more than 100 years.  Recent advances in bunion surgery have created better outcomes and faster recoveries.  I have been practicing now for 15 years and have not seen such a revolutionary product come to the market before.  The lapiplasy system has changed bunion surgery for the better.

Lapiplasty has created a unique set of instruments to create reproducible outcomes.  Previously surgeons relied on resecting bone without the use of cutting guides.  The Lapiplasty system has guides and reduction clamps to get the same amount of correction every time.  This has changed long-term results, making them more reliable with time. 

Recovery has also changed.  In the past patients could be non-weight bearing for up to 8-10 weeks.  This new system often allows patients to bear weight at 2-4 weeks.  Bearing weight sooner allows for improved function and less atrophy.  

Lapiplasty is by far the most successful bunion surgery technique I have seen.    If you are experiencing bunion pain, I can help call to make an appointment with me at 425-391-8666 or contact us online. 

Sincerely,

Dr Brandon Nelson

American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Surgery in general can be an overwhelming endeavor.  There are often a lot of new instructions, medications, and appointments to keep track of.  I have a few recommendations that can be helpful for anybody undergoing bunion surgery. 

One of the first things to do is make a list.  I love it when my patients show up with a list of questions at their pre-op appointment.  This helps to make sure all topics are covered, and nothing is a mystery come surgery day.  In that list often is a shopping list is helpful things like bandages, supplements, otc medications and healthy foods.

Getting a base of operation set up before surgery can help with easing the recovery.  I recommend a place on the 1^st floor if you have multiple levels.  Somewhere that is close to the bathroom and is relatively quiet to aid in recovery.  Ideally you have room for your post-op supplies nearby.  It is also nice to have something in the room to help pass the time like a TV or music.

Personal hygiene is another area to touch on.  I find it helpful for my patients to have some sort of stool to sit on in the shower.  This helps reduce pressure on the operated foot.  Additionally, if you are non-weight, bearing a toilet seat can be helpful.  Practice, practice, and practice have some dry runs of showering and using the toilet before surgery to see if you need any other items.  I think it is trickier than most of us remember to be off one foot. 

Lastly a few miscellaneous tips;

1.    Couch potato for the first 72 hours.

2.    Elevating makes a big difference in long term swelling.

3.    Take any recommended supplements.

4.    Do not change the dressings unless instructed.

5.    Lots of fluids.

6.    Take a stool softener.

I hope these were helpful.  If you are experiencing bunion pain, I can help call to make an appointment with me at 425-391-8666 or contact us online. 

Sincerely,

Dr Brandon Nelson

American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Surgery for a bunion is most used for long term correction, meaning realigning the bone for the foot to function in a stabilized fashion.  Many bunion surgeries are what is called a head procedure.  This is when the metatarsal head is cut and pinned or screwed in place.  The procedure itself is straightforward and can usually be done in under an hour.  The average person will be walking the entire post operative phase and can be in a normal shoe in 4-6 weeks typically. 

Should I fix my bunion?

I think the answer to this question is does it hurt or do you have a hard time fitting in shoes or doing the activities you enjoy because of the bunion?  Most people with a bunion at some point will answer yes to this question and that is a good time to think about fixing it.  The other consideration is do other parts of my foot hurt because of the bunion or are my toes changing position because of my bunion?  Again if this is happening now maybe the time to fix it.

Is Surgery going to hurt?

Yes, surgery is going to be uncomfortable.  However, we work very closely with our post-operative patients to make sure their pain is well controlled during recovery.  It is imperative that patients get a head of the pain and take all medications that are prescribed.

How long does it take to recover?

This is a harder question to answer.  There are many factors that lead to recovery but in general.  Some patients are walking on their feet immediately and some must wait weeks.  The return to shoe can be as early as 4 weeks or longer like 10-12 weeks.  Most sports or activities have no limitation at 3 months.  

Does bunion surgery need to be done at the hospital?

A lot of surgeons still use the hospital or outpatient surgery center for bunion surgery.  These facilities can be very expensive.  My practice has a surgical suite which saves large amounts of money and time for every patient.  

If you have a bunion and are in pain, I can help.  Make an appointment with me today at 425-391-8666 or fill out a contact form online. 

Sincerely,
Dr Brandon Nelson

American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Dr Timothy Young, a Board Certified Foot Surgeon on: Should I Get Bunion Surgery? Part 3

Second Opinions: Obtaining a additional opinion is often recommended before making a decision about any surgery. Seeking the advice of another board certified foot surgeon can help validate the initial recommendation and provide additional insights. It also allows you to compare treatment approaches, potential outcomes, and associated risks.

Conclusion: Deciding whether or not to have bunion correction surgery is a choice that should be based on a combination of factors, including the extent of your symptoms, how fast the bunion is progressing, the impact on your daily life, and the potential risks and benefits. It's crucial to consult with a board certified foot surgeon who can evaluate your specific case and provide professional advice tailored to your needs. Remember, bunion surgery should be considered after conservative treatments. By carefully weighing the pros and cons and seeking expert opinions, you can make an informed decision regarding bunion corrective surgery that aligns with your personal needs and goals.

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today. 

Dr Timothy Young, a Board Certified Foot Surgeon on: Should I Get Bunion Surgery? Part 1

Bunions, are a common foot deformity, they can cause pain and discomfort, affecting your daily activities, exercise and overall quality of life. If you're suffering from a bunion, you may have considered the option of bunion correction surgery. However, deciding whether or not to proceed with surgery is a choice that requires careful consideration. In this blog post, I will explore the factors you should take into account when deciding whether to get bunion surgery.

Understanding Bunions: Before considering the decision-making process, it's important to understand what bunions are. A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the great toe, and the deformity also causes the great toe to deviate outward. This condition often leads to pain, inflammation, and challenges in finding comfortable footwear. Bunions can be caused by various factors, including genetics, footwear choices, and certain medical conditions.  In most cases, you inherit a foot structure that is prone to developing the bunion.

Conservative Treatments: When considering bunion surgery, you want to explore conservative treatments first. Non-surgical approaches may include changing shoes, using prescription orthotic inserts, applying ice or heat, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and doing exercises to improve foot strength and flexibility. These methods can provide relief for mild to moderate bunions, and surgery should be considered when conservative measures do not provide relief.

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today. 

There are a few things patients can do to heal faster from bunion surgery.  I will review some ideas that patients can utilize that may decrease healing time frames.  Most importantly one must follow the postoperative course as directed by your surgeon.  It is important to realize that 2 things need to heal following surgery: soft tissues and bone.

Soft tissues consist of skin, subcutaneous tissues and capsular tissue around the joint.  These structures are primarily sutured closed and will typically have sutures in for 10-14 days depending on the site.  There are a few supplements that can help to improve healing.  I like to have my patients take collagen and zinc and hydrate as these can influence skin healing.  Once the wound is closed I encourage the use of silicone and moisturization of the wound.   Additionally it is important to start the range of motion of the toe to free up and adhesions.

Bone is the other structure that must heal after bunion surgery.  Usually, a bone cut, or fusion is performed.  This is dependent on the procedure but there are a few things you can do to speed bone healing.    The first being additional calcium and other bone healing nutrients.  I like to have my patients take a bone healing supplement and increase the consumption of green leafy vegetables.  Additionally, if a bone stimulator is available this can be helpful. 

Regardless of the bunion procedure these tips can be helpful in your recovery process.  Take care and wish you a speedy recovery. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online. 

Dr. Brandon Nelson

Bunion surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States.  It is usually performed in an outpatient setting and no overnight stay is required.  The majority of bunion surgeries take less than 2 hours and have great long term outcomes.  The most common bunion surgery is an Austin bunionectomy as it is called. It has been utilized for almost 100 years and is a powerful tool in bunion correction. 

The Austin bunionectomy traditionally involved a cut in the 1^st metatarsal head.  It was cut from medial to lateral in a chevron type fashion.  This allows for correction of the abnormally aligned joint and removal of the bunion.  It usually involves some sort of fixation to hold the bone in place like a screw or a pin.  Some surgeons require a period of non-weight bearing and typically 3 months before back to normal activities.`

I personally have performed this type of bunion surgery 1000’s of times.  I like to make a longer arm with my but on the bottom of the bone as opposed to a chevron style cut.  This allows for a more rigid fixation and faster recovery.  The typical patient can return to activities at 6 weeks. 

If you have a bunion that is causing pain and want to have minimal downtime give me a call and I can review all your options.  Remember I have an onsite surgery center that saves thousands as compared to having your procedure at a hospital or ASC.

Sincerely,

Dr Brandon Nelson

Bunion surgery continues to be one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States.  In the United States approximately 150,000 are operated on annually.  The satisfaction and success rate are high, and most patients are happy with their outcomes.

It is important be well prepared for bunion surgery and I will discuss a few tips that will make the process easier.

1.     Make sure you are prepared before the day of surgery and have somebody to help for the first 24 hours

2.     Set up a central command, ie a bed downstairs that you have all your necessary items near.  Your medications, a bathroom, and some entertainment.

3.     Bathroom - you may want to investigate a booster seat for your toilet. It can be difficult if it is too low to stand up once seated.

4.     Shower, consider a shower chair or stool

5.     Cast cover of something to keep your leg dry

6.     Vitamin supplements, I like collagen and bone healing supplements

7.     Understand your post-operative course

8.     Icing - do not underestimate the importance of icing and elevation for the first 72 hours. 

9.     Exercise to prevent blood clot, ankle rotations, leg lifts.

I hope you find some of these tips helpful. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, give us a call today at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online. 

Sincerely,

Dr Brandon Nelson