Bunion (HAllux valgus) surgery

The most common surgical method used to correct a bunion deformity is an osteotomy. An osteotomy means the surgeon carefully cuts and realigns the bone (usually the first metatarsal and sometimes the big toe bone) to correct the angle of the toe. The bone is then held in place with screws or similar fixation to allow healing in the correct position. 

There are two broad approaches:

• A single incision is made over the side/top of the foot to expose the bones.
• The surgeon directly visualises the deformity and makes precise cuts to realign the bone.
• Soft tissues (tendons and ligaments) around the joint are balanced as needed.
• Bones are stabilised with screws or plates.

This approach works well for most deformities and is widely used, especially where the deformity is moderately severe or complex. 

• Several very small incisions are made.
• Specialised instruments and imaging guidance are used to perform the bone cuts and correction without opening the whole area.
• Fixation (often screws) is still used to maintain correction.

Potential benefits of minimally invasive surgery include smaller scars, less soft-tissue disruption, reduced early postoperative pain, and sometimes a quicker initial recovery compared to open surgery. 

Important: Not all patients or deformities are suitable for minimally invasive techniques. The choice depends on your specific foot structure, bone quality and surgeon’s assessment.