Bunionectomy: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Bunions
If a bunion causes you frequent pain or gets in the way of your daily activities, a bunionectomy can bring relief. Our board-certified surgeon has performed minimally invasive bunion surgery for more than 30 years and can help you understand both your condition and your options.
What Is a Bunionectomy?
A bunionectomy is a surgical procedure that corrects a bunion, the bony bump at the base of the big toe. At Northwest Surgery Center, we perform it with a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions and no internal hardware, meaning no plates, screws or wires.
What Causes a Bunion?
A bunion forms when too much pressure is placed on the big toe joint. Common contributors include:
- The shape of your foot, or flat feet
- The way you walk
- Shoes that are too tight
Bunions can cause pain and swelling around the big toe. Left untreated, they may affect the alignment of other toes, cause corns, or contribute to bent toes (hammertoes).
How is a Bunionectomy Performed at Northwest Surgery Center?
At Northwest Surgery Center, we’ve been performing minimally invasive surgery for bunions in the form of a bunionectomy to treat the pain and have done it for 30 years. Minimally invasive surgery for bunions is faster, safer and less expensive than other surgery types.
If I Choose to Have Bunion Surgery at Northwest Surgery Center, What can I Expect?
You’ll be treated in one of our modern surgery suites, where we use the latest technologies and equipment. Under local anesthesia, a small incision is made, and a specially designed surgical instrument is inserted into this incision. The entire procedure is performed through this tiny opening. At the surgery’s conclusion, a small bandage is used to protect the micro surgery area. The entire procedure – including pre-op preparation and post-op recovery – takes less than 90 minutes.
You’ll be able to walk and drive immediately following surgery, and many of our patients will go back to work the next day. You will need to wear post-operative shoes for about a week following the operation.
What Our Patients Say About Their Bunion Surgery
“This was such an easy surgery. I am so pleased with my results. I was comfortable the entire time, and I strongly recommend this type of surgery”
— Northwest Surgery Center patient survey
“My mother in law drove from Indiana to have Dr. McCartan fix her Tailor’s bunion. All the previous foot doctors she went to told her she would be in a walking boot and crutches for 6 weeks. Dr. McCartan fixed her bunion and she walked out of the operating room and was driving the same day! It was well worth the trip for her.”
— Cori Delucenay, Google review
“Exceptional experience from start to finish. I am still in shock, weeks after my surgery, that it was this easy to fix my bunion.”
— Jessica Nessan, Google review
What Is a Bunionectomy?
New Position Statement From the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) for Hallux Valgus (HV) Deformity
The American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) endorses minimally invasive surgery (MIS) as an option for the correction of mild to moderately severe hallux valgus (HV) deformity. We do not consider this procedure to be experimental.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to wait a long time for my surgery date?
Not usually. Dr. McCartan is in the operating room 3-4 days a week, so scheduling tends to move faster than with surgeons who operate less often. Most patients get on the calendar without a long backlog.
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We can help you understand both your condition and your options.