For many years, surgery intended to remove bunions has been widely considered one of the most painful surgeries one can undergo and often comes along with a lengthy post-operative recovery period. It is estimated that roughly 1 in 3 adults experiences bunion pain each year, and, unfortunately for these individuals, bunions can only be permanently treated with surgery. While the thought of undergoing an intense bunionectomy procedure might have been daunting in the past, the introduction of minimally invasive surgery for the removal of bunions has made treating this common medical issue easier than ever.
So, what is minimally invasive bunion surgery, and how does it differ from traditional bunion removal procedures? Keep reading to learn more.
Traditional Bunion Surgery
Invasive bunionectomy procedures are widely considered to be one of the most painful surgeries a patient can undergo. In addition to the surgical procedure itself being painful, traditional bunion surgery also requires a postoperative recovery time of 6-8 weeks, during which time patients are limited in the type of physical activity they can do. This often limits walking, standing, driving, and more. In the weeks following traditional bunion surgery, patients are typically required to wear a cast or boot for a few weeks, as well as care for stitches that are unable to get wet, making daily tasks like showering difficult. Patients who undergo conventional surgery for the treatment of bunions are at a higher risk for a variety of complications, including long-term or permanent scarring, limited mobility after surgery, infection, nonunion, or complications with the healing of bones.
What is Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?
Minimally invasive bunion removal surgery is a solution for those suffering from bunion pain who don’t want to undergo painful surgery with a lengthy recovery period. So, what is minimally invasive bunion surgery?At Northwest Surgery Center, patients who undergo minimally invasive bunion surgery will be treated in one of our many modern surgery suites, where our expert physicians will use the latest medical technologies and state-of-the-art equipment to complete the procedure. Under local anesthesia, a small 2-3 mm incision is made, and a specially designed surgical instrument is inserted into this incision. The entire procedure is then performed through this tiny opening. After surgery, a small bandage is used to protect the microsurgery area. The entire procedure – including pre-op preparation and post-op recovery – takes less than 90 minutes. Many patients can drive themselves home after the procedure and report experiencing little to no pain in the days and weeks that follow.
Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery at NWSC
Here at Northwest Surgery Center, our team of expert medical professionals are highly trained in the removal and treatment of bunions, and we are proud to be pioneers in the evolving field of minimally invasive surgery. To learn more about our procedures or to find the answers to any questions, including “what is minimally invasive bunion surgery?” contact us today.