Frequently Asked Questions

The goal for any type of bunion surgery is the same: correct the alignment and improve pain and function. “Open” procedures access the area being treated through large incisions in the foot. While these large openings help the surgeon to see the bony structures, they may be accompanied by increased scarring as well as trauma to the surrounding soft tissues. This predisposes the joint to increased risk of arthritis and loss of motion after surgery. The same correction can be done through tiny poke hole incisions, guided by the advanced imaging technology used in the Arthrex Bunionectomy procedure.

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The Arthrex Bunionectomy uses an entirely percutaneous approach. This means the surgery is performed through small poke holes in the skin, as opposed to the larger incisions found in open or fusion procedures. Fewer and smaller soft-tissue incisions also help to decrease the risk of infection and postoperative stiffness.  Arthrex’s minimally invasive approach reduces trauma to the surrounding tissues and uses minimal hardware to maintain correction compared to more invasive procedures. This allows for a generally faster and less painful recovery.¹𝄒²

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The Arthrex Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy involves the same bone realignment techniques as traditional bunion procedures, but the corrections are completed through smaller incisions. Similar results can be achieved through the minimally invasive approach of the Arthrex Bunionectomy.¹⁻³ The joint capsule and ligaments that hold the bones in place are left intact, which means less pain,¹𝄒² less swelling,⁴ and a faster recovery¹𝄒² for patients.

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The Arthrex Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy procedure allows your doctor to make a custom correction specific to the degree of your bunion deformity. Most bunion deformities can be surgically corrected with the Arthrex Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy procedure. Ultimately, your physician will determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure. Click Here to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you who uses the Arthrex Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy procedure.

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Doctors found on the Find a Doctor feature have received training specifically on minimally invasive surgical techniques. Many of these doctors have attended an Arthrex Medical Education course specializing in minimally invasive surgical techniques and are well versed in the Arthrex Bunionectomy procedure.

The Arthrex Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy allows full correction of the bunion while being done through several poke hole incisions that are about 1/8 of an inch in length as opposed to 3 or more inches for traditional surgeries. This permits an earlier return to weight bearing and daily activities, and generally much less pain postoperatively.⁵

“My happiest patients are those that have had traditional open bunion surgery on one side and later have had the Arthrex Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy on the other side. They are able to compare the incredible benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery firsthand” – Jorge I. Acevedo, MD.

The benefits and outcomes speak for themselves. Less postoperative pain‍,¹𝄒² quicker recovery time‍,¹𝄒² better range of motion‍,¹𝄒⁶ decreased anesthesia time,⁶ and small incisions² are all reasons to perform the Arthrex Bunionectomy. Most notably, improved patient experience and satisfaction are evident.⁷

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The Arthrex Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy may be a great option to correct a previous bunion surgery or to address a recurring bunion. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure allows surgeons to avoid previous incisions and the additional risk of wound problems. Minimal soft-tissue disruption also helps reduce any scar tissue formation from a previous surgery.⁸  Less vascular disruption maintains good blood supply to the area, providing a good healing environment.⁹ Patients who faced complications from previous surgeries (loss of motion, arthritis, recurrence, or long postoperative period) may be good candidates for revision surgery using the Arthrex Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy procedure.

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Yes. Many bunion patients have other, often related, foot deformities that can be addressed during the same surgery. The same minimally invasive techniques can be used to correct bunionettes and hammertoes without adding much time to the actual procedure or increasing the recovery time.⁵

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Although technically safe to do both sides at the same time, it is generally recommended to have one foot operated on at a time for a better recovery process. Typically, surgery on the other foot should be scheduled at least 6 weeks after the first foot to allow time for healing. If you have extenuating circumstances that require a single surgical day, discuss them with your foot and ankle surgeon.

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Yes, most insurance policies cover bunion correction procedures. Ask your doctor and insurance provider for specific details.

For most surgeons, the Arthrex Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy can be performed on a well-controlled diabetic patient with properly managed blood-sugar levels. Please consult with your surgeon regarding your specific treatment plan as it relates to your health.

Immediately after surgery, an adhesive dressing and bandage wrap will be applied. Some surgeons will recommend a postoperative shoe or short boot. There may be some swelling. Soon after, when the protective wrap is removed, you will see a few stitches. Generally, the small incisions heal within a few weeks.  Most notably, following the Arthrex Bunionectomy, the bunion on your big toe will be gone and your toes will be properly aligned! Over time, your foot may appear narrower and you should be able to increase the variety of shoes you can wear comfortably.

Several factors affect the degree of scarring including age, genetics, and skin color. Most patients can expect the three or four small incisions required to perform the Arthrex Bunionectomy to leave minimal scarring that will continue to fade over time.

There is some discomfort, but generally the pain is very manageable. The Arthrex Bunionectomy has been shown to have lower pain scores than historical open procedures due to the less traumatic nature of the minimally invasive approach. Other bunion procedures that fuse a joint require larger, more invasive incisions and disrupt soft tissues, leading to greater swelling and more postoperative pain. Depending on surgeon preference and patient needs, patients who undergo the Arthrex Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy can be prescribed pain medications or may choose to simply take over-the-counter solutions to help manage their pain.¹

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Your surgeon can recommend an exercise plan to match your recovery needs. Many patients complete in-home therapy during the recovery from bunion surgery, while others may benefit from additional coaching provided by a physical therapist. A physical therapist can help ensure patients meet recovery milestones to meet timeline goals for returning to work or sport.

Gradual progression of activity typically occurs during the 2 to 6 weeks following surgery. Tolerable return to daily activities can be expected 3 to 4 weeks post-surgery, and return to high-impact exercise such as running 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. Your doctor will recommend a timeline specific to your needs and recovery process.

It is recommended you wait to drive until you progress out of a postoperative shoe or boot, typically 2 to 6 weeks after surgery. Your doctor will recommend a timeline specific to your needs and recovery process.

It depends on your job. Patients who work desk jobs or from home can resume work within several days of surgery. Rest and elevation are recommended to help with pain control and swelling in the first few weeks. If your job requires standing or walking for long periods, it may take longer for you to return full-time.

After surgery, you may wear most shoes comfortably. Once any swelling has diminished, any desired shoes can be worn as tolerated.

Yes. The goal of the Arthrex Bunionectomy is correction of your bunion while maintaining motion of your toe. Other bunion procedures may limit this motion. Arthrex’s minimally invasive correction preserves motion with less postoperative stiffness compared to open or fusion procedures. Stretching and range-of-motion exercises may begin at the 4-week mark.