“The main impact for my patients has been the minimally invasive approach, which leads to far less pain^2,3 and swelling.⁴ That means far fewer painkillers² and a much quicker, more comfortable recovery.^2,3 And of course, it is so much more cosmetic because of the mini incisions.²”

“Open approaches to bunion correction have a bad reputation among patients when it comes to postoperative pain, swelling, and stiffness. Most patients wanting to discuss bunion correction have heard horror stories regarding open approaches. When explaining the MIS approach and the associated benefits of minimally invasive bunion correction, patients are relieved to hear this is even a possibility. The MIS approach to bunion correction has had a considerable impact on postoperative pain,^2,3 swelling,⁴ stiffness,¹ and recovery time.^2,3 Patients are grateful that the option exists for an MIS approach.”

“My patients are benefiting from the smaller incisions,^2,5 less swelling,⁴ fewer complications,³ and overall quicker recovery times.^2,3 To see how happy MIS bunion patients are with their correction and doing it with almost no notable incisions^2,5 is very pleasing as a surgeon.”

“Minimal recovery while being able to bear weight immediately after surgery,^2,3 with little to no scarring.^2,5 When I discuss this with patients they almost cannot believe it. At times I have been asked, 'Are you sure that is all?' Because there hasn’t been a surgery like this for bunions that addresses their deformity completely and allows them to have small incisions, all while walking directly after the surgery.”

“I like the Arthrex Bunionectomy procedure because I know it is going to produce great results and happy patients. It’s fun to do, and I will never go back to using my previous techniques. This is an incredible advancement in surgical techniques and equipment.”

“MIS surgery addresses all aspects of the bunion deformity in all planes, resulting in a truly 3-dimensional correction. I find its mechanics incredibly interesting. The surgery is efficient and has predictable and durable outcomes,^6,7 faster recovery for patients,^2,3 better cosmetic² and functional^8,9 results, and greater patient satisfaction.^10-12”

“This surgery addresses the deformity fully and completely.^6,7 The rotation of the bunion is addressed, the position of the toe is addressed, and the discomfort and pain of the bunion is addressed, all without having to sacrifice a joint.³ When it comes to bunions, there are so many factors that affect the pathology and personality of the bunion. Small incisions,^2,5 minimal swelling,⁴ immediate weightbearing.^2,3 Before MIS, I did not like bunion surgery because patients just were not happy despite the deformity being corrected. They did not like the scar, they did not like the postoperative healing. It was frustrating as a surgeon because a very common issue did not have an answer. Then MIS came along and it has been a game changer.”

“MIS bunion correction has solved many of the problems associated with open approaches. I don't worry about postoperative pain^2,3 or stiffness,⁴ I can allow patients to bear weight early,^2,3 and I have found the postoperative recovery to be much more predictable and tolerable. Patients are incredibly grateful for this improvement in technique, which of course is rewarding for me as a surgeon.”

“Most patients have heard horror stories regarding bunion surgery, including about recovery and prolonged non-weightbearing, the scar, and even worse—like that the bunion comes back. When they hear about the MIS bunion procedure, most times the patient cannot believe that something like this has evolved in order to help their pain and discomfort. I have had patients relate that this bunion surgery is amazing and that they want to schedule as soon as possible when we discuss it in their consultation visit, because they did not think this was possible.”

“Most patients are worried about postoperative pain and a prolonged recovery. I have found that MIS surgery has significantly improved both.^2,3 Patients are worried about postoperative scarring. With its very small incisions, MIS surgery results in much smaller scars than traditional open surgery.^2,5”

“Patients will often comment that they have heard horror stories about open bunion correction. I love this type of skepticism as it allows a perfect segue into discussing MIS bunion correction and all of the benefits of an MIS approach. This discussion often eases patients' fears of bunion surgery and makes it a much more approachable procedure.”

“My patients cite recurrent deformity, pain after surgery, long recovery times, and/or a friend who had a poor outcome and warned against bunion surgery. Interestingly, not many are that concerned with the size of incisions, and just want a good clinical correction.”