Bunionectomy with Wedge Osteotomy
What is a Bunionectomy with Wedge Osteotomy?
If the joint that connects your big toe to your foot has a swollen, sore bump, you may have a bunion.
With a bunion, the base of your big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint) gets larger and sticks out. The skin over it may be red and tender. Wearing any type of shoe may be painful. This joint flexes with every step you take. The bigger your bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk. Bursitis may set in. Your big toe may angle toward your second toe, or even move all the way under it. The skin on the bottom of your foot may become thicker and painful. Pressure from your big toe may force your second toe out of alignment, sometimes overlapping your third toe. An advanced bunion may make your foot look grotesque. If your bunion gets too severe, it may be difficult to walk. Your pain may become chronic, and you may develop arthritis.
Very severe bunions require surgery to treat. A bunionectomy is performed to correct a deformity of the big toe joint. One of the most common and effective bunion procedures is an osteotomy, which removes a portion of the bone from the big toe.
TREATMENT FOR BUNIONECTOMY WITH WEDGE OSTEOTOMY
During bunionectomy with wedge osteotomy treatment, a wedge of bone is removed from the big toe. When the surgeon closes the wedge, it straightens the toe. Wires or screws may be inserted to keep the bones in line, and excess bone may be shaved off or removed. Some patients may instead be candidates for a procedure called Lapidus Arthrodesis.
RECOVERY TIME FOR BUNIONECTOMY WITH WEDGE OSTEOTOMY
In most cases, patients stay at the hospital for two to four days after an osteotomy. During this time, you will be monitored and given pain medication.
After the operation, your surgeon may put your toe in a brace for protection while the bone heals.
You will most likely need to use crutches for several weeks.
To evaluate your needed recovery time for bunionectomy with wedge osteotomy, about six weeks after the operation, you will see your surgeon for a follow-up visit. X-rays will be taken so that your surgeon can check how well the osteotomy has healed. After the follow-up, your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to put weight on your toe.
