Private Keyhole Bunion Surgery in Surrey

About Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery is a surgical procedure that corrects a bunion or Hallux Vagus. A bunion is a bony growth found on the big toe joint in your foot. It can cause you discomfort and pain which usually gets worse over time. 

Your orthopaedic surgeon will first recommend non-invasive treatment for your bunion. This includes painkillers, insoles, bunion pads, ice packs and supportive footwear. However, this does not make the bunion go away and only helps with your symptoms.

Our surgeons will recommend surgery to you if you are suffering from an uncomfortable or painful bunion which is having a significant impact on your life. 

The surgery will help with pain, make walking easier, and prevent the bunion from growing bigger and causing further problems.

There are many types of bunion surgery available and the one your surgeon will recommend will depend on the severity of your bunion and the best outcome of the surgery. 

There are two goals of the procedure:

• Removal of the bony growth
• Realignment of the bones of your big toe 

Our orthopaedic surgeons will choose the right procedure for you, focusing on minimal scarring and quick recovery using modern techniques.

Minimally invasive bunion surgery

Minimally invasive bunion surgery or keyhole surgery is a technique which involves a focused approach that has many benefits over traditional surgery. This type of surgery uses fewer and smaller incisions, which promote faster recovery time and less pain.

The procedure involves making 3-4 incisions around the base of the big toe of your foot. This allows the surgeon to access the bone, soft tissue and ligaments around the head of the first metatarsal (the bone that connects to your big toe). 

The surgery is not long and usually only lasts for 60-90 minutes. You will most likely be under general anaesthesia for this operation but local anaesthesia is sometimes considered.

Procedure Stages:

• Small incisions are made on the skin near the head of the big toe.
• The surgeon will realign the bone by making small cuts in the bone itself. 
• The bones are then repositioned and fixed with specialised surgical screws. (These screws are very small and usually do not need to be removed). 
• The soft tissues and ligaments are also fixed around the repositioned joint. The realigned joint slightly reduces the size of the protrusion.
• Lastly, the surgeon will remove the bunion through the small incisions that were made. The protruding bunion is smoothed down and flattened to match the natural curvature of the foot.

This is suitable for isolated smaller defects.

How does minimally invasive bunion surgery differ from traditional bunion surgery?

Traditional bunion surgery involves a large incision that gives the surgeon direct access to the bone. While less complex than minimally invasive surgery, it has drawbacks such as a larger scar, slower recovery due to more disruption of tissues, and more pain and swelling post-surgery.

In some severe cases, a minimally invasive technique may be inappropriate for adequately treating the bunion. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss a personalised treatment plan with you to ensure you achieve the optimal result.

NHS Bunion Surgery Waiting Times

You may be waiting for bunion surgery in the UK on the NHS, and wondering if you can have this sooner. Waiting times are increasing nationwide and leaving many patients with untreated issues.

Nationally in general orthopaedics, patients wait an average of 16 weeks with the worst cases being up to 42 weeks. 

Looking at the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust:

The number of patients currently waiting for orthopaedic treatment – 6193.

The average waiting time is 22 weeks, with the worst cases being up to 50 weeks.

This leaves 450 people waiting over a year for orthopaedic treatment. While not specific to bunion surgery waiting times, this NHS data shows a rough estimate of the wait you may experience for orthopaedic procedures. 

If you are considering private bunion surgery, do not hesitate to contact us at One Orthopaedics, one of our team will be happy to discuss treatment options with you.

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All data is as of March 2024.

Before and After Pictures

After your operation and recovery, you should see your foot return to a normal shape and be able to walk without pain again. Straight after the surgery you will not be able to walk and may notice some pain and swelling around the foot. More information can be found in the recovery section below.

Traditional Bunion Surgery Scar

Bunion Surgery Scar

Your bunion surgery scar will be different depending on the type of procedure you have undergone. 

Traditional surgery will result in a larger linear scar along the inner side or the top of your foot. It’s usually 5-10cm in length.

Minimally invasive bunion surgery results in 3-4 small scars along the inner part of your foot.

Most scars should heal by 6 weeks, and will gradually fade over time.

Recovery from Bunion Surgery – Week by Week

1st Week

The surgery is a day-case procedure and you will probably go home the same day. Make sure you have someone who can pick you up from the hospital and look after you for 24 hours.

During the first 2-4 days, you must rest fully and keep your foot elevated. This part of the recovery is the most painful but we will provide you with pain relief during this time. 

Although you may be able to walk on your heel, you should limit movement to going to the bathroom and use crutches if provided. 

After a week you will be reviewed by your consultant with a nurse to get your bandage changed.

It is important to avoid getting your bandage dressings wet, your nurse will speak with you about managing this.

2nd Week

After 2 weeks, you will be reviewed by the consultant and nurse and have your dressings and sutures removed. You will be given a special post-operative shoe to support your foot.

You will notice a reduction in pain and swelling and can mobilise more. You should still limit movement to about 20 minutes every hour and only do what your pain permits you to do.

You may see a physiotherapist who will help you with exercises and improving your movement.

2-6 Weeks

Most patients can fit into normal comfortable trainers after 6 weeks, but this can happen earlier or later.

You should be able to resume normal activities after 6 weeks and can stop wearing the post-opreative shoes.

You may resume your work if it is non-active.

6-8 Weeks+

You will have a final review 3-6 months after your operation to check you are recovering well.

You may also resume more intense activity and sport after 3 months and wear tighter footwear or heels if comfortable to do so.

Most patients still experience some degree of swelling 6-12 months after the operation however pain should have subsided.

When can I drive?

You can return to driving after 6 weeks if you can perform an emergency stop, however, check with your surgeon if you are unsure.

Footwear After Bunion Surgery

You will wear bandage dressings for the first 2 weeks after your surgery. After these are removed you will be given a surgical shoe to wear. This post-operative shoe will support your foot and ensure your bones heal correctly. 

If your consultant or physiotherapist deems it necessary, you may require crutches to aid your walking.

After 6 weeks you will notice less swelling in your foot and can begin wearing trainers and tennis shoes if comfortable. It may take 10-12 weeks to wear high heels and tighter dress shoes again.

Your recovery will depend on different factors such as your age, your health, type of surgery and what activities you normally do. It is important to mobilise when possible but stop if you feel pain. Ask your orthopaedic surgeon if you have any questions.