What is a bunion, how can it evolve and how does it resolve?
The bunion or Hallux Valgus is a deviation of the first toe outward and the first metatarsal inward, which causes a thrust of the toes caused by the deviation of the first toe and a pain in the inner part of the foot caused by the increased thickness of the head of the first metatarsal that goes deep into the foot. Over the years, the deviation progresses, which causes it to push more and more of the toes and to go from being a bunionette of mild to medium or severe degree. Currently, bunion surgery can be performed percutaneously or by minimal incision, which has the advantage that the patient can be operated under local anesthesia and can walk from the first day.
What is the importance of genetic inheritance in bunions?
The causes of bunions are, on the one hand, environmental, such as narrow-toed shoes and high heels. And fundamentally also heredity, as it is transmitted through generations, being predominantly a female affection from 1 to 10.
Is it essential to make a differential diagnosis and plan the intervention?
In view of a surgical intervention it is important, after the clinical analysis of the patient, the observation of his or her gait and the radiographic analysis, to plan the geometric lines where the different cuts will have to be made to obtain an ideal result. This is done using AutoCad type computer programs.
What is percutaneous or minimally invasive surgery?
The bunion surgery by percutaneous or minimally invasive technique consists of carrying out some actions through an incision of 2 millimeters in length through which small, narrow instruments, also of 2 millimeters, can be introduced in order to carry out modifications in the axis of the first metatarsal and the first toe. It is performed under local anesthesia and providing the patient with a tranquilizer and, through these small incisions, the excessive thickness of the bone is removed and both the axis of the first metatarsal and the axis of the first phalanx are modified. After applying a small bandage, the patient can walk around with a special bandage shoe from the moment of the intervention. The modifications, after the consolidation of the changed structures, go from having in the first axis some inclinations to have a rectilinear form as nature itself wants. It changes from having an altered movement that pushes the other fingers when lowering or raising the fingers, to a coordinated movement that does not push any finger and has a rectilinear shape.