Doc. MUDr. Rastislav Hromádka, Ph.D., in an Interview for Žena-IN Magazine – March 2022
Minimally Invasive Surgery Can Correct Bunions
"Older surgical techniques often led to a recurrence of the deformity," explains orthopaedic surgeon doc. MUDr. Rastislav Hromádka, Ph.D., Head of Orthopaedics and Surgery at Canadian Medical.
How can you recognize a bunion problem?
Patients often present with forefoot pain combined with a change in toe position or limited toe mobility. X-ray imaging helps determine the severity of the condition. A frequent issue is reduced physical activity, which can further aggravate the deformity.
Is surgery necessary for mild cases?
Surgery is particularly suitable for patients experiencing pain. For mild deformities, surgery is not always necessary if the body can adapt. It is often not the bunion that causes pain but the surrounding toes or the forefoot, which is especially common in middle-aged individuals.
How is the operation performed?
Modern methods use a procedure called corrective osteotomy, which involves shifting the bones to straighten the toe and eliminate the cause of the deformity. Unlike older techniques, which focused only on removing bone growths, the risk of recurrence is now significantly reduced.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery:
- Minimal damage to soft tissues.
- Reduced postoperative swelling and faster healing.
- Lower risk of the deformity returning.
Why aren’t these modern techniques widely available?
The main barrier is the need for specialized equipment, such as X-ray machines and rotary cutters, which are not standard in all operating rooms. Additionally, these procedures require an experienced surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive techniques.
What does the recovery process look like?
After surgery, the foot must be relieved using crutches and a postoperative shoe that allows for gradual weight-bearing. Rehabilitation begins soon after the procedure and involves exercises to restore toe joint mobility, significantly improving the final outcome.
Can I wear heeled shoes after surgery?
Yes, if the forefoot is properly rebuilt to support the full load. However, wearing narrow or pointed shoes may still cause discomfort for patients with damaged joint cartilage.
What is the ideal way to wear fashionable shoes?
It depends on the structure and natural disposition of the foot. Even feet that are less suited for narrow shoes can be prepared by stretching the Achilles tendon and mobilizing the toe joints.
Can narrow shoes cause deformities of the little toe?
Yes. A bunion can overload the other toes, causing changes in their position. The little toe can shift above the others, curl, and lead to painful blisters.
Conclusion:
Minimally invasive techniques represent a modern solution for treating bunions and other foot deformities. They reduce postoperative complications, ensure faster recovery, and deliver long-term results.
