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A bunionectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the bony bump on the inner side of the foot at the base of your big toe. A bunionectomy involves cutting the bone (osteotomy), resetting it in the correct position and using a screw or pin for fixation.  Mini TightRope bunionectomy is a less invasive surgical procedure to correct painful foot deformities caused by bunions. The Mini TightRope method uses a strong non-absorbable fiber wire to bind the first and second metatarsals together without cutting bone or using bone screws.

Causes

Bunions are often caused from genetics and tend to run in families. Wearing too tight, narrow-toed, or high-heeled shoes may lead to the development of bunions. Bunions are more common in women than men possibly due to footwear that women often wear. Bunions may also be associated with inflammatory or degenerative arthritis and neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy.

Symptoms

People with bunions experience pain when wearing shoes. A bony bump can be seen at the base of the big toe. Corns or calluses may develop where the first and second toes overlap. The skin around the bunion may become swollen or inflamed. The big toe turns in towards the second toe often overlapping and causing pressure. You may also have restricted movement of your big toe.

Diagnosis

A doctor can diagnose a bunion by your medical history and performing a physical examination of your foot. An X-ray of your foot may be ordered to help in diagnosing a bunion.

Treatment Options

Nonsurgical treatments include:

  • changing footwear
  • padding and taping
  • using shoe inserts
  • taking medications
  • physical therapy to relieve the pain and pressure of a bunion

You may need surgery if conservative treatment doesn't provide relief from your symptoms. A bunionectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the bony bump. The surgery is aimed at relieving the pain and realigning the bone so the bunion will not return.

Traditionally, a bunionectomy involves removing the bony prominence and straightening the big toe by cutting through the first metatarsal bone and repositioning it in a corrected position using bone screws. This procedure can lead to a long recovery period during which patients are not able to bear weight on the foot and need to use crutches.

Unlike traditional bunion surgery, the TightRope method uses a fiber wire device to correct the bone deformity without the need for an osteotomy or bone cutting.

Mini-TightRope bunionectomy

Mini-TightRope bunionectomy is a surgical technique for the correction of painful bunions. The goal of the surgery is to relieve your foot pain and allow unrestricted shoe wear and early return to normal activities.

Advantages

Advantages of Mini-TightRope bunionectomy include:

  • Allows for immediate weight bearing
  • Prevention of recurrence of the deformity
  • Faster healing time
  • More rapid return to normal activity
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Bone removal from the foot is not required

Risks and Complications

The most common complication from Mini-TightRope bunionectomy surgery is recurrence of the bunion.

Other complications that can occur include:

  • Bone fracture
  • Wound infection
  • Excessive bleeding or developing a blood clot
  • Anesthetic complications
  • Toe numbness

Post-Operative Care

Following Mini TightRope bunionectomy surgery you will be able to walk immediately following the surgery while wearing the post-operative shoe. The stitches are removed after two to three weeks and most patients usually recover in three to four weeks.

Locations & Directions
OrthoBethesda

Camalier Building
10215 Fernwood Road
Suite 502
Bethesda, MD 20817

Washington Joint Institute

Highline at Greensboro District
8401 Greensboro Drive
Suite 120
McLean, VA 22102