Doctor Lopez, specialist in hallux valgus surgery
Doctor Lopez, a specialist in hallux valgus surgery, puts his know-how and expertise at your disposal.
Presentation of the pathology and intervention of hallux valgus
Before talking about the intervention of hallux valgus, let's first see what this pathology really is.
What is hallux valgus?
Hallux valgus (more commonly known as a bunion) is the most common foot condition. Hallux valgus is an abnormal deviation of the big toe outward. The joint between the first metatarsal and the first phalanx of the big toe thus becomes very prominent and forms an internal bump on the front of the foot. We also talk about a foot bunion. Different factors can promote the presence of hallux valgus: age, wearing high-heeled shoes, heredity...
Hallux valgus mainly affects women between 40 and 50 years old.
What are the treatments for hallux valgus?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no non-surgical treatment for hallux valgus. Commercial splints and orthotics allow the big toe to be realigned when worn. Thus, the pain decreases because the inflammatory tissues are relaxed.
Conventional hallux valgus surgery remains an effective long-term solution. It was the gold standard for many years and is still widely practiced today. Dr. Lopez performs the so-called minimally invasive bunion surgery. The use of this technique aims to reduce the stress on the tissues by the surgical act and to reduce possible post-operative complications and pain. The goal of the operation is to straighten the first metatarsal (i.e. the big toe) through bone surgery.
The benefits of percutaneous foot and bunion surgery are numerous:
- the absence of incision and unsightly scar
- the absence of metallic material in the foot (screws, pins, etc.)
- reduction of post-operative pain
When to consult?
In the event of pain and / or discomfort when putting on the shoes, the best solution is to consult and have hallux valgus surgery as soon as possible. This is because hallux valgus is usually more painful at the start of its onset and the pain then subsides over time. This phenomenon usually causes patients to postpone the procedure since they feel very little pain. However, large hallux valgus are often very bothersome and hallux valgus surgery becomes more complicated. It is therefore important to consult as soon as possible.
Conventional hallux valgus surgery has several objectives:
- correct the deformation of the foot
- effectively relieve pain
- make it easier to put on - facilitate the resumption of sporting activity
> 400
Hallux valgus
operated per year
< 1%
of complications
Method
Percutaneous and
minimally invasive surgery
Hallux valgus surgery care path
Hallux valgus surgery requires several steps.
STEP 1
The preoperative consultation
The course of treatment begins with a surgical consultation with Dr Lopez. This consultation makes it possible to assess the deformation and the discomfort felt. X-rays of your feet will be examined and will serve as a basis for explaining the principles of the surgery.
At the end of the consultation, you will be able to agree on a date for the hallux valgus surgery.
STEP 2
The anesthesia consultation
The second step in the treatment process is the anesthesia consultation which must be carried out between 3 days and 3 months before the date of the operation. Several types of anesthesia are possible:
- Pure local anesthesia
- Local anesthesia and sedation
- General anaesthesia
STEP 3
The intervention
Bunion surgery is:
- Minimally invasive and percutaneous surgery
- Incisions from 2 to 20mm
- Operation in 30 minutes
- Surgical dressing
- Immediate resumption of walking
- Anesthesia for 6 to 12 hours
STEP 4
After surgery
Immediately after the operation, you will be escorted back to your room where you will be offered a snack. The nurse will help you put on your shoes and get up for the first time. You can then leave the establishment after the administrative formalities.
STEP 5
When returning home
When returning home, here are some guidelines to help you:
- Take painkillers during the first 2 days
- Walk regularly
- Ice the foot 3 to 5 times a day
- Rest
- Move your toes regularly
Recovery following the operation for the bunion of the foot
Rigorous follow-up of the instructions given to you is essential to ensure the success of the operation for the bunion of the foot.
Pain
Pain management is a priority so that your recovery goes as smoothly as possible. The goal is that the patient is never in pain: before, during and after the hallux valgus operation. Locoregional anesthesia makes it possible to keep the foot anesthetized for about 12 hours after the operation of the foot valgus and to interrupt the pain process. In particular, this helps prevent pain on the first day.
A treatment of painkillers to be performed at home is planned after orthopedic hallux valgus surgery to gradually relieve the pain. It is recommended to take oral painkillers systematically and without waiting for pain, for 2 to 3 days.
Measures to combat postoperative swelling
It is important to take several steps at the end of your hallux valgus foot surgery to limit the onset of postoperative swelling:
- The elevation of your feet when you are in a sitting or lying position.
- Compliance with the resumption of walking protocol. When leaving the clinic, walking should be done with postoperative shoes for at least 21 days. It is important not to walk too long and to split your walking time.
- The regular icing of the operated feet.
- Re-education. Following the first post-operative consultation, it is necessary to perform around ten physiotherapy sessions.
Resuming your daily activities
Regarding your daily activities, you will be able to drive your vehicle again 21 days after the operation (unless you have surgery on your left foot and have an automatic vehicle). As for sports activity, it will be possible between one and 2 months after the intervention depending on the activity practiced.
If you have any questions, you can contact the secretary of Dr. Lopez who will be happy to answer your questions.
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