Hallux Valgus Surgery in Cannes by Dr. Julien Lopez

To achieve this, Dr. Lopez has incorporated modern practices such as percutaneous and minimally invasive surgery. These techniques help reduce the size of visible scars while minimizing discomfort during the recovery process. Here's everything you need to know about hallux valgus surgery in Cannes, performed by Dr. Julien Lopez.

What is Hallux Valgus?

Hallux valgus, also known as a "bunion," is a condition characterized by the deviation of the big toe toward the second toe, outward. This anomaly directs the first metatarsal bone away from the big toe, inward toward the foot.

It results in a bony bump on the inner edge of the forefoot and causes significant foot deformity, making it difficult to wear shoes and increasing the risk of frequent falls. While hallux valgus is painless in some cases, many patients may suffer from chronic discomfort.

What Happens If Hallux Valgus Is Not Treated?

If hallux valgus is left untreated, the foot will progressively deform, leading to a genuine disability. As the big toe continues to shift toward the second toe, the chances of them crossing over increase. This conflict between the big toe and the other toes can lead to friction, corns, and calluses.

The risk is that the patient may experience inflammatory flare-ups known as bursitis. Bursitis results from intense inflammation of the joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal. While some pedicure treatments can relieve symptoms, surgery realigns the toe and makes it pain-free over time.

When Should You Consider Hallux Valgus Surgery in Cannes?

Are you considering hallux valgus surgery? In Cannes, Dr. Lopez provides patients with personalized care according to their situation.

It's important that the surgery is neither performed too early nor too late. If the patient experiences severe pain and walking difficulties, it's important to consult to minimize the risk of complications. Surgery should also be considered if the patient has already been treated by a podiatrist, and conventional treatments haven't improved the symptoms. However, surgery may be highly recommended in cases of severe hallux valgus, conflict with the second toe (second ray syndrome), or advanced claw toes. The best results are typically achieved with isolated hallux valgus surgery without additional procedures on the adjacent toes.

The most common complications encountered by patients are the risks of skin infections, arthritis of the big toe, or the progression of the second toe into a clawed position.

The Care Pathway for Hallux Valgus Surgery

The care pathway for this surgery involves several important steps:

1. Preoperative Consultation: The first appointment with the practitioner allows them to assess the severity of the symptoms and conduct a clinical examination (gait analysis, identification of accompanying pathologies). During this consultation, Dr. Lopez can discuss the principles of the surgery.
2. Consultation with the Anesthesiologist: This second appointment is used to select the type of anesthesia based on the patient's health condition. Possible anesthesia options include pure local anesthesia, local anesthesia with sedation, and general anesthesia. This consultation is conducted between 3 days and 3 months before the day of the operation. The preferred anesthesia type is loco-regional anesthesia.
3. Surgery: The surgery typically lasts about 30 minutes and can be performed on an outpatient basis or over several days, depending on the patient's social situation.

How Does Hallux Valgus Surgery with Dr. Lopez in Cannes Work?

The day before the hallux valgus surgery in Cannes with Dr. Julien Lopez, the patient must prepare according to the instructions provided by the practitioner. Before the operation, it is mandatory to purchase orthopedic shoes, crutches, and compression bandages.

The patient should take a preoperative shower the day before or on the morning of the operation. A preparation protocol is systematically provided to the patient to follow all necessary recommendations.

Among the important rules, it is important to ensure that the operated foot is clean, with nails cleaned and trimmed. Any calluses and nail polish should also be removed. In the six hours leading up to the operation, the patient must remain fasting.

On the day of the operation

On the day of the operation, the patient must bring all their medical tests (X-rays, CT scans, etc.) as well as their administrative documents. The patient should also bring one or more pairs of orthopedic shoes, crutches, and compression bandages.

Hospitalization Duration

The hospitalization duration is short and is usually done on an outpatient basis, allowing the patient to return home on the same day, approximately 4 hours after the operation. However, outpatient surgery requires significant support upon leaving the clinic. It is imperative to have someone accompany the patient on the first night. If outpatient surgery is not possible, the patient will be hospitalized for one to two nights.

For patients coming from Corsica, we recommend planning for one night at the clinic.

Local or "Loco-Regional" Anesthesia

Loco-regional anesthesia aims to numb only the area to be operated. It can be combined with patient sedation to induce a drowsy state during the operation. Before the procedure, the patient is transferred to the anesthesia room. The anesthesiologist injects the product using an ultrasound-guided technique at the level of the three ankle nerves.

The foot becomes completely numb in 20 minutes and remains so for 6 to 12 hours. If the patient wishes to sleep during the operation, we can also administer mild general anesthesia (light sedation).

Percutaneous Surgery

The procedure is performed using minimally invasive percutaneous surgery through very small incisions, approximately 2 to 20mm in size. Following the operation, Dr. Lopez applies a surgical dressing. This dressing should be kept on for 21 days until the next appointment with the practitioner. This bandage helps maintain the big toe in the correct position while allowing soft tissues to heal.