Laser hallux valgus operation by Dr Julien Lopez
Dr. Lopez does not perform the operation of your hallux valgus with a laser but with a minimally invasive technique. One often speaks about "operation of the bunions of the foot with the laser", but this is not the case.
What is laser hallux valgus surgery?
We often hear about “laser surgery” however, the term “laser hallux valgus surgery” is a misnomer used by patients to designate the operation of hallux valgus by the use of the mini invasive technique. Laser surgery does not exist. The correct terms to use are “minimally invasive surgery” or “percutaneous surgery”.
Laser surgery, or minimally invasive surgery, aims to use the percutaneous technique combined with small incisions of the order of a centimeter. Thanks to the use of the percutaneous technique, the surgeon works by carrying out an X-ray control of the movements necessary for bone corrections inside the foot in order to perform the surgery in the best conditions. The images are displayed on control screens in order to give optimal visibility to the orthopedic surgeon. Doctor Julien Lopez can thus guide and manipulate the instruments from outside the body.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery is generally preferred over conventional hallux valgus surgery due to its many advantages:
- Reduction in the size of scars. The small incisions required for minimally invasive surgery can significantly limit the size of scars. These will be thinner and more aesthetic than those caused by conventional surgery.
- Reduced operating time and hospitalization. Minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery can be performed in just 15 minutes. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, which allows you to leave the clinic only a few hours after the surgery.
- Limited complications. Percutaneous surgery has the advantage of not requiring large incisions and therefore limiting the risk of infection.
- Reduced post-operative pain.
When to consult in case of hallux valgus? What is laser hallux valgus surgery?
Laser hallux valgus surgery does not exist. The term laser hallux valgus surgery actually refers to percutaneous surgery. This is misnomer. Percutaneous surgery allows hallux valgus to be operated on through small incisions. This technique has the advantage of being less invasive and considerably reducing pain, complications and the size of scars.
Doctor Julien Lopez makes every effort to ensure an intervention in the best possible conditions thanks to the percutaneous technique. Its goal is to manage the pathology prematurely in order to limit the extent of the deformity and the appearance of other pathologies.
Indeed, it is preferable to operate on a young hallux valgus rather than a hallux valgus at an advanced stage. It is therefore advisable to consult as soon as possible to benefit from a fully effective intervention. If you take too long to call a professional and consult, other deformities may appear:
The first sign to take into account when consulting is pain. Patients with hallux valgus are generally bothered by pain when walking.
It is important to note that existing medical treatments do not in any way slow the progression of hallux valgus. They only relieve the foot and the pain felt.
Medical treatments for hallux valgus:
- Splints: they make it possible to straighten the big toe and keep it as straight as possible in order to avoid worsening the deformity.
- Insoles: there are suitable insoles to relieve joint pain in the big toe associated with hallux valgus by reducing the support at this level of the foot.
- Adaptation of the footwear: To relieve the pain of hallux valgus, it is best to adapt your footwear. To do this, avoid shoes with heels or shoes with pointy toes.
If these treatments are not enough to relieve your pain effectively and durably, it will be necessary to go through surgery and call in a professional foot pathology. Note that there is no age to be operated on for hallux valgus and that there are no contraindications to the practice of this surgery. The decision to have surgery is made on a case-by-case basis and will be discussed depending on your discomfort and deformity. Hallux valgus surgery and laser surgery are two different concepts although they are often associated. There is even talk of hallux valgus by laser treatment on some popular medical websites.
Course of the hallux valgus intervention
When hallux valgus intervention is indicated, Doctor Julien Lopez performs minimally invasive surgery to correct anatomical disorders.
During the operation, the surgeon makes bone cuts (also called osteotomies) in the 1st metatarsal, the 1st phalanx of the big toe and possibly the lateral metatarsals and little toes depending on the deformities present. These cuts are made with a minimally invasive approach through openings of a few millimeters. In addition, the surgeon performs percutaneous gestures using skin speckles.
If additional deformities of the hallux valgus are present, other surgical procedures may be performed. Doctor Julien Lopez can thus perform gestures on the bone skeleton, gestures of percutaneous release of the tendons of the toes in order to correct the associated claws, for example.
Doctor Julien Lopez pays particular attention to the treatment of pain. Many patients dread the procedure for fear of postoperative pain. Our goal is to manage pain throughout the treatment process: before, during and after the procedure. To do this, Doctor Julien Lopez performs a locoregional anesthesia which will keep the foot anesthetized for 12 hours after the operation. After the operation, a treatment of painkillers will be put in place to gradually relieve the pain.
In conclusion, it can be said that the onion laser operation is a legend. To date, no laser onion surgery has been recorded. This expression designates microsurgery, commonly performed, given the minimally invasive nature of this surgical technique.
