Hallux valgus in Milan: Opt for the expertise of a French surgeon

Suffering from hallux valgus in Milan? Dr. Lopez welcomes you to one of his clinics in Nice or Cannes for the management of the condition.

What is hallux valgus?

Hallux valgus is a common orthopedic condition characterized by the deviation of the big toe towards the outside of the foot, combined with an inward deviation of the first metatarsal. This deformity leads to a bony protrusion on the inner edge of the foot, more commonly known as a bunion.

Over time, the deformity can worsen, and other foot pathologies may appear (e.g., claw toes). Since the first metatarsal head no longer properly fulfills its role of supporting the first ray, a lateral transfer of the load occurs. This load transfer can lead to metatarsalgia in the front of the foot. Patients with hallux valgus also complain of pain when walking due to friction between the bunion and the shoe. These pains can also be accompanied by corns and calluses.

These various symptoms often lead patients to consult a hallux valgus surgeon. In Milan, as in Cannes or Paris, this condition is very common and can become disabling in daily life.

A hallux valgus specialist in Milan and France for the diagnosis of hallux valgus

Dr. Julien Lopez is not a hallux valgus specialist in Milan but in Nice and Cannes. He will be delighted to welcome you to one of his clinics.

In the case of hallux valgus, even if it is mild, it is important to consult promptly. Indeed, mild hallux valgus is easier to operate on than severe hallux valgus. Dr. Julien Lopez will guide you toward the most suitable treatment for your case.

The diagnosis of hallux valgus is primarily based on a clinical examination of the foot. Dr. Julien Lopez will inquire about the discomfort and pain you are experiencing, as well as your various symptoms.

To determine the extent of the deformity, the surgeon may also prescribe various medical imaging examinations (CT scans, MRI, X-rays, etc.). Front and side-view X-rays of the foot will be used to measure the angle between the first metatarsal and the first phalanx.

An accurate diagnosis of the deformity will allow Dr. Julien Lopez to guide the patient toward the most appropriate treatment.

Possible non-surgical treatments

Non-surgical treatment is usually the first-line treatment. This type of treatment is suitable for mild and moderate hallux valgus, when the deformity is not too advanced.

In some cases, conservative treatments such as wearing wider and more comfortable shoes, orthopedic insoles, or orthotic devices can effectively relieve pain and slow down the progression of the deformity. However, this approach is not always effective in cases of severe deformity. In such cases, Dr. Julien Lopez will guide you toward surgical treatment for hallux valgus.

Stages of hallux valgus surgery in Milan and elsewhere

Discover the stages of hallux valgus surgery in Milan and elsewhere.

Dr. Julien Lopez specializes in the use of the percutaneous technique for treating foot pathologies. When the case allows, he prefers the use of this method over traditional open surgery.

Percutaneous hallux valgus surgery offers many significant advantages for the patient:

This less invasive surgical approach offers patients a satisfactory option for effectively treating their hallux valgus.

Ambulatory hospitalization

Percutaneous surgery developed in Europe in the late 1990s. With many years of experience, Dr. Julien Lopez specializes in using this innovative method to treat foot and ankle conditions.

The surgical procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. The patient enters the clinic in the morning and can leave in the early afternoon.

Anesthesia

Local-regional anesthesia is the most common anesthesia used in percutaneous hallux valgus surgery. The choice of anesthesia method is determined during the consultation with the anesthesiologist. This essential step allows for the selection of the most appropriate method based on the patient's health and any potential contraindications.

This anesthesia method offers many benefits to patients since it allows them to remain awake during the procedure while numbing the operated area. Local-regional anesthesia involves an injection of local anesthetic near the surgical area, effectively anesthetizing the patient while avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia. Dr. Julien Lopez prefers this approach to ensure the comfort and safety of his patients during hallux valgus surgery.

Surgical technique

All surgical procedures are performed through incisions of just a few millimeters. The procedure takes place in several stages under continuous radiographic control:

  1. Milling of the bunion with a surgical mill.
  2. Release of the lateral joint capsule to allow the mobilization of the big toe.
  3. Osteotomy of the first metatarsal. This procedure may be completed by a total section.
  4. In some cases, an additional osteotomy of the first phalanx may be performed.
  5. Application of a dressing to maintain the foot in an anatomical position.

Possible complications of hallux valgus surgery in Milan and elsewhere

Like all surgical procedures, complications of hallux valgus surgery in Milan are possible.

After the surgery, swelling may occur. This swelling is not a complication of the intervention but a normal phenomenon. Indeed, swelling of the operated area can occur due to the surgical aggression and the bone consolidation of fractures. It may take up to 6 to 9 months post-surgery to achieve a completely refined foot.

Stiffness of the foot or a decrease in mobility is a common complication of hallux valgus surgery. This condition results from tissue scarring and deep fibrosis. Properly following the surgeon's instructions and performing rehabilitation exercises are sufficient to limit stiffness.

Do you think your condition requires hallux valgus surgery? In Milan, competent specialists can sometimes be difficult to find. French surgeon Julien Lopez offers quality care in one of his clinics in Cannes or Nice.