Hallux Valgus Surgery in Rome – The Expertise of a French Surgeon

Hallux Valgus Surgery in Rome and Elsewhere – Different Methods

Various techniques can be used to perform hallux valgus surgery in Rome. Each of these techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most commonly used techniques are open surgery and minimally invasive surgery.

When appropriate, Dr. Julien Lopez prefers the use of the percutaneous technique, which is less invasive and highly effective. Only an experienced surgeon will be able to decide on the most suitable surgical approach for your case. This decision may be based on a clinical examination of the foot and medical imaging tests.

Traditional Surgery

Traditional open surgery is generally reserved for severe cases with significant deformities. It may also be considered when other significant joint or bone issues need to be corrected simultaneously. Cases of recurrence after a previous unsuccessful surgical intervention may also require a more invasive approach.

During surgery, the surgeon makes a relatively large incision on the side of the foot, allowing direct access to the big toe joint. Bone and joint deformities are corrected by removing a portion of the bone or by performing fixation procedures using screws or plates.

Open surgery has several disadvantages. Larger incisions can lead to more significant post-operative pain, a longer recovery period, and an increased risk of infection. Scars are also more visible and may be less aesthetically satisfying. Due to more significant tissue trauma, it may take longer to regain full mobility of the foot. The recovery time after open surgery is generally longer compared to the minimally invasive technique.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (or percutaneous surgery) is the method of choice when all indications are met. Dr. Julien Lopez specializes in the treatment of hallux valgus through percutaneous means. With many years of experience, he can offer his patients an innovative and less invasive surgical approach to correct their hallux valgus.

This surgical method can be used for mild to moderate deformities and for active patients looking for a faster recovery.

Minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery offers numerous advantages for patients:

• Smaller incisions. Incisions are only a few millimeters in size, reducing tissue trauma and the risk of postoperative complications.
• Faster recovery. Recovery is often faster than with open surgery, with early resumption of walking and daily activities.
• Discreet scars. Scars are minimal and less visible.

• Lower risk of infections. The small incisions reduce the risk of postoperative infections.

Finding a competent hallux valgus surgeon in Rome can be challenging. French surgeon Julien Lopez welcomes you to one of his clinics in Nice or Cannes, offering high-quality follow-up care.

Preparing for Your Hallux Valgus Surgery in Rome and Around the World

Dr. Julien Lopez explains how hallux valgus surgery is performed in Rome and elsewhere, and the necessary steps to prepare for the surgery.

Before the Surgical Procedure

Before your surgery, you must schedule an appointment with an anesthetist. During this consultation, the healthcare professional will inquire about your health, current medications, and any potential contraindications. The appointment should be made between 3 days and 3 months before the surgery.

Physiotherapy sessions are required after hallux valgus surgery (starting from the 4th postoperative week). It is advisable to schedule these sessions as early as possible.

Also, make sure to obtain the medical equipment prescribed by Dr. Julien Lopez (compression bandage, shower protector, crutches, cold brace, scar cream, etc.).

You will need to fill out and return the preoperative information sheet and consent form.

Finally, start the homeopathic treatment 5 days before the surgical procedure.

On the day before or the morning of the surgery, you will need to take a preoperative shower, following the skin preparation protocol provided by the office. Remember to fast for at least 6 hours before the surgery.

Ambulatory Hospitalization

The day before your surgery or a few days in advance, you will be contacted to be informed of the time at which you should arrive at the clinic. Your admission can take place either on the day of the surgery or in advance. Upon arrival at the clinic, your identity will be verified, and you will be prepared before being transferred to the anesthesia room.

Hallux valgus surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. This means that the patient goes to the clinic in the morning and can return home in the early afternoon. You will spend approximately 3 hours at the clinic. In cases where outpatient hallux valgus surgery is not feasible, you may be hospitalized for one to two nights.

Some precautions should be taken to ensure that your hospitalization goes smoothly. First and foremost, you will need someone to accompany you when leaving the clinic.

On the day of the surgery, remember to bring your entire medical file, test results, and the medical equipment prescribed by the surgeon.

Hallux Valgus in Rome, Nice, or Paris – Post-Operative Steps

Discover the post-operative steps of hallux valgus surgery in Rome, Nice, or Paris.

Possible Complications

Like all surgical procedures, hallux valgus surgery can lead to certain complications.

Swelling is not a complication but a normal and common outcome of the surgery. It is characterized by foot swelling due to surgical trauma and bone fracture healing. Swelling spontaneously disappears between 6 and 9 months after the surgery.

Following the surgery, foot stiffness may occur due to tissue healing and deep fibrosis. To limit stiffness, it is advisable to regularly move the toes and undergo physiotherapy sessions.

Consultations

At the end of the surgery, Dr. Julien Lopez directly performs dressing in the operating room. This dressing must be kept for 3 weeks, and no dressing care is necessary. In case of problems or abnormalities with your dressing, contact the surgeon's office as soon as possible.

The first post-operative consultation should take place at 3 weeks. During this consultation, the dressing is removed, and the stitches are taken out.

A second follow-up consultation should occur 2 months after the surgery.

Resuming Activities

Walking is possible immediately upon leaving the clinic with the use of a medical shoe. You can resume regular footwear 1 month after the surgery.

In the case of hallux valgus surgery, the average work leave is 4 to 6 weeks. The duration of leave varies from one patient to another and depends on various factors such as the patient's profession.

Once your dressing is removed, you should start foot rehabilitation sessions. Exercises should also be performed independently at home.

Sports activities can be resumed 2 months after the operation.

Driving is not recommended during the first 3 weeks after surgery. You will not be covered by your insurance if you resume driving before this period.

While Dr. Julien Lopez is not a hallux valgus specialist in Rome, he would be delighted to welcome you to one of his clinics in Cannes or Nice. If you require further information, you can contact the office by email or phone.