New surgical techniques for hallux valgus
Dr. Lopez practices new techniques for hallux valgus surgery for optimal results and pain-free recovery.
Developments in the surgical treatment of hallux valgus
For several years, the surgical treatment of hallux valgus and forefoot has undergone significant changes. Before, deformities of the foot were mainly corrected by surgery on soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, joint envelopes ... Over time, surgical techniques have extended to the bone itself. Today, surgeons favor osteotomy (that is, bone sections). This hallux valgus surgical technique is more effective since it allows a modification of the architecture of the foot, and therefore a considerable improvement in long-term results.
Discover here the steps of Julien Lopez' intervention.
In the event of hallux valgus, several techniques can be used by the surgeon. The use of each of these techniques depends mainly on your foot. There are generally two main surgical techniques for the operation of hallux valgus:
- Classic surgery or "open" surgery. In this case, the surgeon makes a large 10-12 cm incision in order to see what he is doing.
- Percutaneous or minimally invasive surgery. The procedure is performed through the skin using 2 or 3 mini incisions of only a few millimeters.
The different surgical techniques for hallux valgus
Here are the different surgical techniques for hallux valgus
Traditional surgery
Although used less frequently, this technique of hallux valgus surgery can be performed in some rare cases.
Open surgery requires making a large incision in order to improve the visibility of the surgeon. Conventional surgery is based on precise preoperative planning. The surgeon thus scrupulously prepares all the actions he will perform on the bones and soft parts during the operation.
PendDuring this hallux valgus surgery method, the surgeon will perform different gestures depending on the case: sections or lengthening of the soft parts if they are retracted, tensioning if they are stretched, sections and reorientations of the soft parts.
The advantages of conventional surgery
- The large incision made facilitates the surgeon's work since it allows a better view of the inside of the foot.
- It allows total control of the operative gesture.
The inconveniences
- Open surgery requires the creation of a large scar several centimeters in length on the inside of the foot. Even if the surgeon's goal is to leave the scars as invisible as possible, they will inevitably be less aesthetic than the scars left by percutaneous surgery.
- Tissue aggression is significant
- The duration of the operation is longer than that necessary to perform the minimally invasive surgery.
- Operative pain is often stronger after this type of surgery.
Minimally invasive and percutaneous surgery
In recent years, minimally invasive surgery has been favored over traditional surgery since it helps limit complications. With small incisions made, the surgeon is able to make the fractures using intraoperative X-ray control. The treatment of hallux valgus by percutaneous surgery has limitations, especially in cases of large deformities (severe hallux valgus). This is why we speak of minimally invasive surgery, which, together with percutaneous surgery, introduces the concept of mixed surgery. Thanks to this new technique for operating the bunions of the feet, it is possible to perform the same procedures as conventional surgery, with the simple difference that it only requires mini incisions.
The benefits of minimally invasive surgery
- For minimally invasive surgery, the hospitalization time is much shorter than for conventional surgery. The surgery is done on an outpatient basis, so you can go in and out on the same day. The surgery takes about 30 minutes.
- Unlike conventional surgery, the incisions made are very small. This allows a more aesthetic result.
- Post-operative pain is minimal.
- The recovery time is faster.
- The complications and infectious risks are lower.
The inconveniences
- The visibility of the surgeon is reduced compared to a classic surgery.
- Not all procedures can be performed in percutaneous surgery.
Are there alternatives to surgical techniques for hallux valgus?
Depending on your symptoms and the stage of hallux valgus, it is possible to benefit from non-surgical alternative treatments to surgical techniques for hallux valgus:
- Adaptation of the footwear: in the event of hallux valgus, it is advisable to avoid wearing high-heeled shoes. You can also opt for orthopedic shoes to reduce the progression of hallux valgus. These shoes help maintain the hallux to avoid a more pronounced deformation.
- Insoles: orthopedic insoles help relieve joint pain in the big toe. The purpose of the soles is to distribute the supports. A plantar splint, for example, will help support the arch of the foot and limit the overload and pressure in the big toe joint.
- Splints: there are custom molded splints to relieve pain associated with deformity. You can also buy standard splint at a drugstore.
No method is as effective as surgery. In the event of hallux valgus, treatment by surgery allows lasting correction of the deformity. While waiting for the operation, it is possible to adopt non-surgical treatments to relieve the pain and limit the progression of the deformity.
