Percutaneous hallux valgus surgery: a revolutionary technique
Percutaneous hallux valgus surgery performed by Dr. Lopez allows you to recover quickly and with little or no pain.
The emergence and development of the percutaneous surgical technique has revolutionized foot surgery and profoundly changed the approach to foot pathologies.
History and indications of percutaneous hallux valgus surgery
Percutaneous hallux valgus surgery first appeared in the United States before expanding to Europe about ten years ago. Thanks to the scientific and technical work of several Spanish and French medical teams, the percutaneous technique is now arousing genuine interest from the surgical community.
The medical sphere has neglected the podiatry aspect of the foot for many years. At the time, only 2 medical fields relating to the feet existed:
- Orthopedics, which treats internal pathologies of the foot.
- The pedicure, which mainly deals with the external care of the feet.
It was only a few years later that podiatry made its appearance in the medical world. Dr Julien Lopez has decided to make it his specialty in order to relieve and treat all pathologies of the foot and ankle. Today, he performs numerous surgical procedures using the percutaneous technique, such as surgery for hallux valgus.
The goal of percutaneous hallux valgus surgery is to limit surgical stress so as not to damage the anatomical parts surrounding the bones of the foot. By performing this surgical technique on the hallux valgus, Dr. Julien Lopez ensures his patients faster recovery and with reduced pain.
The hallux valgus operation by percutaneous surgery is not intended to replace conventional surgery but to provide new possibilities for the treatment of foot pathologies. This method is mainly used to correct deformities of the forefoot, although some midfoot and hindfoot procedures can be performed.
The forefoot operations possible with percutaneous surgery:
- Hallux valgus
- Claw toes
- The bunionette
- Pain of the metatarsal pallet
- Morton's syndrome
- Osteoarthritis of the big toe
Medio and rearfoot interventions performed using the percutaneous technique:
- Smoking and heel spurs
- Osteotomy of the calcaneus for the treatment of flat or hollow foot
- Calcaneal exostosis
To learn more about surgical techniques for hallux valgus, go to this link.
What is percutaneous hallux valgus surgery?
Percutaneous hallux valgus surgery is a surgical technique used in minimally invasive foot surgery. During percutaneous surgery, the surgeon makes 1 to 2 mm mini-incisions without opening the joint. Small instruments are then introduced through these mini-incisions in order to perform the surgical procedure. Visual control of the operation is done through the use of X-ray control screens.
The intervention takes place in several stages:
1) How does the anesthesiologist perform a long-lasting anesthesia to put the 4 nerves of the foot to sleep. This locoregional anesthesia allows the foot to fall asleep for 6 to 12 hours, which allows you to wake up without pain.
2) Dr Julien Lopez then proceeds to ream the bump using a surgical burr.
3) The surgeon releases the lateral joint capsule.
4) He then performs an osteotomy of the 1st metatarsal in a 15° triangle. In case of significant and persistent deformity, an osteotomy of the 1st phalanx can be performed as a supplement.
5) The last step is to keep the foot in an anatomical position. To do this, Doctor Julien Lopez makes a bandage that keeps the big toe in the right position.
The percutaneous hallux valgus operation usually takes about 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Doctor Julien Lopez usually operates on one foot at a time to facilitate recovery. Percutaneous bunion surgery on the 2nd foot may be offered between 7 and 15 days after the 1st operation.
Some surgical procedures cannot be performed using the percutaneous technique. It is therefore sometimes necessary to use additional surgical procedures requiring larger incisions. Even if it is possible not to fix the fractures, Dr. Lopez prefers to use 2 screws in order to stabilize the fractures. Stabilizing completed fractures decreases pain, edema, swelling and the risk of secondary displacement. This equipment does not interfere with or create an alert when passing through airport security.
Dr. Julien Lopez will tell you which technique is most appropriate for you after a thorough analysis of your pathology and the extent of the deformity.
Benefits and recovery from percutaneous hallux valgus surgery
The use of percutaneous hallux valgus surgery can limit postoperative pain and promote recovery
One of the advantages of percutaneous hallux valgus surgery is that the locoregional anesthesia used protects the foot for 6 to 12 hours. After this period of time, it is advisable to take painkillers and an anti-inflammatory treatment. These medications will be provided to you by the clinic, on an anesthetic prescription, at the time of your discharge.
It is important to regularly ice the operated foot after the operation. The icing should be repeated 4 to 5 times a day in a period of 15 minutes.
It is essential to keep your dressing for about 21 days, that is, until your first post-operative visit.
You will be able to lean on your foot as long as you are using a medical shoe. Keep your operated foot elevated as often as possible during the first week to reduce the risk of edema.
If you have any questions regarding your recovery, Doctor Julien Lopez remains at your entire disposal to answer you.
