Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

---

Dr. Mustafa Alttahir is proficient in the field of minimally  invasive bunion surgery. With his expertise in this advanced surgical  technique, he offers patients an innovative approach to address bunions, aiming to provide superior outcomes and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgical techniques. This page explores Dr. Alttahir's utilisation of minimally invasive bunion surgery, covering  various aspects of the procedure.

A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a deformity that affects the  joint at the base of the big toe. It occurs when the big toe deviates  outward, causing the joint to become enlarged and prominent. Bunions are often caused by an imbalance in the foot's structure, hereditary factors, or wearing ill-fitting shoes over a prolonged period. Bunions can also be associated with inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue disorders.

While conservative measures such as wearing proper footwear, using  orthotics, and physical therapy can provide relief for mild bunions,  surgery becomes necessary when the condition significantly affects the patient's quality of life. Indications for bunion surgery include  persistent pain, difficulty in walking, limited mobility, and failure to  achieve relief through non-surgical methods, such as the use of bunion splints and custom made orthotics.

Patients with bunions may experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, and a visible bony protrusion at the base of the big toe. These symptoms can be accompanied by difficulty in finding comfortable footwear and decreased range of motion in the affected joint. Patients can also experience callosities or deformities to the other toes, such as hammer toe deformities or overriding toes. They can experience callosities at the bases of the smaller toes due to increased transfer of the load resulting from the bunion deformity (transfer metatarsalgia).

During the examination, Dr. Alttahir assesses the bunion's severity, checks for the presence of arthritis, assess for callosities elsewhere in the foot resulting from transfer metatarsalgia, evaluates the patient's overall lower limb alignment and gait, and examines the joint's stability and alignment.

Prior to minimally invasive bunion surgery, Dr. Alttahir may order  various pre-operative investigations, including WEIGHTBEARING X-rays of the feet and ankles, to assess the bunion's severity, joint alignment, and associated deformities. Additional imaging including CT scan or MRI may assist in assessing for the presence of bony deformities, allow 3D modelling if necessary in complex cases, and help rule out the presence of arthritis in the joint. These imaging studies help him plan the surgical approach and determine the  optimal correction technique.

Minimally invasive bunion surgery is an advanced technique that allows Dr. Alttahir to correct bunions with minimal disruption to the  surrounding tissues. The surgical procedure involves making small  incisions near the bunion site, through which specialised instruments, such as surgical burrs and deformity correction guides, are inserted. Dr. Alttahir uses these instruments to realign the bones, remove any excess bone or tissue, and stabilise the bone using small screws or other minimally invasive fixation devices designed specifically for bunion surgery. The aim of the minimally invasive approach is to reduce surgical trauma, minimise scarring, with the aim of enabling a quicker recovery.

After minimally invasive bunion surgery, Dr. Alttahir provides detailed  post-operative care instructions to optimise healing and recovery. This  typically includes proper wound care, pain management, the use of  a post-operative shoe (fitted at the conclusion of surgery), and immediate return to weightbearing as tolerated in the shoe. The shoe will be utilised for a period of 6 weeks, after which patients transition into comfortable shoewear. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore joint mobility and strength. Healing takes a minimum of 6 weeks from a bony point of view, and ongoing monitoring with serial x-rays ensures patient achieve a great outcome.

Minimally invasive bunion surgery may offer several advantages over traditional open surgical techniques, including potentially:

1. Faster Recovery: Minimally invasive surgery can result in less tissue dissection and trauma, with the aim of faster recovery time compared to open procedures. Patients can potentially expect to resume their normal activities sooner.
2. Reduced Scarring: The small incisions used in minimally invasive surgery result in minimal scarring, with the aim of promoting a better cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction.
3. Improved Joint Function: By correcting the underlying bunion deformity, minimally invasive surgery restores joint alignment and improves foot function, allowing patients to experience long-term relief from pain and improved mobility.

The reduced surgical dissection and precise nature of minimally invasive techniques aims to minimise the risk of complications such as infection, nerve damage, delayed wound healing, or non-unions and delayed bone healing.

Dr. Mustafa Alttahir's expertise in minimally invasive bunion surgery  allows patients to receive advanced, effective treatment for bunions  with the ultimate goal of achieving superior outcomes and a quicker recovery. By employing this state-of-the-art approach, Dr. Alttahir addresses the underlying bunion deformity, alleviates pain, and  restores joint function, significantly improving the patient's quality  of life. With his commitment to delivering optimal results, Dr. Alttahir  remains at the forefront of minimally invasive bunion surgery,  providing his patients with the highest standard of care.