A bunionectomy is a surgical procedure that moves toes back into the correct position. The procedure balances the muscles around the toe joint to ensure the bunion does not grow back.
In some cases, surgery may only be required to remove the bunion. This operation is performed through a small incision on the side of the foot immediately over the area of the bunion. Once the skin is opened, the bump is removed using a special surgical saw or chisel. The bone is smoothed, and the skin incision is closed with small stitches.
Learn more about our bunion surgery services located throughout the Washington DC, Baltimore, Maryland, and Virginia areas.
Why is surgery performed?
At MedStar Orthopaedic Institute, a bunionectomy is usually recommended if you:
- Are suffering from extreme discomfort or pain
- Have experienced difficulty walking or standing as a result of a bunion
- Have tried conservative treatments without success
Bunionectomy – our comprehensive approach
We have the most experienced orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons, the most advanced treatment options, as well as a comprehensive array of additional services.
Every orthopedic foot and ankle specialist on our team has fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery and focuses exclusively on caring for conditions that affect the lower extremities such as bunions. We perform 1,500 foot and ankle surgeries every year, including many bunionectomies. We also perform many revision surgeries for people who had an unsuccessful bunionectomy elsewhere and want to improve their results.
The basic surgical procedure for bunions (hallux valgus) can include removing the bunion, re-aligning the bones that make up the big toe, or balancing the muscles around the joint so the deformity does not return.
Osteotomy
Capsulotomy
Realignment of the big toe is completed by releasing the tendons on either side of the first joint. By releasing the tendon, the toe is no longer pulled out of alignment. The toe is realigned and the joint capsule on the side of the big toe closest to the other toe is tightened to keep the toe straight, or balanced.
In addition, we provide for all of your treatment and recovery needs with services that include:
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Diagnostics
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Pedorthic and shoe consultants, if you need special orthotics, inserts, or shoes
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Durable medical goods, including braces, crutches, and other equipment you may need during recovery
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Physical therapy
Our staff works with you to coordinate all aspects of your care so you don’t have to spend time managing it yourself.
Bunionectomy recovery
What are the benefits?
Our goal is for you to experience the following benefits after having bunion surgery:
- Corrected deformity
- Low chance of deformity returning
- Foot pain relief
- Pressure relief
- Toe alignment
- Ability to wear normal shoes after recovery
- Ability to return to normal activities without pain
- Improved balance and foot strength
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgery
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Nicholas D. Casscells, MD
Foot And Ankle Orthopedic Surgery
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Paul Stuart Cooper, MD
Foot And Ankle Orthopedic Surgery
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Gregory Paul Guyton, MD
Foot And Ankle Orthopedic Surgery
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Walter Chad Hembree, MD
Foot And Ankle Orthopedic Surgery
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Stuart D. Miller, MD
Foot And Ankle Orthopedic Surgery
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Jacob M. Wisbeck, MD
Foot And Ankle Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
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Farhang Alaee, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
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Jason Wilson Hammond, MD
Sports Medicine, Orthopedic Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery
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Mark David Hasenauer, MD
Hip And Knee Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Jessica B Hawken, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
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Curtis Mitchell Henn, MD
Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Shaun Kumar Khosla, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
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Milford Howarth Marchant, MD
Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Sports Medicine & Sports Medicine
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Edward C Rabbitt, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
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Ira Dean Gelb, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
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Peter Shay Johnston, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
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Sanjog K. Mathur, MBBS
Orthopedic Surgery
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Charles Francis Mess, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
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Charles Francis Mess, Jr., MD
Orthopedic Surgery
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Mark Donald Perry, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
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David T. Streets, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
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Patricia Turner, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
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William Robert Volk, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
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Bo Zhang, MD
Orthopedic Surgery