 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Bunion removal
Definition:
Bunion removal is the surgical treatment of a deformity of the bones of the big toe and foot (bunion). Alternative Names:
Bunionectomy; Hallux valgus correction
Text Continues Below
Description:
A bunion is a painful deformity of the bones and joint between the foot and the big toe. Long-term irritation (chronic inflammation) caused by poorly fitting and/or high-heeled shoes, arthritis, or heredity causes the joint to thicken and enlarge. This causes the big toe to angle in toward and over the second toe, the foot bone (metatarsal) to angle out toward the other foot, and the skin to thicken (callus formation). The initial treatment for a bunion is changing from narrow and/or high-heeled shoes to wide shoes without a heel. When this does not work, surgery may be recommended. Surgical removal of a bunion is usually done while the patient is under general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free) and rarely requires a hospital stay. An incision is made along the bones of the big toe into the foot. The deformed joint and bones are repaired, and the bones are stabilized with a pin and/or cast.Indications:
Surgery is recommended to correct the deformity, reconstruct the bones and joint, and restore normal, pain-free function.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
|
.gif)
