Keyhole Bunion Surgery, Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery, Bunions Birmingham

Figure 1

Positioning of the left foot for Minimally Invasibe Surgery (MIS) under Xray guidance

Figure 2

Example of small burr used in Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Figure 3

Image of small blade used for Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Figure 4

Small blade used to cut skin and create a passage for the burr

Figure 5

Small burr used to shave bunion

Figure 6

The resulting bone paste is removed through the key hole made earlier

Figure 7

Xray Image after bunionectomy

Figure 8

Blade used to cut tight band holding toe tilted (Lateral Release)

Figure 9

Small burr used to cut proximal phalanx and straighten toe (Akin osteotomy)

Figure 10

Small burr used to cut ball of the toe to shift it inwards

Figure 11

Instrument used to lever the ball of the toe inwards under Xray guidance, after it is cut

Figure 12

Images of bone cuts and sites of screw fixation

Figure 13

Bandage post surgery

Figure 14

Spacer used after removal of bandage. Noted size of skin cuts.

FAQ - Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery (MIS)

What is Minimally Invasive surgery for Bunions?

This refers to “keyhole surgery” for bunions. The surgery is done using small holes in the skin and very small burrs under X-ray guidance. Burrs are used both to remove the bunion and cut the bones that need to be realigned.

Keyhole surgery in orthopaedics usually uses a camera (arthroscope) to look at the instruments. However in bunion surgery the foot is placed on a low dose X-ray machine and the instruments are seen on a special screen attached to the X-ray machine (image intensifier)

Are there any advantages of MIS over regular open surgery for Bunions?

The main advantage is cosmetic as the skin cuts are much smaller. In my personal experience I feel that the swelling and joint stiffness is slightly less as there is less soft tissue exposed and cut. There are not many studies comparing traditional open surgery and key hole surgery to look at advantages and disadvantages on a scientific basis.

Anyone wishing to undergo MIS surgery should read the patient information section of NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence). The link is provided below and the information is available as “Understanding NICE guidance”.

http://guidance.nice.org.uk/IPG332

Why is MIS for Bunions not widespread in the UK?

The surgery is currently in a stage of evolution. The previous methods did not use the special “low speed, high torque” burrs or the special instruments that have been developed only over the last couple of years. Therefore, when surgeons from France and Italy introduced it, surgeons in the UK and USA did not immediately accept it. Apart from lack of fine instruments, there was a higher complication rate with the initial techniques used.

However most of the issues have been addressed with the latest techniques and in my opinion it is a safe procedure, as long as the surgeon is appropriately trained and the patient selection is appropriate. Surgeons performing it are increasing in the UK.

Is recovery faster with MIS surgery?

Yes and No!

In cases where there is a bunion associated with only a bent bone in the toe (hallux valgus interphalangeus) then recovery by MIS is faster as the ball of the big toe does not need to be cut. The bunion is removed and a cut is made only in the toe bone followed by fixation with a screw. (See figure for Akin osteotomy).

In more severe cases where the bunion is associated with an out of alignment and slippage at the ball joint (MTP subluxation) the recovery is not much different. The ball of the toe is cut and shifted inwards and this requires about six weeks to heal. As we weight bear through the ball of the toe a special shoed needs to be worn to protect this area. (See figure for metatarsal osteotomy)

Can MIS treat all Bunions?

I currently still use open surgical methods for treating bunions with significant slippage of bones (subluxation) and those associated with early arthritis. These patients require shortening of bones to help realign the joint and relax the ligaments and tendons. This is more effective when open surgery is used.