Mini invasive surgery hallux valgus
Is mini-invasive hallux valgus surgery necessary?
Hallux valgus is a deformation of the “hallux” which means “big toe”. How do you know? This condition deflects the big toe towards the other four toes and creates a protrusion. This is why hallux valgus is also called the «onion».
Very often, this deformity in the first metatarsal can sometimes cause significant discomfort and daily pain that lead to a consultation. And sometimes this requires a minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery.
Advances in medicine have led to changes in surgery: the open and clear openings to access the affected area are now giving way to more thoughtful and smaller incisions.
The «minimally invasive surgery» is much more discreet thanks to incisions of just a few millimeters. In some cases, to treat hallux valgus, a minimally invasive procedure is necessary.
Doctor Julien Lopez welcomes you in his office to make his diagnosis and give you the solution adapted to your situation. Whether it is in the form of orthotics or a mini invasive foot onion operation, every situation is different and every solution can be adapted.
Without percutaneous surgery: can the hallux valgus be relieved?
Percutaneous surgery of hallux valgus is not necessarily recommended by the surgeon, it depends on its stage and the daily symptoms caused by this onion.
The main symptoms of hallux valgus, in addition to metatarsal deformity visible to the naked eye, are:
- Pain and discomfort in the toes causing difficulty when putting on your shoes
- Redness in the onion caused by friction, which causes inflammatory pain
- Conditions caused by this deformity such as horns, bursitis or osteoarthritis in the foot
Without action on your part, this pathology can become disabling on a daily basis. But where exactly does it come from? Come and see Dr Julien Lopez for a complete and accurate diagnosis. The minimally invasive technique of hallux valgus can be considered to relieve the pain of this condition if the need arises.
Hallux valgus is transmitted or caused by several factors:
- It can be hereditary: if one of your close relatives suffers
- Prolonged wearing of shoes with narrow, pointed heels
- Wearing other narrow shoes such as safety shoes that tend to compress the feet to maintain them
- Some rheumatological conditions and some podological morphologies also predispose to the formation of hallux valgus
The hallux valgus is often accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the shoes and this can bother you when performing your daily tasks.
Here are some tips before considering percutaneous hallux valgus surgery to relieve these pains:
- Choose shoes that are a little wider than those you are used to wearing
- Stretch your big toe to the position where it should be positioned for a few seconds before repositioning and repeating
- Immerse your feet in a cold bath to relieve inflammation and any horns formed
- Wear orthotics or braces that act as support for your foot
These adaptations could allow you to avoid a surgical intervention of hallux valgus.
If these adaptations are not enough and you feel daily discomfort so intense that your only choice is to wear open shoes, head to Doctor Julien Lopez: It is perfectly able to direct you to the most suitable method to relieve your feet on a daily basis. The realization of custom-made orthotics that fit perfectly to your foot or a percutaneous hallux valgus operation is one of the solutions considered.
Percutaneous Hallux valgus: when to do something about it?
Percutaneous hallux valgus surgery is sometimes necessary. But when? Doctor Julien Lopez takes care of it and gives you a professional medical opinion adapted to your situation.
Risk factors, symptoms and a complete podiatry assessment give you advice on non-surgical procedures and on the possibility of surgical treatment of your hallux valgus. The minimally invasive technique is discussed during your consultation so that you know all the details.
Depending on the diagnosis made, your level of pain on a daily basis and the answers to the questions formulated by Doctor Julien Lopez, a technical and minimally invasive valgus hallux surgery may be considered.
Percutaneous surgery hallux valgus: what is it?
What is hallux valgus percutaneous surgery? Percutaneous is a term that means that the surgical procedure is performed through the skin. An incision of a few millimeters is made to minimize the scar.
Here is what happens during percutaneous hallux valgus surgery:
- Anesthesia is distributed to the four nerves affected by invasive small valgus hallux surgery
- The onion is sanded with a surgical cutter
- The big toe is mobilized by releasing the capsule from the lateral joint of the foot
- An osteotomy of the deformed metatarsus and phalanx is performed to straighten it
Following this minimally invasive operation of hallux valgus, a dressing is made. Spacing between the first two toes of the foot is created to ensure that their normal position is maintained.
The minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery
Following the minimally invasive hallux valgus operation, the foot is anesthetized for 12 to 72 hours but can still be placed on the ground. A suitable shoe is placed on your weakened foot to allow better support and avoid any associated pain.
One of the non-negotiable advantages of percutaneous valgus foot surgery is the realization of an incision of only a few millimeters, varying according to the patients. The smaller the minimally invasive hallux valgus wound in surgery, the shorter the healing time. Healing of the incision takes an average of one to two weeks.
It is important to remember that foot swelling secondary to the minimally invasive technique of hallux valgus surgery takes time to resolve. It takes 2 months for the swelling to be absorbed to 80% and 6 to 9 months for a fully refined foot.
Doctor Julien Lopez welcomes you in his office to make a complete diagnosis and to advise you on the micro surgery of hallux valgus.