Bunion (hallux valgus) surgery

Hallux valgus is a common foot deformity: the big toe drifts towards the other toes, and a bump forms on the inner edge of the foot, commonly called a bunion. It mainly affects women, partly runs in families, and is made worse by narrow shoes. The bump rubs and becomes painful, and the other toes may also become deformed. The operation corrects the alignment of the big toe by cutting and repositioning the bone (osteotomy), then fixing it, usually with small screws that stay in place. It can be done through a conventional incision or with a percutaneous technique through very small incisions, depending on the deformity and the surgeon's practice. The neighbouring toes are corrected at the same time if needed. Surgery is offered when pain interferes with walking or wearing shoes despite suitable footwear and insoles. A bunion is not operated on for cosmetic reasons alone when it is painless. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, bunion surgery is performed by an orthopaedic surgeon with a short hospital stay. A special shoe allows you to walk from the first days.