How are Bunions Erased?
Bunion Erasing, sometimes known as the "Mini-Bunionectomy", is not an entirely recent development: In fact, it has been in continual use over the last thirty-five years!
Today these procedures are the focus of a national surgical organization, the Academy of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Surgery, with members in many states and in many European and Latin nations as well as the Orient. The procedures are taught annually at national conventions in various cities by experienced practitioners.
The techniques are performed in the office using local anesthesia only. Of course, like the dentist, the injections are briefly uncomfortable but the safety and efficacy of this method has several advantages over general or other narcotic-based anesthesias and gas. No intubation or I.V.'s are needed. The local anesthesia provides satisfactory comfort during the procedure and most patients find they can chit chat during the correction with Dr. Ricken. Several have been interviewed live on television while they were having it done!
The procedures are performed sterilly in a surgical facility certified by the Acadmeny of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Surgery. The incision(s) are extremely tiny and the bunion is corrected through them. The bump is removed with power equipment and polished smooth. The big toe is straightened by lengthening a tendon that deforms it. Finally, in certain cases, the foot is narrowed if width is the major underlying problem.
After the correction, sutures may or may not be necessary and internal hardware with its risks and possible associated pain is not needed.
Bandages involve a sterile strapping. Surgical shoes are usually needed after surgery and the patient returns home for a weekend of rest. Most patients with sitting jobs find they can return to light work the first week. Most also report using only headache remedies for post operative discomfort. The post operative course involves weekly dressing changes for two to five weeks for in-towners. Special arrangements can be made for out-of-towners.
Before
After
The risks of any surgery involve primarily post-operative pain, infection and persistent swelling, temporary numbness in a toe, and even recurrence of the deformity. While most bunion surgery appears to last a lifetime, recurrence is possible. Further risks should be discussed with your doctor or Dr. Ricken by consultation. Feet always require rehabilitation after correction and patients are encouraged to exercise their feet and get them into their usual shoes, even heels, as soon as possible. Walking is permitted during the entire post-operative period to the patient's own tolerance. Bathing and showering can be performed with precautions. Non-compliant patients may require hospitalization should complications arise.
Over the last twenty-nine years, Dr. Ricken has devoted himself exclusively to developing and improving the "erasing procedures." Call for a consultation in your individual case. Contact Abbe at (713) 771-3668 for details and to determine your insurance benefits.
