There are several types of foot surgery for bunions, and the right option depends on how severe the bunion is, the angle of bone deformity, and whether there is arthritis involved. Some of the most common surgical methods include:
✅ Osteotomy – This is one of the most performed techniques. The surgeon cuts and realigns the affected bone to straighten the toe. Metal screws or plates may be used to hold the bones in the correct position while they heal.
✅ Exostectomy – In this procedure, the surgeon removes the bump from the joint. However, this method is usually combined with an osteotomy because simply shaving the bump doesn’t fix the underlying deformity.
✅ Arthrodesis – Recommended for severe bunions or when arthritis has damaged the joint. The surgeon removes the damaged joint surfaces and fuses the bones together. This offers strong stability but reduces joint flexibility.
✅ Resection Arthroplasty – A small portion of the damaged joint is removed. It provides pain relief and more room for movement but is less commonly used today because of instability risks.
✅ Minimally invasive bunion surgery – This newer method uses tiny incisions with imaging guidance. It involves less tissue damage, reduced scarring, faster recovery, and often less pain. Many patients are able to walk sooner compared to traditional open surgery.
Each surgery has its own benefits, and the best option should be selected after clinical evaluation and imaging. A foot and ankle surgeon will usually recommend a method based on deformity level, patient activity, and long-term outcome.