Minimal Incision Surgery for Bunions

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a way to correct your bunion deformity using very small incisions. In these procedures, special instruments are used to cut bones under X-ray guidance and insert screws through very small incisions. Advantages of minimally invasive surgery include faster healing, smaller scars, and less stiffness.

Recovery

Recovery is faster from MIS bunion repair compared to open procedures. Some weightbearing can be allowed within the first 1-2 weeks of surgery. Dressing changes are usually performed weekly for 4 weeks after surgery. A postoperative shoe is used for 6 weeks after surgery, followed by a supportive athletic/walking shoe. Walking, cycling, and light hiking can begin after 2 months, and most other activities after 3 months.

Risks and complications

The risks of minimally invasive surgery are similar to traditional, open surgeries, although the risks of infection and wound healing problems are lower with minimally invasive surgery because the incisions are so small.
While the small incisions used in minimally invasive surgery can make it easier to damage unseen structures like nerves and tendons, research studies have not shown a higher rate of these injuries.