Mercy Medical Center Expands Staff Skilled in New Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rebecca Cerrato, one of the first surgeons in the United States to offer a new minimally invasive bunion surgery, is now joined by colleague Dr. Patrick Maloney, as top rated orthopedic surgeon skilled in the procedure. Drs. Cerrato and Maloney practice at The Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD.

According to Dr. Cerrato, the minimally invasive approach offers an alternative to traditional surgery that can reduce post-surgical scarring, swelling and pain.

“Mercy is proud to be a leader in offering advanced treatment options to patients with foot and ankle concerns. Dr. Cerrato has helped lead the effort to bring this innovative bunion surgery to the U.S., and now is joined by Mercy’s Dr. Patrick Maloney in completing specialized training to employ the advanced techniques necessary for this procedure,” said Dr. Clifford Jeng, Medical Director, The Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy.

“It’s an exciting time in orthopedics and foot and ankle surgery, as we discover new, less invasive approaches to addressing patient needs. I’m very pleased to join Dr. Cerrato in offering this minimally invasive procedure,” Dr. Maloney said.

A bunionectomy involves removal of a painful bunion through corrective bone cuts (osteotomies) and soft tissue rebalancing to realign the big toe joint. While traditional bunion procedures involve large incisions over the side of the bunion, the minimally invasive approach is achieved through smaller incisions “which results in less post-operative pain, a faster recovery for the patient, and less stiffness and scarring at the big toe,” Dr. Cerrato explained.

Developed originally for maxillofacial procedures, the surgeon uses a specialized burr, a needle-shaped bone cutting tool, which creates precise bone cuts through “keyhole” incisions. Through several small incisions, typically no more than 3mm, the bone is cut and the soft tissue released, allowing the surgeon to realign the big toe joint.

Patients may bear weight after surgery in a post-operative surgical shoe. Most patients transition to regular shoes after six weeks.

According to Dr. Cerrato, minimally invasive bunion surgery may be an alternative to traditional bunion surgery for some patients.

“A recommendation to undergo minimally invasive bunion surgery will depend on the type and severity of the bunion,” Dr. Cerrato said.

Dr. Cerrato is a recognized leader in clinical education on a national and international level. Director of The Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction’s Fellowship Program, she regularly participates in field related research, presentations and lectures. Dr. Cerrato is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and serves as Chairman of the Membership committee for the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS).

Dr. Patrick Maloney is a fellowship-trained physician Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery. He provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for a wide array of foot and ankle conditions, including ankle arthritis, bunions, flat feet, foot and toe deformities, foot fractures, and other common and complex foot and ankle conditions.