Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Performed in Baltimore, Maryland
The Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy provides patients with leading edge treatment options for foot and ankle deformities and injuries. Dr. Rebecca Cerrato is one of the first surgeons in the United States to offer advanced, minimally invasive bunion surgery. Dr. Cerrato, along with Dr. Patrick Maloney, offer this procedure as an alternative to traditional surgery. Minimally invasive bunion surgery often results in reduced post-surgical scarring, swelling and pain.
What is Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?
A bunionectomy procedure involves removal of a painful bunion through both corrective bone cuts (osteotomies) and soft tissue rebalancing to realign the big toe joint.
Traditional bunion procedures are performed through large incisions (~5cm) over the side of the bunion. Minimally invasive bunion surgery involves similar bone correction through smaller incisions (<3mm), which results in less post-operative pain, faster recovery, and less stiffness at the big toe.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery may be an alternative to traditional open surgery for some patients. A recommendation to undergo minimally invasive bunion surgery will depend on the type and severity of the bunion. Patients should consult an experienced foot and ankle surgeon to best understand their options.
How is Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery performed?
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, the bone is cut and the soft tissue is released, allowing the surgeon to realign the big toe joint.
Patients are allowed to weight bear after surgery in a post-operative surgical shoe. Most patients transition to regular shoes at week six.
What are the benefits of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?
Because the doctor is able to use smaller incisions for the surgery, patients typically experience:
- Less post-surgical pain, scarring and swelling
- Faster recovery
- Less stiffness at the big toe
Patients can bear weight immediately following the procedure in a surgical shoe. Patients who have their right foot operated on can typically drive after 6 weeks.
Can any surgeon perform Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?
No. Very specific training in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques is required. These procedures require unique surgical tools not used in traditional open surgery.
Mercy is proud to be a leader in offering advanced treatment options to patients with foot and ankle concerns. Dr. Rebecca Cerrato has helped lead the effort to bring this innovative surgery to the United States and has completed specialized training to employ the advanced techniques necessary for this procedure.