Types of Bunion Procedures and Terminology

You might hear different terms used to describe a bunion surgery. Depending on the severity of the bunion, a more complicated procedure might be needed.

A Cheilectomy is a term used to describe just shaving the bump. It can also involve shaving around the joint to make things more rounded. In this procedure no hardware is need and it allows for the quickest healing time.

If the bunion is more severe, a cheilectomy alone is not appropriate because it has a high chance of recurrence. With most bunion surgeries a cheilectomy will be done on top of the described procedure.

The next common bunion procedure done is a Chevron osteotomy, also known and an Austin or and Kalish. This is a "V" type of cut in the 1st metatarsal to slide it over. Once the bone is slid over screws are used as fixation. The screws stay in forever usually. They do not set off any alarms at the airport. Rarely the screws need to come out.

An Akin procedure is an osteotomy of the big toe, hallux. Sometimes in order to make everything sit straight the big toe must also be corrected.

When closing the surgical site repair of the capsule and ligaments is done to help hold things in alignment.

Moving further back there is a Scarf type of bunionectomy also known as a "Z" type osteotomy. This will also be held with screws.

A closing or open base wedge osteotomy is done even closer to the base of the metatarsal for more of the severe bunions. This procedure is held with a plate and screw or just screws.

Finally there is the Lapidus bunionectomy that involves fusion of the 1st metatarsal-cuneiform joint. This is done for patients with severe bunions and those patients who have ligamentous laxity. This procedure usually requires screw and plate fixation. It is one of the more complicated bunion procedures due to technical components. It will usually require limited walking along with a period of possible non weight bearing.

For a surgical consult on bunions please feel free to contact Dr. Gennady Kolodenker (949) 651-1202.

Bunion Surgery Specialist in Orange County - Southern California - Irvine - Newport Beach