Bunion Removal

Bunion Treatment Benefits

• The procedure is exclusive to The Private Clinic in the UK.
• Orthopaedic Consultant Surgeon, Mr Bianchi is an expert in his field and has been carrying out bunion operations for 15 years.
• Over 1,200 procedures performed each year in Italy and London.
• 98% success rate.
• Minimally invasive procedure, bunion removal surgery is performed under local an-aesthesia using keyhole techniques.
• No screws, plates, wires, or metal fixtures are used.
• 2-3mm skin incisions which leaves no scar.
• No crutches, so you can return to everyday activities with ease.
• Minimal post-operative pain and aftercare.
• Advanced bunion hospital and aftercare support.
• Walk immediately after surgery, with no crutches or extensive downtime required.
• Walk in walk out, minimally invasive day case procedure.

BUNION CONSULTATION IN BOURNEMOUTH

Consultations will be available at our Bournemouth clinic with Consultant Orthopaedic, Mr Andrea Bianchi.

Mr Andrea Bianchi pioneered this revolutionary procedure. With over 15 years of experience, he performs over 1,200 procedures per year in the UK and Italy.

Specialising in orthopaedics and traumatology at the University of Studies of Perugia, Mr Bianchi went on to develop a unique and innovative technique for treating painful foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoe, tailor’s bunionette and rigid toes.

Together with his dedicated team, Mr Bianchi developed a minimally invasive approach to bunion removal surgery, inspired by keyhole surgery. His specialised technique is focused on effectively treating the feet whilst reducing the lengthy downtime and removing the use of fixative devices such as pins and wires.

During a consultation Mr Andrea Bianchi will:

• Listen to your concerns.
• Take an X-Ray image of your foot.
• Assess your bunion and look at your X-Ray images.
• Provide information on keyhole bunion surgery.
• Recommend the best treatment options for you.
• Discuss any risks associated with bunion surgery.
• Detail what is to be expected during recovery and what aftercare is required.
• Answer any questions you may have.

YOUR PATIENT COORDINATOR

Following your consultation, you will be allocated a dedicated patient coordinator who will follow up with you to provide you with a quote for your recommended bunion foot surgery treatment. They will then be your point of contact should you wish to go ahead with bunion surgery.

KEYHOLE BUNION SURGERY

Your bunion procedure will take place at The Private Clinic’s London Fitzroy Hospital to ensure you receive the best level of care for your procedure.

All treatments are performed as day case procedures, under local anaesthetic. The procedure itself takes around 30 minutes, but you can expect to be at the hospital for around 1-3 hours.

THE INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUE EXPLAINED

Developed by Orthopaedic Consultant Surgeon, Mr Bianchi who will be performing the procedure at our London bunion clinic. This is bunion surgery with a difference as patients are able to walk straight after surgery, have minimal downtime and more importantly no fixative devices such as screws or wires which are usually what causes patients discomfort post-surgery.

Small, surgical, dental burs are used to correct the bunion deformity and modify the bones of the forefoot. These are inserted through small, approximately 2-3 millimetre incisions in the skin. The surgeon guides the bur using a special radiological device to help him ‘see’ the bones and the burs.

The bones are carefully fractured with precision and then realigned into a straight position; we call these geometric fractures. A series of geometric fractures will be made without forcing the bone into place using fixative devices, which allows the foot to heal naturally. As the technique does not force the bone to repair, the bones and joints heal in a natural position, according to the individuals load-bearing needs and not to a ‘pre-established’ standard. This results in greater functionality and comfort in the joint post-procedure.

After surgery, the foot is bandaged and taped using a technique specifically developed by Mr Bianchi’s medical team. A surgical orthopaedic boot will also need to be worn. You will return to clinic for your follow-up appointment around 25 days after the procedure. In most cases the bandaging will then be reduced, and you can remove your post-surgical shoe and wear comfortable wide-fitting shoes such as trainers.

This technique quashes the concept that every fracture needs to be immobilised in order to heal.

You will be encouraged to bear weight on your foot shortly after your procedure to encourage the correct physiological readjustments and you will be able to walk out of the hospital without the need for crutches after your procedure. The bones are left to heal in a more natural position which results in better comfort and functionality post procedure.

BUNION SURGERY AFTERCARE

Fully detailed post-operative advice will be provided to all patients and details for The Private Clinic’s 24 hour help line should you have any concerns following treatment.

Bandaging and an orthopaedic shoe will need to be worn on the treated foot for around 25 days.

The effects of the local anaesthetic are likely to last for 24 hours.

Pain and swelling are common post-procedure, and you will be provided with medication to help manage this. It is also advised to raise your leg whilst resting to reduce the swelling.

You will be encouraged to walk on the treated foot as normal to help it to heal in the correct position.

The bandaging of the foot must be kept dry until your first follow-up appointment.

KEYHOLE BUNION SURGERY FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT

Your first follow-up appointment will take place around 25 days post-procedure. At this time, your medication will be changed, and your bandaging will be reduced. Your surgeon will also assess if you are ready to remove your orthopaedic shoe and switch to wide-fitting comfortable footwear.

An x-ray will then need to be arranged at around 45 days post-procedure and a second follow-up will take place with the surgeon on the day.