Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Specialist in Mount Pleasant, SC
If bunion pain is making it difficult to walk, exercise, or wear comfortable shoes, minimally invasive bunion surgery may provide lasting relief. Blake Ohlson, M.D. offers advanced minimally invasive bunion surgery in Mount Pleasant, SC, using modern "keyhole" surgical techniques to correct bunion deformities through small incisions. Compared to traditional open surgery, this approach is designed to minimize soft tissue disruption, reduce postoperative pain and scarring, and promote a faster recovery.
Dr. Ohlson provides individualized treatment plans for patients with mild to severe bunions who have not achieved relief with conservative treatments. His goal is to restore proper foot alignment, relieve pain, improve mobility, and help patients return to their daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.
What is Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?
Minimally invasive bunion surgery, also known as keyhole bunion surgery, is a procedure to treat a foot condition called a bunion or hallux valgus. During minimally invasive bunion surgery, a few small incisions are made to access the bone around the bunion, as opposed to a much larger incision made during an open bunion surgery that cuts across layers of tissue around the bone, causing more postoperative pain, a larger scar, and damage to the surrounding soft tissues.
A bunion is an enlargement of bone or soft tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe, resulting in the formation of a bump. The bone that joins the big toe with the first metatarsal bone thickens and enlarges, tightening the tendons. This, in turn, causes the base of the big toe to angle outward, resulting in a painful deformity.
The main objective of minimally invasive bunion surgery is to realign the joint, correct the deformity, and to relieve pain and discomfort with minimal complications.
Who is a Good Candidate for Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?
You are a good candidate if you exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
- Significant foot pain that limits your activities of daily living (ADL)
- Chronic inflammation and swelling of the big toe that does not improve with medication or rest
- Deformity of the big toe: a drifting in of the big toe toward the smaller toes
- Toe stiffness: the inability to straighten or bend the big toe
- Failure to obtain pain relief with changes in footwear
- Unsuccessful treatment of pain with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Preparation for Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
Preoperative preparation for minimally invasive bunion surgery involves the following:
- A thorough medical evaluation is performed by your doctor to check for any medical issues that could interfere with your surgery. If you have chronic illness or a medical condition, such as with the heart or lungs, you will need a preoperative medical clearance from your family physician.
- Several preoperative tests, such as blood and urine tests, and other imaging such as chest x-rays and cardiograms may be ordered to check for any abnormalities.
- Special foot X-rays may be ordered for planning your procedure as well as to assist in correcting the foot abnormality.
- Make sure to inform your doctor of allergies to medications, anesthesia, or latex.
- You should advise your doctor as to which medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
- Your doctor may advise you to refrain from certain medications or supplements such as blood thinners, NSAIDs, or vitamin E for several days prior to surgery.
- You should not consume any solids or liquids at least 8 hours prior to surgery.
- You should refrain from smoking, as tobacco affects blood circulation and increases the risk of complications.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home, as you will not be able to drive yourself post surgery.
- A written consent will be obtained from you after the surgical process has been explained in detail.
Procedure for Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
Minimally invasive bunion surgery is usually done as a same-day surgery with ankle-block anesthesia that numbs only the foot, so that you are awake throughout the procedure. The procedure will involve the following steps:
- The skin over the bunion is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A few tiny keyhole incisions are made with the aid of specialized instruments to access the bone around the bunion.
- Through the small incisions, specially-designed instruments are inserted to cut the abnormal bone growth and release the soft tissue, enabling realignment of the big toe joint.
- Your surgeon may remove portions of bone, ligament, and tendon in the affected foot, based on the severity of the bunion.
- The incisions are closed with stitches and a sterile dressing is applied.
Postoperative Care and Instructions
The general postoperative care and instructions involve:
- You will be transferred to the recovery area for monitoring.
- Your nurse will measure your blood pressure and heart rate and other vital signs as you recover.
- You will be encouraged to get up and walk as frequently as possible to prevent blood clot formation.
- Keep your foot elevated as much as possible for the first few days after surgery, and apply ice as advised to relieve pain and swelling.
- For the first couple of weeks, you will require a surgical boot or cast to protect your foot. Orthotic supports or insoles are also advised for additional comfort.
- You can expect some pain and swelling in the foot. Pain-relief medications will be prescribed as needed.
- Instructions on a diet rich in Vitamin D and C will be provided to promote bone healing.
- Physical therapy and an exercise regimen will be gradually started to enhance range of motion and help strengthen the foot muscles.
- Instructions on surgical site care, driving, and bathing will be provided.
- Patients can usually bear weight immediately following the procedure in a surgical shoe. However, return to normal activities may take 6 to 8 weeks and return to sports activities may take 10 to 12 weeks.
- You should strictly adhere to all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
Some of the benefits of minimally invasive bunion surgery include:
- Minimal post-surgical pain
- Less scarring
- Minimal swelling
- Faster recovery
- Small incisions
- Minimal stiffness in the big toe
Risks and Complications of Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
Minimally invasive bunion surgery is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, there may be some minor risks and complications, such as:
- Pain
- Discomfort when walking
- Swelling
- Infection
- Anesthetic complications
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels
- Blood clots
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Selecting an experienced orthopedic foot and ankle specialist is essential for achieving the best surgical outcome. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines advanced surgical expertise with patient-centered care to provide minimally invasive solutions for bunion correction while prioritizing long-term foot function and recovery.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Comprehensive evaluation of bunions and forefoot deformities
- Expertise in minimally invasive (keyhole) bunion correction techniques
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's anatomy, symptoms, and lifestyle
- Smaller incisions designed to reduce pain, scarring, and soft tissue damage
- Advanced surgical techniques focused on restoring proper alignment and foot function
- Comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation and recovery guidance
- Compassionate care from consultation through every stage of recovery
Dr. Ohlson's objective is to relieve pain, correct the deformity, improve mobility, and help patients return to comfortable daily activities with long-lasting results.
Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery FAQs
What is minimally invasive bunion surgery?
Minimally invasive bunion surgery, sometimes called keyhole bunion surgery, is an advanced procedure that corrects bunion deformities using specialized instruments inserted through small incisions, reducing trauma to surrounding tissues.
Who is a candidate for minimally invasive bunion surgery?
Candidates typically include patients with painful bunions that interfere with walking, shoe wear, work, or daily activities and who have not achieved adequate relief with conservative treatments such as wider shoes, orthotics, medications, or activity modification.
What are the advantages of minimally invasive bunion surgery?
Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive techniques may offer smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, reduced swelling, minimal scarring, quicker recovery, and improved cosmetic results.
Is minimally invasive bunion surgery performed as an outpatient procedure?
Yes. Most minimally invasive bunion surgeries are performed as same-day outpatient procedures, allowing patients to return home shortly after surgery.
How long is the recovery?
Many patients are able to bear weight immediately in a protective surgical shoe. Most daily activities can typically be resumed within 6 to 8 weeks, while return to sports or higher-impact activities may take approximately 10 to 12 weeks, depending on healing and rehabilitation.
Will I need physical therapy?
Depending on your recovery and the complexity of the correction, Dr. Ohlson may recommend exercises or physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Can bunions come back after surgery?
Although modern surgical techniques are designed to provide lasting correction, recurrence is possible. Following postoperative instructions, wearing appropriate footwear, and maintaining foot health can help reduce the risk.
What are the risks of minimally invasive bunion surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, potential risks include infection, swelling, bleeding, nerve or blood vessel injury, blood clots, anesthesia-related complications, and delayed healing. Dr. Ohlson carefully reviews these risks during your consultation.
Schedule a Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery Consultation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If bunion pain is limiting your mobility or affecting your quality of life, minimally invasive bunion surgery may help restore comfort and function with smaller incisions and a faster recovery. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans for patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities.
Contact our office today to schedule your minimally invasive bunion surgery consultation in Mount Pleasant, SC, and learn whether advanced keyhole bunion surgery is the right treatment option for your foot condition.