Bunions & Minimally Invasive Surgery

What is a bunion:
The common bunion (hallux valgus) is a prominence of the inner portion of the joint of the big toe. A bunion is formed when the first metatarsal bone of the foot turns outward and the big toe points inward (toward the other toes). The prominence results from a mal-alignment of the bones of the foot, and in some cases additional bone formation.

Bunions are more common in woman than in men are caused by multiple factors including tight fitting shoes, genetics, and abnormal foot function and mechanics.

Treatment:

Relief of bunion pain with conservative measures such as shoe wear modification and bunion splints may be effective. This may relieve symptoms but will not correct the mal-alignment issue. Your Orthopaedic Surgeon may suggest surgery when bunions cause persisting pain despite conservative care.

Minimally Invasive Surgery:

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) for treating foot and ankle surgery has gained traction internationally and provides certain benefits over the more traditional open incision types of surgery.

Dr Mark Maritz Orthopaedic Surgeon from Busamed Paardevlei Private Hospital in Somerset West, explains that “Modern minimally invasive bunion surgery allows for smaller incisions and facilitates less soft tissue swelling, rapid recovery and earlier return of movement for patients”.

During minimally invasive surgery small, keyhole incisions are utilised and the bones are re-aligned using a specialised burr under X-ray guidance. The re-aligned bones are held in position with specialised screws embedded deep within the bones. The damage to the soft tissue is therefore minimised, the joint is not violated and the recovery time is therefore enhanced. The postoperative pain is dramatically reduced and immediate mobilisation can be afforded. This new minimally invasive technique has therefore tremendous advantages of the more traditional open approaches.

Dr Maritz has been trained internationally in these techniques and has brought this experience to his practice in South Africa.
He teaches both locally and internationally in the technique.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact his practice on the following details:

Tel: 021 840 6727
Email: reception@drmarkmaritz.com

Address:
Suite 203, 2nd Floor Busamed Paardevlei Private Hospital,
4 Gardner Williams Ave, Paardevlei Estate,
Somerset West, Cape Town