Percutaneous Surgery for Hallux Valgus Treatment

Percutaneous surgery is indicated when:

• Persistent Pain: Pain and discomfort don't improve with conservative treatments, such as insoles, appropriate footwear, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications.
• Progressive Deformity: The hallux valgus deformity worsens over time, hampering mobility and quality of life.
• Difficulty Wearing Shoes: The deformity makes it difficult to find comfortable footwear.

Symptoms that may lead to the decision to perform surgery include:

• Big Toe Joint Pain: Pain in the metatarsophalangeal joint, especially when walking or wearing shoes.
• Swelling and Redness: Swelling and inflammation around the affected joint.
• Mobility Changes: Difficulty moving the big toe or performing activities that require foot use.

The procedure generally involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: Patient receives local or regional anesthesia, depending on surgeon preference and patient condition.
2. Minimal Incisions: Small incisions are made in the skin around the big toe, usually in strategic locations to minimize scarring.
3. Deformity Correction: The surgeon realigns the metatarsal bone and corrects the big toe position, using specific techniques that may include osteotomies (bone cutting) and fixation with devices such as screws or sutures.

Recovery after percutaneous surgery may include:

• Rest and Immobilization: The foot may be immobilized with a post-surgical shoe to protect the area while healing.
• Pain Control: Use of painkillers as needed to manage post-operative pain.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapist may introduce rehabilitation exercises to help restore foot strength and mobility, typically a few weeks after surgery.
• Medical Follow-up: Regular consultations to monitor recovery and evaluate big toe function.