Bunion Surgery in London

Bunion surgery, also known as hallux valgus surgery, is a collective term for various techniques to surgically correct a bunion.

A bunion is a bony bump protruding from the base of the big toe away from the foot. Bunions are commonly believed to be caused by wearing tight, pointed shoes, but many orthopaedic surgeons think it is actually due to a structural deformity in the foot that causes a bunion to form over time. This deformity is most likely inherited genetically and so bunions often run in families. Symptoms from the deformity are most noticeable when patients are wearing shoes, but in more severe cases, they can also be felt at rest.

Surgery is not the best option for all patients. Surgery is normally only recommended after non-surgical treatments have been tried first and when symptoms are severe enough to affect patients’ daily lives.

The aim of surgery is tailored to each patient, and the orthopaedic surgeon will discuss the achievable goals with the patient prior to surgery. Hallux valgus surgery will generally include:

• Realigning and straightening the big toe and foot bones
• Remove the bony protrusion
• Improve symptoms and be able to return to everyday life

The exact timeframes are different from patient to patient and are very dependent on the type of hallux valgus surgery performed. Usually, surgery will take between an hour and two hours and will take up to 6 months to recover from.

Bunion Surgery in London will typically cost around £3350. This figure can change slightly depending on a number of factors including the complexity of the individual case, the addition of any combined procedures or a patient's medical history. These are factors that would be discussed during the consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon after which a bespoke price can be offered. Once the price has been agreed upon, there will be no hidden fees or extra costs. The final price includes the following:

• All fees related to your hospital stay
  • Accommodation (if needed)
  • Nursing care
  • Surgical theatre fees
  • Physiotherapy
  • Imaging costs
  • Medication
  • Pathology
• Aftercare
  • Seven days worth of any medications prescribed by your surgeon
  • A standard mobility aid like crutches or a cane
  • Ten post-operative physiotherapy sessions
  • One post-operative X-ray
  • Post-operative appointments with your surgeon

The consultation with an orthopaedic specialist can last up to an hour. It is one of the most important steps of a patient journey. It offers the opportunity for the patient and the surgeon to become acquainted and for the patient to feel at ease moving forward with their treatment. During the consultation, the patient and surgeon will discuss a number of topics relating to surgery, including:

• Expectations and realistic outcomes from surgery
• Medical history and overall health of the patient
• Recovery and aftercare information

The consultation will also include

• a physical examination
• imaging of the foot (if required)

Patients should listen to the surgeon's pre-op and post-op instructions and follow all aftercare advice as closely as possible to maximise the treatment results. Whether a patient may read online or hear from elsewhere, the surgeon's advice should always be considered more reliable. They know the patient's specific case and may create a unique and personalised pre-and post-op plan for each patient.

The consultation is an opportunity for a patient to get informed of all matters relating to the surgery. But it also allows the patient to meet the surgeon and build a relationship with them. It will enable the patient to have their voice heard and resolve any queries and questions they may still have about the surgery itself, about pre-op or post-op requirements and aftercare. Patients should always make efforts to communicate clearly at every stage of the process and ask any questions to ensure they are only committing to surgery when they feel informed about every stage.

It can be challenging to make the right decision when choosing which surgeon or hospital you entrust with your journey. Learning about surgical techniques and the risk of surgery can be overwhelming, but we are here to make that journey simple, transparent and stress-free. When you sign-up with Medbelle, you will be contacted by one of our Patient Care Advisers; they will be your personal guide through the process from beginning to end. They will take care of all the appointment scheduling, keep you updated at every turn and support you with anything you need.

The first step is a call with one of our Patient Care Advisers. This is an opportunity to explain why you would like or why you need Bunion Surgery. You will hear more about the procedure, the prices and also learn about our locations and surgeons. It also allows your Patient Care Adviser to determine whether you are indeed eligible for surgery.

During this call, you will have the opportunity to book a consultation with the surgeon who is the best match for you. The surgeon consultation costs £245. Your Patient Care Adviser will check in with you in the lead up to your consultation to ensure that you are prepared. You will also receive pre-consultation leaflets with helpful information about what to expect moving forward.

Your Patient Care Adviser will check in with you post-consultation to see how it went. The treatment date and final price will be offered shortly after this by your Patient Care Adviser.

All of the information found on our website is sourced from highly reputable experts, government-approved authorities and is widely used by healthcare professionals.

• Medbelle https://www.medbelle.com/foot-ankle-surgery/bunion-surgery-hallux-valgus-surgery-procedure-guide/
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/bunion-surgery/
• NHS:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bunions/
• NHS:https://www.wsh.nhs.uk
• NHS: https://www.wyevalley.nhs.uk
• British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Association https://www.bofas.org.uk
• NHS: https://www.roh.nhs.uk

Our content is written by our Medical Quality Managers and Patient Care Advisers, all of who have medical backgrounds and training. Before publishing, all the information is reviewed by a surgeon specialised within the relevant field.