Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Bunion removal - series: Indications

 Indications

Bunion removal - series
Illustrations:

  • Normal anatomy
  • Indications
  • Procedure, part 1
  • Procedure, part 2
  • Aftercare

    • A bunion is a painful deformity of the bones and joint between the foot and the big toe. Long-term irritation (chronic inflammation) from arthritis, poorly-fitting shoes, or heredity causes the joint to thicken and enlarge. This causes the bones of the big toe to angle in toward and over the second toe, the foot bone (metatarsal) to angle out toward the other foot, and the skin to thicken (callus formation).

    Update Date: 5/5/2008

    Updated by: Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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