Syndesmosis Bunion Surgery
The Syndesmosis procedure is a simple solution to a complex problem. This form of bunion surgery is a potential game-changer in the correction of this condition. At the Center for Syndesmosis Bunion Surgery in Hong Kong, we have over 35 years of experience, during which time we’ve treated over 2,000 feet, proving that there is a better way to healthier feet. Repeatedly. Consistently.
Conventionally, bunion surgery in HK is done using a technique that involves breaking the affected bone, resizing it and refitting it into your foot, so that your foot regains its natural shape and form. But this process can be painful and can have a very long recovery period.
If the root of the complex problem is a ligament failure that causes the bones to collapse, the most logical way to reverse the problem is equally through ligaments. The point of origin reveals a simple solution. At our centre, we use a special technique that focuses on ligament-oriented surgery to treat your deformity.
The Process
DEFORM
The metatarsus primus varus (MVP) is created when the first metatarsal gives in to the constant stress of daily activity and starts to be pushed away from the other four metatarsals. The bones of the medial column fall apart and the sesamoid bones become displaced.
RE-ALIGN
The displaced first metatarsal can be readily and naturally re-erected to its normal position by simply tying it to the adjacent second metatarsal bone with absorbable surgical sutures without cutting any bones or fusing any joints.
STABILIZE
A unique bunion surgery for Hong Kong patients creates an environment that induces the natural formation of a new ligament – the Syndesmosis – to re-stabilize the first metatarsal and prevent recurrence. After 3 months the sutures fully dissolve and are absorbed by the body.
RESTORE
Once displaced bones are holistically re-aligned and re-stabilized, the normal mechanics of the entire medial column can then be restored. The arches reform and strengthen, and the big toe regains function as if the deformity had not existed before.
Your body was designed to heal itself
Your body’s own ability to heal itself is the key to restoring and retaining optimal foot function. In fact, this natural ability is what we harness as part of our Syndesmosis bunion surgery in HK. A Syndesmosis is a common anatomical structure in the human body that connects and stabilizes two parallel long bones to each other. Essentially, it is a fibrous joint where ligaments connect two adjacent bones to each other. The most well-known Syndesmoses exist in your legs and forearms.
Syndesmosis bunion surgery utilizes the body’s innate healing response to produce a brand new fibrous connecting bridge between the first and second metatarsal bones. Identical to the healing of a wound, any healthy body is capable of forming this biological structure, without any artificial implant or tissue transplantation. We simply create the right and conducive environment that facilitates the generation of the Syndesmosis ligament. Your body does the rest.
The Syndesmosis bunion surgery in Hong Kong we perform is a special technique. It leaves each bone and joint fully intact by addressing the true underlying ligament problem. Once the Syndesmosis forms naturally over the course of 3 months, it is the only mechanism needed to critically stabilize previously unstable bones. Plus, because the Syndesmosis is a living structure – it will adapt and strengthen as you exercise your foot through the help of physical rehabilitation therapy. Additionally, since it’s not an artificial structure, there is no removal process involved once your foot heals. The Syndesmosis is yours for life.
A BETTER WAY TO HEALTHIER FEET
35
YEARS
Experience
2K
FEET
restored
Syndesmosis bunion surgery is an evidence-based correction procedure that has broken the bone-breaking tradition. It has remarkably overcome not just one, but most of the critical challenges faced in similar surgeries today. Some of its benefits include –
- Walking is allowed immediately after the procedure, so both feet can be done at the same time. This is less commonly seen with other bunion surgery in HK. Recovery Experience >>
- One single bunion surgery technique provides satisfactory correction for all levels of severities. No other similar type of surgery has claimed such a feat. Evidence >>
- The recurrence rate, especially long-term, is very low due to the unique permanence of the Syndesmosis. Recurrence is still a common reality troubling most other types of bunion surgery in Hong Kong and abroad. Evidence >>
- Big toe function can be restored significantly and consistently, proven by foot function scan studies and the disappearance of metatarsal calluses. Few other types of bunion surgery have such evidence. Evidence >>
- Unrestricted activities and shoes are permitted six months after the bunion surgery. Our patients are able to return to frequent high heel wear and even the most demanding activities – including marathon running, ballroom dancing and professional ice skating. Full-Function Success >>
RECOVERY AFTER BUNION SURGERY
Recovery after the Syndesmosis bunion surgery for HK patients is not as long or painful as other types of bunion surgery. This is because this procedure is based on a natural process of ligament formation, and therefore it is consistent, constant and predictable. Here are a few things to know about recovery with this bunion surgery in Hong Kong:
- Syndesmosis formation – There is no known method to confirm ‘completion’ of the Syndesmosis’ formation. But our experience in bunion surgery suggests gradual return to normal walking after 3 months and unrestricted activities and shoes after 6 months.
- Less pain – Bunion surgery HK patients of ours, who previously had a bone-cutting procedure elsewhere, report much less pain after Syndesmosis bunion surgery. The vast majority of our patients need to take only anti-inflammatories (Arcoxia) and mild pain relievers (Tylenol #1) for 2-3 days after bunion surgery in HK.
- Immediate weight-bearing – Full weight bearing is permitted any time after both one-foot and two-feet bunion surgery procedure. You can resume walking the day following bunion surgery in HK. Most patients prefer crutches for security for the first few days.
- Casting and footwear – Small forefoot casts and post-surgical shoes are generally worn for 3 months to protect the internal holding sutures and to facilitate the Syndesmosis’ formation. You can visit our bunion surgery HK facility to get fitted for the right casts and post-surgical shoes. Once your feet are healed sufficiently, you can start to wear comfortable sneakers or trainers with specific orthotics for 2-3 months until your foot is completely rehabilitated.
- Restricted walking – Swelling is normal and foot elevation is recommended whenever possible during the first postoperative month. For worry-free recovery, walking is generally restricted to no more than 5,000 steps a day for the second and third months. Crutches are recommended for outdoor walking. A strolling pace is critical to reduce ground impact stress on the internal holding sutures in your feet until the Syndesmosis ligament is fully formed. Then, after consulting with our bunion surgery Hong Kong doctor, you can start to slowly level-up with your daily activity.
Possible complications
As with any surgery, complication is always a possibility for Syndesmosis bunion surgery. This is true, no matter how small the procedure may be or how skilful the surgeon is or how cooperative the patient can be. However, more complicated, extensive and traumatic surgeries have, in general, greater risk of developing complications.
In the rare instance of complications after Syndesmosis bunion surgery in HK, there may be wound infection, surface numbness, a stiff big toe, over-correction, stress fracture, second metatarsal bone displacement or recurrence.
However, as mentioned, these are uncommon and can be cautiously prevented or satisfactorily resolved. If you have any questions at all about bunion surgery in Hong Kong, please feel free to discuss them with us.