Bunionectomy Surgery Abroad

Bunion Surgery Cost Package: US $1,800 to $5,000
{Package covers all the medical and logistic costs at the destination}

Costa Rica [USA Joint Commission International Accredited Hospitals]
India [Harvard Medical Affiliated and USA Joint Commission Accredited Hospitals]
Mexico [World Class Hospitals]

A bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint. It is also called hallux valgus. The base of the big toe becomes large, painful and a sore lump, over time. Because of the deformity, the big toe presses onto the second toe and can be uncomfortable and painful.

Bunionectomy abroad, is a cost-effective way to get the deformity corrected by very skilled orthopedic surgeons in India, Mexico, Costa Rica and othermedical tourism destinations.

The cause of bunions is not exactly known, although they are largely said to be hereditary. Ill-fitting shoes are sometimes un-deservedly blamed for bunions, though it is true that such shoes worsen the existing condition. A study by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society found, that 88% of women in the U.S. wear shoes that are too small and 55% percent have bunions. No surprise then that bunions are nine times more common in women than in men.

Not everyone who has a bunion needs to get it surgically fixed. Only if it becomes painful to the extent that it starts disrupting normal life, should you consider a bunionectomy. If you have a mild bunion, you can avoid surgery or keep pain in control by wearing comfortable shoes and wearing special soles inside them. Foot specialists will be able to advise you on the non-surgical means of bunion treatment.

Bunion Surgery – Procedure Overview

The bunionectomy procedure varies depending on the type of bunion. And as there are many types of bunions, there are as many procedures.

Types of Bunion Removal:

1. Tendon and ligament repair around the big toe: These tissues may be too tight on one side and too loose on the other, creating an imbalance, because of which, the big toe leans onto the other toes. When combined with an osteotomy, this procedure shortens the loose tissues and lengthens the tight ones.
2. Arthrodesis: Removal of the damaged or malformed joint surfaces with the insertion of screws, wires, or plates to hold the surfaces together until it heals. Recommended for patients with severe bunions, severe arthritis, and when other procedures have failed.
3. Resection Arthroplasty: Removal of the damaged portion of the joint, this procedure is used mainly for patients who are older, have had a previous bunion surgery, or have severe arthritis. This creates a flexible “scar” joint.
4. Osteotomy: The surgical cutting and realignment of the joint.

(Source: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons)

The goal of these and other bunionectomy procedures is, to remove the bump from the side of the first metatarsal head (big toe) and re-align the joint. Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are more types of bunionectomies like Austin, Reverdin-Green, Kalish-Austin etc., depending on the type of the bone cut.

The choice of anesthesia depends on the doctor, the patient, and the anesthesiologist’s preferences. It may be general or local anesthesia. The surgery will take about an hour.

Preparing for Hallux Valgus Correction

• You will have to go through a complete physical checkup so that your surgeon can understand your current condition and determine if you are eligible for surgery.
• If you have heart and lung disorders, you will need a clearance from your family doctor before you go in for the surgery.
• If you have infections in the teeth or elsewhere in the body, they need to be cleared, well before the operation.
• If you smoke, it’s best to quit or cut down drastically. Smoking slows down the body’s healing process.
• Give your surgeon a complete list of all the medications you take, even if you take them only occasionally.

Bunion Surgery Aftercare

Bunionectomy is usually done on an outpatient basis. A few hours after the surgery, you will be allowed to go home, provided everything has gone as expected. Here are a few indicators on what you can expect after a bunionectomy:

• Keep your feet elevated in the first few days after surgery to prevent swelling.
• You will have to wear special post-operative shoes and use crutches to avoid pressure on the surgery area.
• It may take up to 3 months or more for the joint to completely heal.
• Do the strength-building exercises that your physiotherapist recommends. These will help in restoring the foot’s range of motion.
• You will not be able to wear shoes for up to 3 months.
• Do not wear high-heeled or tight-fitting shoes for at least 6 months after the surgery. After that, too, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes to avoid a recurrence.

Bunionectomy Risks/Complications

Bunionectomy has a success rate of about 85%, but it must be remembered that it is not a quick fix. It can take up to 6 months, or more for the pain to completely go away. Below are some risks that a bunion surgery entails:

• Thickened and/or tender scar
• Infection
• Recurrence of bunion
• Reduced range of motion
• Transfer of pain to lesser toes.
• Delayed or non-union of the osteotomy site.
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Post-operative swelling for up to 12 months

Cost of Bunionectomy in India, Mexico, and Costa Rica

In the U.S., big toe and foot surgery can cost up to $4,000 or $5,000. But bunion surgery abroad in India, Mexico, and Costa Rica is a fraction of the cost that would be incurred in the U.S. or U.K.. While significant cost savings are achieved from bunionectomy overseas, the other advantage is excellent treatment from expert foot specialists or podiatrists.

Bunions can be very painful and if you have to wait in a long line for your turn for the surgery, it can be awful. That’s why, many a time, even patients who can afford the cost of bunionectomy in the U.K. or Canada choose to go either to India, Mexico, or Costa Rica for a quick treatment of their feet.

As the hospitals are JCI-accredited or ISO-certified and the doctors board-certified, medical tourists can look forward to efficient, reliable, and friendly service.

Below are links to some of the orthopedic surgeons within Medical Tourism Corporation’s network:

Bunion Surgeons in India, Costa Rica & Mexico:

Dr Kaushal Malhan: Dr Malhan has had seven years of training and work experience in the U.K. Dr. Malhan also has several medical publications to his credit.

Dr Sanjay Pai: He has more than 18 years of experience in orthopedic surgery. Dr Pai has trained in the U.S., U.K., and Australia.

Dr P Suryanarayana: He has had extensive education and experience in India and abroad. Dr Suryanarayana is an expert in foot surgery.

Dr Yash Gulati: He has trained in the U.K. and Ireland apart from India.

Dr Dario E Garin: Educated in the U.S.A. and Mexico, Dr Garin is an expert orthopedic surgeon from Mexico experienced in joint reconstruction and arthroscopy.

Dr. Jesus Irineo Gallarzo Ramirez: He has vast experience in orthopedic surgery and has many satisfied patients from the U.S.

Dr. Oscar Oeding Bermudez: A third of Dr Bermudez’s clients are medical tourists from the U.S., Europe, and Canada. This orthopedic surgeon from Costa Rica performs three or four surgeries per day.

Related links:

Open Reduction and Fixation for Broken Ankle

Ankle Fusion Arthrodesis

American Podiatric Medical Association

American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society

Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates affordable bunion surgery in India, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Fill out the free estimate request form for a free quote and more information.