A variety of surgical methods are used to correct bunions. Also referred to as a bunionectomy, most methods re-align the bone leading to the base of the big toe (the first metatarsal) and include repairs to the surrounding tendons and ligaments that may have become too loose or too tight. These soft tissue imbalances push the big toe toward the other toes. Over time, the joint at the base of the big toe protrudes outward and becomes inflamed and painful.
By re-aligning the bone and correcting the soft tissues, pain is relieved, the bunion ‘bump’ is eliminated, and the toe is properly aligned.
~ Bunion surgery candidate
The Active Bunion surgery is an advanced type of osteotomy, meaning a surgical procedure that corrects bone alignment, that is often combined with soft tissue correction. Here, a small cut is made in the first metatarsal bone, and the bone is shifted as needed on multiple dimensions (up or down, horizontally, and positioned for proper rotation) bringing the bone and joint back into its natural position. The cut is then fixed into place with the CoLink Vallux® surgical plate. The bone heals like a fracture — and because only one bone is involved, recovery may be faster with fewer complications compared with other surgeries.
For a quick overview of all the advantages of this bunion surgery, download our brochure for patients: