MIS foot surgery – Hallux Valgus and Hallux Rigidus
Hallux valgus (bunion): a minimally invasive approach
Hallux valgus is a common foot deformity in which the big toe deviates toward the other toes and the forefoot widens. Beyond the aesthetic aspect, a bunion often causes pain, calluses, redness, and skin irritation, makes footwear difficult to wear, and gradually reduces quality of life. Over time, many patients notice they can no longer wear standard shoes without discomfort, that pain increases with prolonged walking or standing, and that the deformity progressively worsens. In some cases, changes in the position of the other toes may occur, along with the development of corns or a burning sensation in the forefoot. At IMC Priora, we perform MIS foot surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery), a modern minimally invasive approach to correcting deformities, including MIS procedures for Hallux valgus, with the aim of reducing pain and restoring foot function.
Minimally invasive techniques are particularly beneficial for patients who want precise correction with less surgical trauma and a faster return to everyday activities. Along with a bunion, secondary problems often occur at the same time, such as pain in the forefoot (metatarsalgia), toe deformities (e.g., hammer toes), overuse of soft tissues, or uneven load distribution during walking. For this reason, it is important to address the problem comprehensively rather than simply “straightening the bump.” Treatment is planned individually after examination and diagnostic assessment, including evaluation of the degree of deformity, the condition of the joints, skin and soft tissues, as well as your lifestyle and goals (work, recreation, sport).
What are MIS foot procedures and how are they performed?
MIS foot procedures are performed through several very small incisions, using specialized instruments and precise control of bone alignment during the operation. Essentially, the goal is to correct the alignment of the big toe and the first metatarsal bone and to balance the soft tissues, so the foot returns to a more functional and less painful position. This reduces pressure in the forefoot and improves walking biomechanics. The advantages of the MIS approach include smaller incisions, less swelling, and often a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery, with the ability to tailor the correction precisely to the patient’s anatomy and the severity of the deformity. It is important to emphasize that the technique is selected based on the clinical findings—the goal is to achieve a stable correction and a long-term result, not just short-term relief.
After the procedure, a key part of success is the postoperative protocol: special footwear as recommended, controlled weight-bearing, targeted exercises, gradual increase in load, and monitoring of healing through follow-up visits. The recovery plan is adjusted to the severity of the deformity, age, lifestyle habits, and the patient’s goals. Typically, patients can walk early in the recovery period with appropriate postoperative footwear, while the return to full weight-bearing and activities is planned gradually and safely, with clear instructions to reduce the risk of complications and recurrence of the deformity.
When to consider surgery and how to book an appointment?
If your bunion is painful, if shoes are causing problems, if you have calluses and irritation, if you notice the deformity worsening, or if you are experiencing increasingly frequent pain in the forefoot, an orthopaedic examination is the best first step. A timely assessment is important to choose the optimal timing and the most appropriate treatment method—especially if the deformity is already affecting your gait, posture, and the load on other joints. Schedule an appointment at Hallux Orthopaedics so we can assess your foot and explain whether you are a candidate for treatment of Hallux valgus or Hallux rigidus. Surgical procedures are performed at IMC Priora, with a clearly defined recovery plan and return to everyday activities.
Marko Džapo, MD
Medical team
