Minimally Invasive Chevron Osteotomy

Dr. Desai uses the Wright Medical System for Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery.

Pre Operative Instructions

  • After your consultation with Dr. Desai, Ana will call you within 24-48 hours to book your surgery.

  • A few weeks before surgery, you will have a pre-operative visit with Dr. Desai’s Kinesiologist. The purpose of this visit:

    ·       Educate you on how to prepare for surgery

    ·       Review the post operative course

    ·       Providing mandatory devices needed for your surgery

    ·       Providing optional devices to help with your recovery

  • Dr. Desai recommends pre-operative immuno-nutrition to optimize your recovery. This will also be offered at your pre-operative visit:

Post Operative Instructions

Dressing:

  • You will have a dressing and a post op sandal on your ankle and foot for 6 weeks following surgery

  • At 6 weeks, you will wean off the sandal and begin walking in a regular shoe

Wound:

  • The surgical incision has been closed with sutures

  • Do not get the cast or wound wet for the first two weeks. When showering place a bag over the cast and secure with tape to your leg to avoid the cast and wound getting wet

  • Do not remove the dressing until your 2 week appointment – the first dressing change will occur at your 2 week appointment

  • Stitches will be removed at your 2 week appointment

  • After the stitches are removed, you may begin to shower after 2-3 days

  • Do not immerse the foot in water (bath, hot tub, pool) for 4 weeks

  • Do not apply any lotions or creams on the wound for 6 weeks

Weight Bearing:

  • You may begin walking fully on your foot the day of surgery

Medications:

  • Narcotic (Dilaudid) – Take the night of the operation even if you have no pain.  The nerve block may wear off at night.  Then take every 6 hours for the first 24 hours after surgery.

  • Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen – Take the night of the operation even if you have no pain.  Take BOTH every 4-6 hours, ideally between doses of the narcotic (so you are taking some pain medication every 3 hours or so). You may need this for the first 3-5 days

  • Vitamin C – Daily for 30 days

  • Vitamin D – Daily for 30 days

Driving:

  • For right foot surgery you are not permitted to drive until you have completely weaned off the boot

  • For left foot surgery, please contact your insurance company to see if you are permitted to drive

  • Driving is not permitted while on narcotics

Work:

  • Two weeks off work is recommended for initial recovery

  • If you are able to get to work safely, and will be seated for the majority of the day, you may return to work a couple days after surgery. This is assuming you are not taking narcotic pain mediation.

  • From 2-6 weeks sedentary duties is recommended

  • By 6 weeks you can slowly return to your normal duties

  • If your job is physically demanding, return to full duties is usually possible around 8 weeks post operatively

Follow Up:

  • You will have your first appointment 2 weeks after surgery in the Fracture Clinic

  • Your next appointments will be at 6 weeks, then 3 months post operatively

Recovery:

  • It is normal to experience mild to moderate pain, numbness, or tingling for the first 2 weeks following surgery

  • Please come to the emergency department if you are suffering from severe pain

  • You will get back to most of your activities by 3 months

  • Swelling often remains for 6-12 months

  • You are expected to experience a FULL recovery (no pain, no swelling, ability to walk, etc.) in 9-12 months

Physiotherapy:

  • No formal physiotherapy is necessary

Before and After Photos