Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

A recent patient attended The Coriel Clinic for treatment of a painful bunion (hallux valgus) on the left foot.

The big toe had gradually begun to lean inward, creating a noticeable bump on the side of the foot and causing pressure and discomfort when walking or wearing certain shoes.

To correct the deformity, the patient underwent minimally invasive bunion surgery, a technique that uses very small incisions and specialised instruments to realign the bones of the foot while minimising tissue disruption.

During the procedure, small incisions — only a few millimetres in size — were made along the side of the foot. The position of the metatarsal bone was carefully corrected and stabilised with a small screw. A small wedge of bone was also removed from the base of the big toe to straighten the toe itself, with another screw used to hold the new alignment. The screws remain beneath the skin and are designed to stay in place permanently without causing problems.

Importantly, the procedure allows the joint to retain its natural movement, while positioning the toe in a straighter alignment. This reduces rubbing between the toes and pressure within footwear.

The surgery was carried out under local anaesthetic, with sedation provided to help the patient relax. Reflecting on the experience, the patient said:

“It was absolutely wonderful. I didn’t feel any pain at all.”

Although initially nervous before the procedure, the patient quickly felt reassured by the care provided:

“Scott was amazing. He made sure everything was perfect and that I was completely comfortable. I felt really at ease.”

Listening to music during the procedure also helped the patient stay relaxed:

“I had my headphones in and was just listening to music. I was trying to pretend I was just having a pedicure!”

The patient also commented on the environment and care at the clinic:

“The facility is wonderful — really good. Everyone was so professional and made me feel comfortable.”

Following the procedure, the toe was visibly straighter with improved spacing between the toes while maintaining normal joint movement. Minimally invasive techniques like this can help reduce tissue trauma, minimise scarring and support a smoother recovery.

This case highlights how modern minimally invasive bunion surgery can effectively correct deformity while keeping the procedure comfortable and straightforward for patients.

For more information or to book an appointment at Coriel Clinic, please fill out the contact form below, or call the team on 01302 238 291 or email enquiries@corielortho.com