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Scarf/Akin Bunion Surgery OR Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Posted , 6 users are following.

Ajandtia
Ajandtia

HI, although I had the "traditional, open method" scarf/akin bunion surgery (ie, 2 long incisions AND 2 screws and 1 staple in the foot), I have heard a lot about the MIS method (Minimally Invasive Surgery). My understanding is that with MIS, there are also 2 screws in each foot, however, no staple and there are several small incisions).

I wonder about the pevalence/popularity of each method. So, would just like to know how many of you had the "traditional" surgery and how many had MIS?

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • katie90258
    katie90258 Ajandtia

    Posted

    Hello,

    Just over 6 weeks I had a scarf & akin osteotomy. Although painful at first and had a very rough two weeks post op, I couldn't be more happy with my results. I walked for the first time on Friday after being in non weight bearning boots and felt no pain! Walkings sometimes a challenge as its a bit stiff but I'm 19 and had both done together and it's all been so worth it! My scars are neat and tidy and my toes are incredibly straight! Every surgery has different views and stories but I couldn't be any happier with how it all has gone. I'm even back to driving which causes minimal pain! I wish you the best of luck with your choice and hope that the one you make is the best for you!

    • katie90258
      katie90258

      Posted

      Didn't read the bit where you said you already had it done! Oops... Sorry!
    • Ajandtia
      Ajandtia katie90258

      Posted

      Thanks for your comment, Katie. Yes, I already had the surgery. But my sister is looking to have hers done next year. So I am hoping to help HER make an informed decision.
  • billben
    billben Ajandtia

    Posted

    I had Mis surgery in November and it was a disaster I spent six months in agony only to have to go back on last week and have them both redone using old method..... So no not a big fan could have been the surgeon though he was awful needed second opinion after months of pain and have to say my new surgeon was night and day in comparison. I am hopeful moving forward.
    • Ajandtia
      Ajandtia billben

      Posted

      Hi Billben, 

      Sorry to hear about your MIS experience. Do you mind if I ask what was disastrous about about your MIS surgery? Were your bones cut and screws used to fix your joint? I assume your bones were cut and joint stabilised with screws in your scarf/akin surgery so I wonder if they "re-do" the procedure.

    • billben
      billben Ajandtia

      Posted

      Hi yes I had bunion removal and scarf surgery on both feet with two screws fitted in both feet in Nov 2014. when I woke up was in agony and had six months of pain and bunions not fully removed my left foot developed three stress fractures, my right I couldn't weight bare, turns out put back wrongly. I needed to go for second opinion who pointed out problem told me I needed corrective surgery. And my bunions on both feet removed again!! Been in constant pain, I had whole procedure redone on 30th June with open surgery have to say both feet look and feel better already. I know long way to go but hopeful I will get a pain free life back... I would research your surgeon thoutoughly try to speak to former patients of his/hers, good luck
  • LadyPink
    LadyPink Ajandtia

    Posted

    Hi there, I am almost 71 and I too had the Scarf Akin bunion operation with the two screws last December. Nearly 7 months later I can honestly say the operation was well worth it and the dreadful after pain and the rest of the horror stories you hear about, did not occur. Obviously you have to rest the foot as advised, for the first few weeks, but after that I was walking more and more without problems. I am now able to wear high heeled shoes quite comfortably (although only if I'm going somewhere special) otherwise I love my Croc mules for relaxing in around the house. Delighted with the results and can't wait to get my second foot done - hopefully soon. LadyPink
  • bev52304
    bev52304 Ajandtia

    Posted

    I had both feet done scarf and akins old method on 23rd Jan. My surgeon was going to do MIS but changed his mind after attending a conference on it. Although he had done the op many times he said overall the 'normal' method was more reliable but MIS left less scarring. I'm very happy with with my feet just a bit sad that they still swell. apparently this can go on for up to a year ho hum just have to be patient. 
    • Ajandtia
      Ajandtia bev52304

      Posted

      Hi Bev,

      Glad to hear that you are happy with your results. When your surgeon mention "more reliable", did he/she mean more predictable results?

      That is one of the things I've read about MIS, is that because there is limited access via the "closed method", under/over correction is more likely.

    • bev52304
      bev52304 Ajandtia

      Posted

      My surgeon was a highly skilled and recommended foot and ankle specialist. He had done about 30 MIS ops on bunions. But he decided against MIS for my bunions as they were too severe. In his opinion MIS (in the right hands) was excelant but with severe deformities there was a risk of under correction. I paid private for my proceedure as I only wanted MIS but after all the research I decided to play it safe.A bunion op is not a straight forward proceedure I would not consider NHS as I couldn't choose a experianced surgeon and didn't want to be in the hands of a novice. 
  • Owl369
    Owl369 Ajandtia

    Posted

    Hi, I did MIS exactly 9 weeks ago and am really glad I chose this method. I did find a very experienced podiatrist/foot and ankle surgeon specialized in bunion surgery and he did an amazing job. The whole journey so far was painless (I didn't need any painkillers), just a little discomfort, no foot elevation, no ice, no big boot just a velcro shoe which I had to wear for 3 weeks and after that a small dressing which I had to put on myself. The best thing is no hardware (pins, screws) and only 3 small stitches in each foot (I had a bunion and a taylor bunion on both feet). I was able to walk in sandals after 3 weeks. Currently I do have very minimal swelling and some stifness on my large toe but that's just a matter of time. My feet feel and look good so I'm very optimistic about the end result.

    It seems that there are different types of MIS procedures (i.e. outdated and improved methods) and it is important that you inform yourself as much as possible. Your surgeon should be able to explain the exact procedure that he will perform on you as well. Before my surgery I was really horrified by all these stories on this forum but just make sure you do some in-depth research before you decide which procedure is best for you. 

    Good luck.

    • Ajandtia
      Ajandtia Owl369

      Posted

      Hi Owl,  you're just the person I wanted to talk to! (ie it's hard to find a MIS patient)

      How severe were your bunions? (eg mine are 30 & 40 degress deviation)

      I am curious about you having no hardware in your feet. Did you surgeon only shaved off the bunion?

      Incidentally, I've had the surgery. Just curious about the different procedures available and hopefully be of some help to my sister when she makes her decision to get surgical intervention for her bunions.

    • Owl369
      Owl369 Ajandtia

      Posted

      Hi Ajandtia,

      My bunions were not mild but not severe ether. I'm sending you some pictures so you have a better understanding of what they looked like. The after picture was taken a couple of days ago at 9-10 week post-op. I'm currently walking as a normal human being smile and without any pain. I don't wear any heels yet though and no jumping and exercising. I don't want to take any risks and just want them to heal 100%. 

      Good luck.

       

    • Owl369
      Owl369 Ajandtia

      Posted

      Hi again, no he didn't only shave the bunion. He made 2 cuts on the 1st metatarsal (large toe) and 1 on the 5th (small toe). You can still see the small scars on my feet. I had 3 single-stitches on each feet. 

       

    • Ajandtia
      Ajandtia Owl369

      Posted

      HI Owl,  thanks for your reply. your recovery sounds amazing. I had hardware in my feet and it may be one of the contributing factors to my toe stiffness.

      If you had no metal in your feet, how did the surgeon immobilise your feet to allow the bones to fuse - after that were cut? (ie, were you in plaster casts?)

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