Bunion correction through a few incisions just millimeters long. Compared with traditional open surgery, that usually means less pain, smaller scars and a faster return to your shoes and your routine.
Traditional bunion surgery uses an incision several inches long across the side of the big toe. Minimally invasive bunion surgery (often called MIS bunionectomy or percutaneous bunion correction) does the same job, cutting and realigning the bone behind the bunion, through a few small incisions guided by real-time X-ray.
Less disruption to skin, muscle and the joint capsule usually means less pain, less stiffness, smaller scars and a quicker recovery. Dr. Clark Johnson has recently completed hands-on surgeon training workshops in the latest minimally invasive bunion techniques, and he now offers three modern MIS systems in Meridian, so patients across the Treasure Valley don't need to travel for this kind of care.
Most MIS bunion procedures are outpatient, so you go home the same day.
| Minimally Invasive (MIS) | Traditional Open Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Incision | A few incisions, each a few millimeters | One incision, typically 3–5 inches |
| Soft-tissue disruption | Minimal; the joint capsule is largely left alone | The joint is opened and soft tissue is released |
| Post-op pain | Typically less | Typically more in the first weeks |
| Scarring | Small, often hard to see once healed | Visible scar along the inside of the foot |
| Stiffness | Usually less, since the big toe joint isn't opened | More common |
| Walking after surgery | Often soon after, in a protective post-op shoe (depends on procedure) | Often a longer period of protection |
Bunions are not all the same, so we don't use the same procedure for every one. Dr. Johnson matches the technique to how severe your bunion is, whether the base of your first metatarsal is unstable, and your activity goals.
You may be a good candidate for minimally invasive bunion surgery if:
MIS may not be the best choice if you have significant arthritis in the big toe joint, poor circulation, an active infection, very poor bone quality or growth plates that are still open. In those cases Dr. Johnson will talk you through other options, such as a Lapifuse bunionectomy or non-surgical bunion care.
Every procedure and every patient is different, but a typical MIS bunion recovery looks like this:
If your procedure includes a fusion (such as an MIS Lapidus), you may need a longer period of protected weight bearing. Dr. Johnson will give you a personalized timeline before surgery.
Smaller incisions don't make it risk-free. As with any bunion surgery, possible complications include infection, swelling, nerve irritation, delayed bone healing, the bunion coming back, or irritation from hardware that may later need to be removed. Dr. Johnson will review your personal risk factors and how we minimize them.
Most patients report less pain after MIS bunion surgery than after traditional open surgery, because far less skin, muscle and joint tissue is disturbed. Many patients manage with minimal prescription pain medication after the first few days.
With many MIS bunion procedures, patients can walk in a protective post-op shoe soon after surgery. Procedures that include a fusion may need a period of protected weight bearing. Dr. Johnson will tell you exactly what to expect for your procedure.
Because MIS bunion surgery corrects the bone itself rather than just shaving the bump, recurrence rates are low and comparable to traditional open techniques. Choosing the right procedure for your foot, including a Lapidus-type correction when the base of the bone is unstable, helps keep the correction lasting.
Bunion surgery is usually covered when it is medically necessary, for example when pain limits daily activity and conservative care has not helped. Our team will verify your benefits before surgery. Call (208) 272-9253 with questions.
Yes. Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle is in Meridian, a short drive from Boise, Nampa, Eagle, Kuna and the rest of the Treasure Valley. Request a consultation online or call (208) 272-9253.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Johnson to find out if minimally invasive bunion surgery is right for you.