Keyhole Bunion Surgery UK NHS

It has been reported that around 14 million people in the UK suffer from bunions. Medically known as hallux valgus, bunions are the most common deformity of the foot and can cause a variety of symptoms including pain, discomfort when exercising and difficulty wearing shoes.

In many cases, bunions are actually caused by genetics which makes certain people more prone to developing bunions. Environmental factors such as wearing tight-fitting shoes or high heels will then allow the bunion to develop over time.

When it comes to treating bunions, there are so many different over-the-counter options and devices that can be purchased online. For some, they may help but overall, these are designed to reduce any pain or discomfort and are unlikely to cure your bunion.

At The Private Clinic, we offer patients a minimally invasive keyhole bunion surgery that is not available on the NHS. Our procedure uses minimally invasive keyhole surgery with no metal fixtures to effectively remove and reduce your bunion symptoms. Our expert orthopaedic surgeon Mr Bianchi will be able to explain in detail how our bunion procedure is different from any other procedure available.

Find out more about how we can help

NHS Treatment for Bunions

Your first step to getting bunion treatment is likely to be a visit to your GP to confirm your diagnosis. They are likely to offer advice on how to ease any symptoms and suggest the use of orthotics, spacers and supports.

If you make your GP aware of the pain that you are feeling and the impact that bunions are having on your everyday life, then they may refer you to a surgeon to discuss if surgical removal or repair is a good option.

The NHS criteria for bunion surgery is often very strict and you usually have to meet one or multiple of the following points.

Self-care advice and analgesia have been tried; symptoms are not improving.
Severe pain is unrelieved by conservative measures.
Recurrent infections.
Recurrent ulcers.
Conservative methods have failed.
Severe deformity (overriding toes) is causing significant functional impairment.
Severe pain is causing significant functional impairment.

Bunion surgery on the NHS is usually an osteotomy procedure which you can find out more about here. Performed under general anaesthetic, it involves cutting away the bunion, straightening the toe and then securing the toe in place with screws or other fixative devices which are then left in the foot permanently.
The downtime can be extensive with the foot needing to be rested at all times for 2 weeks, you may need to stay off work for 6-12 weeks, unable to drive for 6-8 weeks and all sports and exercise should be avoided for at least 6 months.

For the majority of bunion patients, a lengthy recovery time is not an option, and many will continue to use preventative devices to help try and ease the discomfort.

Bunion Treatment at The Private Clinic

At The Private Clinic, we offer patients a minimally invasive keyhole bunion surgery that is not available on the NHS. Our Orthopaedic Consultant Surgeon, Mr Bianchi, pioneered this revolutionary procedure which is exclusive to The Private Clinic Group.

Our bunion removal surgery procedure uses a revolutionary technique that does not require the fracture of the foot to be immobilised/rested in order to heal. The surgeon will use surgical dental burrs to correct the deformity and modify the bones of the foot. Find out more about this technique here.

“The best decision I have ever made! After decades of pain and being embarrassed by the shape of my feet, I now have beautiful, straight, pain-free feet. The Procedure is exactly as described, had my operation and was walking out of the hospital an hour and a half later. Mr Bianchi, Luca and their whole team are amazing, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone considering bunion surgery.”
-A.Q.

Why Choose The Private Clinic for Keyhole Bunion Surgery UK?

Exclusive to The Private Clinic in the UK, there is no other operation like this one.
Minimally invasive procedure, bunion removal surgery is performed under local anaesthesia using keyhole techniques.
This is the only natural operation with no metal fixtures such as wires or screws being used.
There is a 98% success rate following the bunion operation.
Orthopaedic Consultant Surgeon, Mr Bianchi is an expert in his field and has been carrying out bunion operations for over 15 years.
Mr Bianchi carries out over 1,000 bunion operations a year.
Walk immediately after surgery, with no crutches or extensive downtime required.
Minimal post-operative pain and aftercare.
2-3mm skin incisions which leaves no scar.
Treatment carried out in our state-of-the-art London Fitzroy hospital.
24-hour patient helpline direct to your nursing team and surgeon, which means should you have any concerns we are here to help.
Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound confidence.

Helpful Links

View our bunion before and after photos
Watch our bunion videos
Read our bunion patient stories

For more information or to book a consultation with our expert orthopaedic surgeon at our bunion clinics in London Harley Street, Manchester or Bournemouth please call us on 0333 920 2471 or use our online bunion contact form to request a call back.