Hallux Varus | Procedures in NYC & Beverly Hills

Dr. Blitz and team in surgery for Revision Hallux Varus

Addressing hallux varus, an uncommon outcome of failed bunion surgery.

Hallux varus is an unfortunate, uncommon result after bunion surgery. About 30% of Dr. Blitz’s practice consists of patients who seek him out after a failed bunion surgery. Performed elsewhere, their procedures have left them with a shortened big toe that deviates outward instead of in. In many cases, surgery is the only effective way to address the new problem.

Whether it’s a simple realignment or a severe hallux varus that could cause arthritis, Dr. Blitz not only works to repair patients’ feet – he’s dedicated to getting them moving again, and to restoring their daily lives.

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Correcting complications. Restoring relief.

When bunion surgery leaves a hallux varus, it’s natural to just want a normal foot again – or to regret the original surgery in the first place. Dr. Blitz’s approach seeks to avoid fusing the joints or further restricting motion, so he can deliver the results patients deserve.

Before & After Photos

Bunionplasty Procedure Before & After Image 07

Mild / Moderate

Bunionplasty Procedure Before & After Image 10

Large

Bunionplasty Procedure Before & After Image 03

Mild / Moderate

Failed bunion surgery and hallux varus.

Dr. Blitz has identified and characterized “failed bunion surgery syndrome” as a grouping of unfavorable outcomes, including hallux varus. While hallux varus can be congenital, that presentation is rare. It occurs most often as a result of overcorrection during bunion surgery, but can also happen with no defined reason. In Dr. Blitz’s experience, hallux varus may result from these technique-related factors:

Too much bone was shaved from the bunion site
The sesamoid, a small but important bone, was removed
Over-tightening of ligaments leads to a muscular imbalance
Bone procedures were overcorrected

Even with revision bunion surgery, a walking recovery is possible:

1

Patient wearing surgical sandals immediately after bunion surgery on both feet

Day 1

Depending on the complexity, many patients can walk the same day in a surgical sandal.

2

Patient wearing sneakers 6 weeks after surgery

Week 6

Longer periods of walking in sneakers or other comfortable, supportive shoes.

3

Patient wearing heels two months after bunion surgery

Month 2

Return to pre-bunion daily activities and footwear.

A novel approach to a complex problem.

Unfortunately, many new patients come to Dr. Blitz feeling like they’re a few steps behind. Their bunions may have returned after another surgeon has operated – and they may now be facing additional problems as a result, like hallux varus or even acute big toe arthritis. Dr. Blitz begins by evaluating the foot to determine whether soft tissue or bone work is needed, and takes a thoughtful but aggressive approach to repair. Why? Waiting too long can make the revision more invasive, and recovery more challenging. Dr. Blitz prioritizes avoiding big toe fusion, which can be necessary in long-standing hallux varus, because of its lifelong impact on mobility.

Dr. Blitz combines his surgical expertise and patient-focused care to deliver results – and relief:

Realign toe

Restore proper positioning with his state-of-the-art yet time-tested revision bunion repair techniques.

Avoid fusion

Extreme measures are a last resort; addressing the problem now preserves mobility of the big toe joint.

Restore motion

Advanced techniques improve the foot’s function for better balance and more natural movement.

What is Hallux Varus?

Hallux varus is a structural problem that impacts the big toe. While a bunion causes the big toe to lean towards the others, hallux varus does the opposite. It forces the toe to point away from the others, causing pain, ingrown toenails, weakness or instability, and difficulty walking or standing – not to mention making regular footwear uncomfortable or impossible to wear. Left untreated, hallux varus can lead to painful, restrictive arthritis of the big toe. Because hallux varus typically appears as a result of overcorrection during bunion surgery, revision surgery is often required to restore the toes and foot.