A bunion, medically known as Hallux Valgus, is a progressive structural deformity of the foot. It develops when the big toe gradually shifts outward toward the second toe, forcing the joint at its base to protrude outward. Over time, this creates the visible bony bump on the side of the foot that most people recognize as a “bunion.”
Bunions rarely appear overnight; they develop slowly over years, often worsening with age, footwear choices, and genetic predisposition. Left untreated, the deformity typically progresses, leading to increasing pain, difficulty finding comfortable shoes, and in advanced cases, changes in gait and pressure on the other toes.
For decades, bunion correction meant open surgery: a long incision along the side of the foot, direct visualization of the bone, and often metal plates or screws to hold the correction in place. While effective, this approach came with longer recovery, more visible scarring, and a higher burden on the surrounding soft tissue.
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) has changed this.
Dr. Turky is among the pioneers of introducing MIS bunion correction in the region, having performed thousands of these procedures.
Instead of one large incision, MIS uses several tiny incisions often just a few millimeters through which specialized micro instruments correct the bone position under X-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance.
| Criterion | MIS Surgery ✅ | Traditional Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Incision size | Very small incisions | Single wide incision |
| Tissue impact | Minimal | More extensive |
| Scarring | Smaller and less visible | Larger and more visible |
| Hospital stay | Often day-case | May require several days |
| Walking post-op | Early mobilisation with support | Takes considerably longer |
| Overall recovery | Shorter in general | Longer |
Dr. Turky evaluates the severity of the deformity through clinical examination and weight-bearing X-rays to design a precise correction plan unique to the patient's foot structure.
Rather than one long cut, 2–4 incisions of only a few millimeters are made around the joint.
Using specialized burrs and instruments, the bone is carefully cut and repositioned into correct alignment all performed under real time X-ray guidance for precision.
Depending on the case, minimal internal fixation may be used to stabilize the correction while it heals.
The tiny incisions require only small dressings no large sutures or open wounds.
The entire procedure can be performed as a day case or with a short hospital stay, and most patients walk (in a protective post-operative shoe) on the same day or the day after surgery.
a few millimeters instead of a long open cut
during and after surgery
walking within days, not weeks
minimal, barely visible scarring
meaning less post-operative pain
due to smaller wound exposure
guided by continuous imaging
MIS is suitable for the vast majority of bunion cases from mild to moderately severe deformities. Dr. Turky assesses each patient individually, as the right technique depends on the degree of deformity, joint condition, and overall foot alignment.
Some very advanced or complex deformities may require a combined or modified approach, which is why a personalized consultation and imaging assessment come first.
Walking in a special post-operative shoe with support; rest and elevation recommended
Dressing changes and follow-up to monitor healing; swelling gradually decreases
Gradual transition to normal, wider footwear as healing progresses
Return to regular shoes and most daily activities, with continued improvement in comfort over the following months
The entire procedure can be performed as a day case or with a short hospital stay, and most patients walk (in a protective post-operative shoe) on the same day or the day after surgery.
Dr. Turky is a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Foot & Ankle Surgery at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, with over 22 years of international experience across the region, Switzerland, Egypt and the UAE. As one of the pioneers of MIS for foot deformity correction in the region, he has performed thousands of procedures with consistently strong outcomes. His philosophy is simple: every case is unique, and every patient deserves a precise, personalized treatment plan combining advanced surgical technique with genuine, patient centered care.
Post-operative discomfort is generally significantly less than with traditional open surgery, thanks to the minimal soft tissue disruption. Pain is managed effectively with standard medication in the days following surgery.
Most patients can walk immediately after surgery using a special protective post-operative shoe, without crutches though this depends on the specific case.
Most patients transition to wider, comfortable shoes within 3–6 weeks, with a full return to regular footwear as swelling settles over the following months.
Yes , MIS surgery corrects the underlying bone alignment, not just the visible bump, offering a durable, long-term correction when performed with proper technique and follow-up.
Recurrence rates with properly planned and executed MIS correction are low. Following post-operative guidance and footwear recommendations helps maintain the long-term result.
