Treatments
Open Bunion Surgery
Traditional bunion surgery for bone realignment
There are over 150 different surgical options for correcting a bunion, but they all tend to involve moving the bone(s) to narrow the foot and realign the big toe as well as shaving off the bunion.
Keyhole bunion surgery is offered by Orthopaedics SA as a minimally invasive alternative to open bunion surgery.

open bunion surgery frequently asked questions
What does open bunion surgery involve?
The traditional open technique involves an incision about 4-5cm long on the inside of the foot and another about 2cm long between the big and second toes. Through these incisions, an orthopaedic surgeon uses specialised tools to shave off part of the bunion and realign the bones of the big toe.
After the bones are cut, they are held in their new position with bone screws and the surgical incision is closed with stitches. A dressing is then applied to protect the site.
What anaesthetic is used?
Open bunion surgery can be done under local anaesthetic (ankle block) with sedation if required, thereby eliminating the need for full anaesthetic and giving excellent post op pain relief. Alternatively a general anaesthetic can be used in which case a local ankle block is usually used for post-operative pain relief.
Recovery from open Bunion surgery?
Following open bunion surgery, most patients remain in hospital overnight and return home the next morning. Walking unaided is allowed the next day using a special sandal.
Rest and elevation are required for the first 2-3 weeks following open bunion surgery and the foot will remain splinted or bandaged for a total of 6 weeks. The specialised sandal will also be used for walking during this time.
Sensible shoes with a wide toe box and low heel must be worn from six weeks onwards to prevent aggravation by rubbing on the surgery site and promote comfort and healing.
Recovery times
As long as aftercare instructions are followed thoroughly, most people can return to sedentary work following open bunion surgery in 2-3 weeks, however a recovery period of 6 weeks or longer may be recommended for patients who do physical work. Your surgeon will discuss individual recovery times with you before your surgery.
After the surgery, it generally takes 3-6 months for the swelling to go down, and around 12 months for everything to completely settle down.
Rehabilitation
Following open bunion surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will recommend a variety of exercises to help strengthen the muscles in your foot and to help reduce blood pooling in the calf muscle. These may be different for individual patients and your surgeon will let you know what exercises to do and how often to do them.
Benefits & Risks
Bunion surgery usually reduces pain, especially pain caused by footwear, increasing a patient’s overall comfort and shoe selection. Most open bunion surgery is very successful, but as with any surgery, issues can occur. Your orthopaedic surgeon will explain the full risks of your bunion surgery to you before the procedure.
Specific issues that may sometimes occur include:
- Under correction – the big toe may not be straightened enough, requiring further surgery.
- Over correction – the big toe may appear ‘too straight’.
- Arthritis – this can develop following the correction procedure and lead to pain and stiffness of the big toe.
- Prominence of implant and/or bone – this may require removal with further surgery.
Very occasionally, a patient may have issues that make them feel worse than they did prior to the open bunion correction surgery, and further surgery may be needed. This may include a repeat bunion surgery, further corrective measures or fusion of the joints in the big toe (in severe cases).
Why Orthopaedics SA?
Comprehensive care
From arthritis to sports injuries, we treat a full spectrum of bone and joint conditions to keep you moving.
Expert surgeons
Our highly trained doctors have years of experience delivering precise and effective treatments.
SA’s largest practice
With 23 specialists, we offer unmatched expertise and evidence-based care for every patient.
Multiple locations
We have multiple clinics across South Australia, making it simple to find expert care nearby.
Patient-centric approach
We prioritise understanding your condition to ensure every treatment recommendation feels right for you.
Reliable support
Our team of nurses and administrative staff works behind the scenes to make your experience smooth and stress-free.
Meet our doctors
Our surgeons are highly qualified to offer personalised treatments tailored to your needs. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and ensure every decision is made with your well-being in mind.
We take responsibility for our patient’s experience
From your initial consultation to follow-up care, our team will guide you through every step of your treatment. Your specialist will provide a detailed recovery plan, including physical therapy to restore function and prevent future injuries.