Hallux valgus (bunion) surgery in Turkey: Price, recovery & success rate 2025

Why do we develop hallux valgus?

Several factors contribute to the development of this bunion:

• Hereditary factors: Hallux valgus is often inherited. If several members of your family suffer from it, you may be more likely to develop this deformity.
• Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that are too tight, pointy, or high-heeled puts excessive pressure on the front of the foot, leading to hallux valgus.
• Foot morphology: Flat feet or a particular structure of the foot bones can predispose to this deformity.
• Age and hormones: With age, the ligaments and tissues of the foot weaken, increasing the risk of hallux valgus. Women are more prone to hallux valgus due to hormonal factors that make their ligaments more flexible.

Consequences of hallux valgus

More than just a cosmetic problem, hallux valgus can have a serious impact on your comfort and mobility. This deformity of the big toe causes persistent pain, especially when walking or wearing shoes. As the bunion grows, it becomes red, inflamed and extremely sensitive, making each step difficult.

Over time, the enlargement of the foot makes it difficult to choose footwear. Friction increases discomfort and finding the right pair becomes a real challenge. This limits your lifestyle and forces you to choose wide, sometimes unsightly shoes.

Hallux valgus doesn't just affect your feet: it also changes your posture and the way you walk. This instability can lead to secondary pain in the knees, hips, and back, further exacerbating your discomfort.

Left untreated, the situation gets worse. The pain gets worse, the deformity gets more pronounced, and your mobility suffers. Don't let hallux valgus take over your daily life! Consult a specialist today to discover the best solutions and regain your comfort.

When should I consider surgery?

If you notice the first signs of hallux valgus (bony lump, pain, redness),see a podiatrist or specialist. Solutions include orthotic devices, rehabilitation exercises or, in severe cases, surgery.

Surgery is recommended only when hallux valgus becomes severe, causing acute pain and daily discomfort. In young patients, surgery can only be considered when growth is complete, around the age of 16.

Hallux valgus surgery techniques

Hallux valgus surgery can be performed using a variety of techniques, depending on the severity of the deformity and the patient's needs. Today, minimally invasive surgery is preferred because it allows effective correction with minimal incisions, thus reducing postoperative pain and recovery time.

Minimally invasive percutaneous surgery

This modern technique, performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis, corrects the deformity without opening the joint. The surgeon uses ultrafine instruments to correct tiny 2 to 5 mm incisions. A fluoroscope, a precision X-ray device, helps him visualize the operation in real-time.

Lightweight and minimally traumatic, this approach is ideal for treating moderate hallux valgus. In more severe cases, small screws can be inserted percutaneously to stabilize the correction. The absence of large incisions significantly reduces scarring and facilitates a faster return to walking.

Open surgery

Although less common today, open surgery remains an effective option for severe hallux valgus deformities. In this technique, an incision is made to gain direct access to the joint. The surgeon then performs an osteotomy (resection of the protruding bone) and repositions the bone with screws or plates for permanent correction.

While this method provides solid results, it is gradually being replaced by minimally invasive techniques that are less invasive and more comfortable for the patient.

Postoperative complications from bunion surgery

Like all surgical procedures, bunion surgery carries certain risks. Although the majority of patients recover without problems, certain complications can occur and require special management. These include:

• Infection: In rare cases, infection can develop around the screws or pins used to stabilize the bone. Careful monitoring and appropriate treatment can usually prevent this.
• Poor bone consolidation: If the bone is not properly repositioned, ongoing discomfort can occur, sometimes requiring additional surgery.
• Osteoarthritis: Some patients develop osteoarthritis over time, especially if there was severe deformity prior to surgery.
• Tingling or numbness: Nerve irritation during surgery may cause tingling or a temporary loss of sensitivity in the foot.
• Healing problems: Circulation problems can slow healing, and some patients may have more visible scars than expected.

Recovery from bunion surgery

Recovery from bunion surgery generally takes 30 to 40 days, depending on the technique used. Minimally invasive percutaneous surgery often allows for a faster recovery with less pain and an earlier return to activity. It is important to keep the foot elevated for the first few days to limit swelling and promote healing.

Walking is usually possible without crutches from the start, but should be limited to short periods to avoid excessive pressure on the healing joint. Prolonged standing is also discouraged to reduce the risk of inflammation.

Three to six weeks after surgery, rehabilitation sessions with a physical therapist may be scheduled to improve foot mobility and prevent joint stiffness. After two to three weeks, a post-operative visit is scheduled to check the healing process, remove stitches, and renew the dressing if necessary. During this time, special medical footwear must be worn to protect the foot and ensure optimal healing.

At Turquie Santé, you'll benefit from personalized monitoring and comprehensive medical support for a worry-free recovery.

Bunion surgery success rate?

Bunion surgery has a success rate of over 90%, with the majority of patients satisfied with the results. However, to maximize the chances of success, it is important to choose an experienced surgeon and to follow post-operative recommendations carefully.

Contrary to popular belief, the severity of the deformity does not directly affect the success rate, but it does affect the complexity of the procedure. The more pronounced the bunion, the greater the surgical correction required. The expertise of the surgeon therefore plays a key role in the quality of the final result, both functionally and aesthetically.

Thanks to Turquie Santé, you have access to the best specialists in orthopedic surgery and benefit from personalized medical support for optimal management of your hallux valgus.