Can someone explain? - Foot Problems Message Board

Sandra49 · 07-10-2005, 05:26 PM

I am reading some of you talk about different type of bunions (i.e, Tailor and Austin). Could someone explain the difference, is there more pain associated with one type of another.

Thanks

Jo Holmes · 07-10-2005, 09:40 PM

Hi Sandra: Not sure about this, but I think "Austin", "McBride", etc are the different types of procedures that doctors do for the bunionectomy. For example: I had a horrible bunion (it was what you call radical surgery because it was past "severe") and my surgeon did a "modified McBride" procedure. You can look up the procedures on the internet and find out exactly what they do. I even found a video of my surgery which made everyone in my family sick to their stomach

I thought if I have to endure this surgery let them know what it is like. Have you had surgery yet or you just thinking about it? Jo

Sandra49 · 07-11-2005, 05:36 AM

Thanks Jo,

I have not had bunion surgery yet. I chicken out, at the hospital. I only allowed the surgeon to remove the bone spur in the baby toe. I thought the surgeon would talk me out of it, but he did not. Now I sit with good baby toe, but I still have the bunion! I will have to get the bunion off eventually. Jo when did you have your procedure, and are you happy with the results?

feetfirst · 07-11-2005, 06:32 AM

Sandra,

Key question.. Do your bunion cause you pain? If not, than by all means leave it alone, and learn to live with how it looks. On other hand, if it hurts when you walk or stand for a period, or if it is impossible to find comfortable shoes, than maybe it is time to address the issue. It is by no means anything like having a small bone spur removed. A bunionectomy will shave the bump, but also your bone will be broken and a section removed and either pinned or screwed. Recovery can be hard and long...

I had moderate bunions, and my big toes was starting to shift under my second toes. My feet hurt day and night - and would often just ache. I had my bunions for almost 20 years, but the last 5 years they did become worse. I am now 3.5 months post op with an Austin Bunionectomy (2 screws) plus an osteotomy on the second toe (bone cut/broken and a section of bone removed) held w/ a permanent pin. Same thing on left foot, plus a taylor bunion shaved was done 7.5 weeks ago. Had to wear an awful/hard to walk in shoe/boot for 6 weeks, couldn't drive, and more. Still, my feet are sore and not fully recovered by any means. The surgery shouldn't be taken lightly - and truthfully, I thought I was prepared, but it is a bit more than I thought. I have had 7 other surgeries, and 3 of them major, bone surgery is very different!

wakkochic17 · 07-11-2005, 10:21 AM

Austin is a common type of surgery for bunions on the big toe area (inside of foot). There are other types of surgery. Tailor bunionectomies are specific for the outside of the foot (little toe).