Henry Ford Macomb first in Michigan to offer new minimally invasive bunion surgery

Results in less pain, faster recovery

CLINTON TWP., MICH., April 3, 2019—Henry Ford Macomb Hospital is the first in Michigan to offer a new minimally invasive surgery for patients who suffer from bunions. The new technique causes less damage to the foot, resulting in less pain and faster recovery time.

A bunion, which is a misalignment of the bone at the big toe, is one of the most common foot problems. They are often painful and can drastically change the shape of the foot, limiting daily activities. Women who wear high heels are especially susceptible to bunions. In fact, almost 90 percent of bunion surgery patients are female.

Brian Loder, D.P.M explained that traditionally, bunions are corrected through an open surgical incision that exposes bones and soft tissue. Patients typically must limit activity and wear a walking boot for up to six weeks following surgery. The surgical wound is painful and can take weeks to heal.

“The new minimally invasive procedure employs a special low speed, high torque drill that cuts through the bone but does not damage the surrounding tissue,” said Dr. Loder. “While a traditional open surgery requires an 8- to 10-centimeter incision, the minimally invasive surgery takes two or three 1-centimeter incisions, that require no sutures, only butterfly tape, to close.”

The minimally invasive procedure is done in about half the time of a traditional surgery and because there is less scarring, it is also cosmetically more appealing.

Lynn Schwab of Clinton Township was one of Dr. Loder’s first patients to undergo the surgery in December 2017.

“I didn’t know what to expect. I was nervous based on what friends told me about their recovery from traditional bunion surgery,” said Schwab.

Schwab had an excellent experience and outcome. She had some swelling but almost no pain after the surgery. She is back to bike riding and weight training. She says her surgical incisions, which only required a 1-stitch and a 2-stitch, look amazing. “They are fading away and you can barely see them. A friend of mine is jealous when she compares it to her traditional surgical scar.”

She has since referred friends and family for the surgery and is planning to have her second foot done by Dr. Loder later this year.

Dr. Loder was one of the first seven surgeons to be trained on the procedure in the United States in 2018 and now trains other surgeons on the technique. He has performed more than 100 of the minimally invasive procedures in the last year.

“This is without a doubt the most exciting news in foot surgery in several decades,” said Dr. Loder. “My patients report much lower pain scores following surgery. Their range of motion and functionality are much better. And they can walk immediately after surgery without the aid of a cast, crutches or walker.”

For more information, call 1-800-532-2411.

Media contact:
Michelle Fusco
Sr. Public Relations Specialist
(586) 263-2891
Mfusco1@hfhs.org