Bunion/hallux valgus in Belgium: April 2024 average price

Bunion surgery or as hallux valgus correction surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting the deformity of the big toe joint (hallux valgus) by realigning the bones of the toe and removing the bony prominence (bunion) on the side of the foot or the feet. This surgery is typically recommended for patients who experience significant pain, inflammation, difficulty walking, and functional impairment due to a severe or progressive bunion deformity that does not respond to conservative treatments.

In order to avoid different consultations and a huge waste of time, just send photos (and ideally with an x-ray) and you will receive quotes.The quote will include the protocol and surgical planning: Based on the pre-operative evaluation, the surgeon will develop a personalized surgical plan tailored to the patient's specific needs and goals. This plan will include decisions regarding the type of bunion surgery to be performed, the surgical approach and technique, and any additional procedures that may be needed to address associated foot deformities or structural abnormalities.

Bunion surgery is typically performed under either general anesthesia, regional anesthesia (such as spinal or epidural anesthesia), or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the patient's preference, the extent of the surgery, and the surgeon's recommendations. The anesthesia choice will be discussed with the patient during the pre-operative consultation.

Your treatment plan will include the surgical approach: There are several surgical approaches and techniques used for bunion surgery, depending on the severity of the bunion deformity, the presence of associated foot problems, and the surgeon's preference and expertise. Common surgical approaches include:

   - Osteotomy: This involves making small incisions near the big toe joint and realigning the bones of the toe by cutting and repositioning the metatarsal bone and/or the proximal phalanx bone.
   - Exostectomy: This involves removing the bony prominence (bunion) on the side of the foot without realigning the bones of the toe. It is typically used for mild to moderate bunions.
   - Arthrodesis: This involves fusing the bones of the big toe joint to stabilize the joint and correct the deformity. It may be recommended for severe or recurrent bunions.

Soft tissue repair: In addition to bone realignment, the surgeon may repair or tighten the soft tissues surrounding the big toe joint, including the joint capsule, ligaments, and tendons, to provide additional stability and support to the corrected toe alignment.Once the surgical corrections are made, the surgeon will close the incisions using sutures or surgical staples and apply sterile dressings or surgical tape to protect the surgical site. Some surgeons may also use surgical drains to remove excess fluid and minimize post-operative swelling.
 
The recovery period following bunion surgery varies depending on the surgical technique used and the individual patient's healing process. Patients may need to use crutches or a walker for a period of time to avoid putting weight on the operated foot. Physical therapy exercises, stretching, and strengthening activities may be prescribed to improve mobility, flexibility, and strength in the foot and ankle. It's essential for patients to follow their surgeon's recommendations and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing, assess the stability of the surgical corrections, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

The standard international protocol of a bunion surgery includes 1 night in clinic and 1 to 3 days in hotel. The bunion surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for correcting the deformity of the big toe joint and alleviating pain and functional impairment associated with severe bunions. In 60% of cases it is performed for the two feet.

Clinics and hospitals in Belgium is something local. As the country has Dutch and French speaking areas, most hospitals and clinics are managed by local municipalities. Also Belgium covers all type of treatment and the number of medical centers is well sorted between clinics and hospitals. Some hospitals offer a large number of beds and therefore the number of clinics and hospitals is not the main thing but the overall number of beds offered by all medical centers. Most clinics are around the capital, Bruxels but you will find clinics in Flemish part in Bruges, Ostend but also Ypres or Kortrijk, Many clinics are JCI accredited and well rated. You can also find in Ghent a medical Universtiy as well as close to Antwerp. Bruxels and its surroundings offers by far the largest medical offer for local and international patients with various CHU or local Hospitals in Bruxels. Each block of the capital has its own hospital and when it comes to the French speaking part you will find CHU in Liege, Namur or Charleroy for instance. Dental centers are everywhere in Belgium but not so many have their own laboratories for dental implants and crown implants.