Taiwanese hiker regains mobility after severe bunion surgery

A 62-year-old man from Taichung, Taiwan, has regained his passion for hiking and trekking after undergoing a complex surgical procedure to correct severe hallux valgus, commonly known as bunions. The man, identified as Mr. Yeh, had suffered from the condition for six years, significantly impacting his ability to enjoy his favorite outdoor activity.

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The patient's right foot's big toe deviated outwards by 27.8 degrees (left image), causing unbearable pain. After the osteotomy correction surgery (right image), he has recovered well and resumed his favorite hiking activities.

Mr. Yeh's right foot's big toe deviated outwards by 27.8 degrees, a condition classified as moderate to severe. Initial attempts at soft tissue correction surgery and physical therapy failed to alleviate the pain, which resurfaced earlier this year during a hiking trip. Doctors at the Taichung Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare assessed his condition and determined that a more invasive bone-cutting osteotomy surgery was necessary for a full recovery.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Chou Yu-ming explained that the surgery involved a "Wilson osteotomy combined with a spear plate fixation." This procedure aims to correct the angle of deviation while ensuring stable internal fixation. While the surgery and hospitalization costs were covered by Taiwan's National Health Insurance, Mr. Yeh bore the expense of the titanium plate and artificial bone graft, totaling several tens of thousands of New Taiwan Dollars.

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X-rays showed the patient's right foot's hallux valgus angle had worsened to 27.8 degrees, with a tendency to further deteriorate. Due to moderate to severe deformity combined with sesamoid bone abnormalities, after discussing the condition, Mr. Yeh agreed to undergo 'Wilson osteotomy combined with spear plate fixation surgery' to simultaneously correct the angle and ensure internal fixation stability.

Just two months after the operation, follow-up X-rays showed a remarkable improvement, with the deviation reduced to 8.89 degrees, well within the normal range of under 10 degrees for a healthy foot. Mr. Yeh reported a significant reduction in pain and expressed his joy at being able to resume his hiking activities. Dr. Chou noted that hallux valgus exceeding 15 degrees is generally considered a potential issue, and deviations over 20 degrees warrant consideration for surgical intervention if conservative treatments fail.

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Walking pain has significantly eased, and the sesamoid bone under the big toe has achieved good repositioning. I can once again enjoy hiking and trekking.