Bunions (hallux valgus) can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes, often limiting daily activities. When non-surgical treatments such as orthotics, pain medication, or footwear changes no longer help, keyhole bunion surgery offers a precise, minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery.

Mr. Turab Syed, an experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle surgery, performs keyhole bunion correction at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling and The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton. This guide explains what keyhole bunion surgery involves, who it is suitable for, recovery, and why patients across Scotland choose Mr. Syed for their care.

What is keyhole bunion surgery?

Keyhole bunion surgery (also known as minimally invasive bunion correction) involves making very small incisions — typically just a few millimetres long — to access and realign the bones of the big toe using specialised instruments.

Unlike open surgery, this method causes minimal soft tissue disruption, leading to:

• Smaller scars and improved cosmetic results.
• Less post-operative pain and swelling.
• Faster recovery and earlier return to walking.

It is most suitable for:

• Mild to moderate bunion deformities.
• Patients seeking a faster recovery and reduced downtime.
• Those without severe arthritis or significant toe stiffness.

Who can benefit from keyhole bunion surgery?

Keyhole bunion surgery may be recommended if you:

• Experience persistent pain or difficulty walking due to bunions.
• Have not responded to non-surgical treatments.
• Have a visible bump or deviation of the big toe joint.
• Are seeking a less invasive surgical option with quicker healing.

Mr. Syed performs a full clinical and radiological assessment to determine suitability for the minimally invasive approach.

Keyhole bunion surgery in Stirling & Hamilton: The procedure

Pre-operative preparation

Before surgery, patients undergo:

• A detailed consultation to discuss the procedure and expected outcomes.
• X-rays to plan bone correction precisely.
• Pre-operative health checks and blood tests.
• Guidance on fasting and medication adjustments, if required.

The surgery itself

Keyhole bunion surgery is usually performed under local, regional, or general anaesthesia. The procedure typically involves:

• Making 2–3 small incisions (around 3–5 mm each).
• Using fine instruments to remove bony prominences and realign the toe joint.
• Fixing the corrected position with tiny screws or wires (which often do not need removal).
• Closing the incisions with minimal or no sutures.
• The operation usually takes 45–90 minutes.

Mr. Syed performs the procedure at:

• Kings Park Hospital, Stirling (Polmaise Rd, FK7 9JH) – modern operating theatres and personalised aftercare support.
• The Lanarkshire Clinic, Hamilton (Cadzow Avenue, ML3 0FT) – advanced orthopaedic facilities in a private, comfortable setting.

Both hospitals are easily accessible for patients across Stirling, Lanarkshire, and surrounding regions.

Duration and post-op care

Most patients can go home the same day. Immediate post-operative care includes:

• Wearing a protective surgical shoe for 4–6 weeks.
• Keeping the foot elevated to reduce swelling.
• Using prescribed pain relief as needed.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery after keyhole bunion surgery is generally quicker than traditional open surgery. Typical recovery timelines include:

• 0–2 weeks: Limited weight-bearing with post-operative shoe.
• 2–6 weeks: Gradual increase in walking and normal daily activities.
• 6–12 weeks: Full function regained, with improved comfort and toe alignment.

Physiotherapy may be recommended to restore balance, strength, and range of motion in the forefoot.

Risks and complications

While keyhole bunion surgery is safe and effective, potential risks include:

• Infection at the incision site.
• Stiffness or swelling.
• Delayed bone healing.
• Recurrence of the bunion (rare).

Mr. Syed’s advanced techniques and structured aftercare programme help minimise these risks and promote a smooth recovery.

Why choose Mr. Turab Syed in Stirling & Hamilton?

• Highly experienced consultant specialising in foot and ankle surgery.
• Expert in minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques for bunion correction.
• Personalised care tailored to each patient’s condition and lifestyle.
• Convenient locations at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling and The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton.

FAQs

Is keyhole bunion surgery painful?
Most patients experience only mild discomfort, which improves quickly with pain medication and rest.

How long will recovery take?
You can usually walk immediately after surgery in a special shoe, with full recovery expected within 6–12 weeks.

Will I have visible scars?
No — the incisions are very small and often barely noticeable after healing.

When can I return to normal shoes?
Most patients can wear normal footwear again after about 6–8 weeks.

Book your consultation

If bunion pain or deformity is affecting your comfort or confidence, keyhole bunion surgery with Mr. Turab Syed could be the ideal solution.

Book a consultation today at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling or The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton to discuss your treatment options.