Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Görkem Kıyak
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Foot & Ankle
Hallux valgus surgery
What hallux valgus surgery is, the main bunion operations (chevron, scarf, Lapidus, Akin and minimally invasive techniques), when surgery is and is not advised, what recovery looks like week by week, approximate costs in Turkey against the UK, US and Germany, realistic results, recurrence and other risks, and how to check a foot surgeon.
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Hallux valgus surgery in Turkey: what it is and how it works
Hallux valgus surgery, commonly called bunion surgery, realigns the big toe when the first metatarsal bone has drifted inwards and the toe leans towards the others, creating a painful bump at the side of the foot. The operation cannot simply remove the bump: the surgeon cuts and repositions the bone (an osteotomy) or fuses an unstable joint, rebalances the soft tissue around the big toe joint and fixes the bones with small screws, wires or plates until they heal in the new position. Hospitals in Turkey perform several variations, from small incisions to open correction, and choose between them using weight-bearing X-rays.
This guide explains when surgery makes sense, what the main operations are, what recovery and results look like, what it costs compared with the UK, US and Germany and how to choose a foot surgeon. For the newer fusion technique see our page on hallux valgus 3D Lapiplasty.
Do you really need bunion surgery?
Not every bunion needs an operation. The NHS advises that surgery is considered when a bunion is very painful, stops you walking or doing daily activities, or keeps causing problems despite wide shoes, padding and painkillers. Surgery for appearance alone is generally discouraged, because the operation carries risks, recovery is long and some pain or stiffness may remain. Splints and toe spacers can ease discomfort but do not straighten a bunion in an adult. A surgeon should explain these alternatives and should examine your foot standing, not just look at photographs.
Which bunion operation is right for you?
The choice depends on the angles seen on a standing X-ray, the stability of the joint and your age and activity.
| Operation | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Chevron osteotomy (distal) | Mild to moderate bunions | Limited correction; not for an unstable joint at the base |
| Scarf osteotomy | Moderate to larger deformity | Longer healing; careful fixation needed |
| Lapidus fusion (including 3D Lapiplasty) | Severe bunions, hypermobile joint, recurrence | The fused joint must heal; longer protected phase |
| Akin osteotomy (toe bone) | Adds correction at the toe itself | Usually combined with another procedure |
| Minimally invasive (keyhole) osteotomy | Selected mild to moderate cases | Needs a surgeon with specific training; fixation varies |
Fusion of the first joint is a different operation from the others and has its own recovery, covered in our Lapiplasty guide.
How is hallux valgus surgery performed?
The operation takes about 45 to 90 minutes per foot. Most hospitals use spinal anaesthesia or general anaesthesia, sometimes with a nerve block at the ankle that numbs the foot for several hours afterwards. The surgeon makes an incision over the inner foot, trims the bump, cuts the metatarsal and shifts the head of the bone sideways, and adjusts tight and loose soft tissue. Screws or pins hold the position. Smaller cuts in the toe bone, or releases between the first and second toes, may be added. The foot is dressed and placed in a protective boot or post-operative shoe. A stay of one night is common; some patients go home the same day.
Does bunion surgery work?
For painful bunions, yes: most people report less pain and better function once the foot has healed. Studies show that a majority of patients are satisfied, though not everyone: some report ongoing stiffness, pain or dissatisfaction with the look of the foot, and recurrence of the deformity is a known issue, particularly if the cause was not addressed or the shoes are narrow again. Results are best when the operation matches the deformity, so a surgeon who offers one technique for all feet deserves a second question. No operation is guaranteed to hold for life.
Hallux valgus surgery cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The figures below are approximate ranges per foot, not hospital quotes. Each hospital confirms its own price in a written quote after seeing your X-rays.
| Country | Approximate cost range (one foot) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €2,000 – €6,000 |
| United Kingdom | €4,000 – €9,500 |
| United States | €6,500 – €20,000 |
| Germany | €3,500 – €8,500 |
The price depends on the technique (a simple chevron costs less than a fusion), the implants, the length of hospital stay, whether both feet are done, extra procedures such as hammertoe correction and the follow-up included. A package normally covers tests, the operation, anaesthesia, hospital stay, boot, medication and transfers; ask for the list in writing.
Who is a good candidate, and who should wait?
Good candidates are adults with a painful bunion that has not responded to non-surgical measures, whose X-rays show a deformity that an operation can correct, and who can follow the weight-bearing rules afterwards. Less suitable are people with poor circulation, uncontrolled diabetes, active foot infection, serious arthritis in the big toe joint (a fusion or joint replacement may be preferable), neuropathy or those who smoke heavily, because smoking slows bone and wound healing. Young patients whose bones are still growing need a specialist opinion. Tell the surgeon about blood-thinning medication and previous clots.
Hallux valgus surgery recovery: week by week
- Days 1 to 3: rest with the foot raised, pain controlled with prescribed medication; you may walk short distances in a boot with support if the surgeon allows it.
- Weeks 1 to 2: dressing changes; stitches out at about two weeks.
- Weeks 2 to 6: continue in the boot or surgical shoe; swelling comes and goes; light work from a desk is often possible around two weeks.
- Weeks 6 to 12: X-ray to confirm healing, change to a roomy trainer and start exercises.
- Months 3 to 6: most daily and sport activities resume; swelling can last six months or longer.
Plan five to seven days in Turkey so the surgeon can check the wound and first X-ray. Ask about blood-clot prevention for the flight, and for a plan for stitch removal and follow-up with a surgeon or physiotherapist at home.
Hallux valgus before and after: what are realistic results?
A good result shows a straighter big toe, a flatter inner border of the foot and corrected angles on a standing X-ray. Photographs early on show swelling, bruising and a scar along the side of the foot; the scar fades gradually. Most people can wear regular shoes again after about three months, though a very narrow or high-heeled shoe can bring the bunion back. The toe may feel stiff or slightly numb near the scar. Ask for X-ray and photo examples at six to twelve months, not only at the first checkup.
Risks and complications of bunion surgery
Possible problems include infection, delayed wound healing, swelling that lasts months, numbness or nerve irritation, stiffness of the toe, blood clots, under- or over-correction (the toe pointing too far in or out), delayed or non-healing of the cut bone, transfer of pain to the ball of the foot and recurrence. The NHS and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society recommend discussing these with the surgeon, with weight-bearing instructions followed strictly to protect the bone while it heals. Ask what the clinic does if a complication appears after you return home.
How to choose a surgeon and hospital, and red flags
Look for an orthopaedic surgeon with regular foot and ankle experience, a licensed hospital with an anaesthetist and a written plan and price before a deposit. Red flags are the same operation recommended for every foot, a price given without X-rays, promises that a bunion never returns, no mention of weight-bearing rules and no named contact after you fly. Read how our process works, browse the orthopedics treatments in Turkey hub and use the free quote page to receive a written plan.
Questions to ask the clinic:
- Which operation do you propose for my X-ray, and why?
- Will I need crutches or a boot, and for how long?
- How many nights do I need in hospital and in Turkey?
- What follow-up and X-rays are included?
- What is your policy if a problem appears after I go home?
Conditions treated with Hallux Valgus Surgery
Hospitals with Orthopedics in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
Hallux valgus surgery is the medical name for bunion surgery. The surgeon cuts and realigns the big toe bone, adjusts the soft tissue and fixes the bones with screws or plates so the toe sits straight again.
Only if it is very painful or limits daily life despite wider shoes, padding and painkillers. The NHS advises against surgery for appearance alone because of the risks and the long recovery.
Approximate prices are €2,000 to €6,000 per foot in Turkey, against about €4,000 to €9,500 in the UK. The price depends on the technique, implants and hospital stay, and is confirmed in a written quote.
You usually walk in a boot within days, change to a roomy trainer at around six to twelve weeks and return to most activity within three to six months. Swelling can last six months or longer.
The operation is done under anaesthesia, and pain afterwards is managed with medication, elevation and ice. Discomfort is greatest in the first two weeks and settles gradually.
Yes. Recurrence is a known risk, more likely if the technique did not match the deformity or if narrow shoes are worn again. A suitable operation and sensible footwear reduce the chance.
No single operation suits everyone. Chevron is used for mild to moderate bunions, scarf for larger ones and Lapidus fusion for severe or unstable feet. Weight-bearing X-rays guide the choice.
Risks include infection, swelling, numbness, stiffness, blood clots, delayed bone healing, over- or under-correction and recurrence. A foot surgeon should explain these before you decide.
Most people can wear a roomy trainer at around six to twelve weeks and regular shoes after about three months. Very narrow or high-heeled shoes may need to wait longer or be avoided.
Plan for about five to seven days, including one night in hospital and a check of the wound and X-ray before you fly. Ask about flight timing and clot prevention.
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