Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin (MICA) procedure for bunions

What is the Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin (MICA) procedure for bunions?

A Hallux Valgus or bunion, is a large, protruding bump on the side of the big toe. Bunions can cause swelling, pain and inflammation. A traditional bunion procedure would be a realignment procedure requiring a surgical incision of size 5 to 6 cm. However, MICA procedure is a minimal invasive bunion surgery designed to correct a mild-to-moderate hallux valgus and ease bunion pain. This safe, effective bunion treatment is usually performed under general anesthesia and should allow you to return to function much sooner than the traditional surgery.

MICA procedure

Using 3-4 small incisions of size 2-3 mm each on the big toe the bunion is shaved using an electric burr and a realignment procedure is performed under the guidance of an image intensifier (x-rays). A couple of small screws are inserted to stabilize the bone and prevent the bunion from reoccurring.

What are the goals and benefits of MICA surgery?

The MICA procedure is an innovative new option for those suffering from a Bunion or hallux valgus. It is an effective way to permanently treat the pain, deformity and limited mobility caused by bunions. Some of the benefits of the MICA procedure over traditional bunion surgery is that it offers a quicker recovery as there is no need to wait for the bone to fuse, less pain as the incision is smaller, more mobility sooner, you will be up and around in half the time.

After bunion surgery?

You will be provided with a bandage, soft postoperative shoe, prescription for the pain relief. You will be allowed to put full weight immediately after the surgery. You will be advised to receive prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis for 2 weeks.

The first follow up visit is at 2 weeks times will be at Dr Ramawat’s room. The dressing will be removed, and you will be placed in the post-operative shoe again for the next 2-3 weeks.

At 6 weeks’ time a repeat x-ray will be taken and on the this visit Dr Ramawat will put you in your normal shoe. In some cases, a soft comfortable shoe cane be used as early as 3-4 weeks after surgery.

Benefits/risks of MICA

The vast majority of patients who undergo bunion surgery or MICA say they are extremely happy with the procedure. While individual results may vary, this is a safe, minimally invasive and highly effective surgical procedure. Bunion surgery relieves the pain, swelling and malalignment of the metatarsal bone and joint. You should be able to wear a comfortable and supportive shoe within 3-4 weeks after the surgery. Minimal risks associated with bunion surgery can include infection, toe stiffness, neuroma (nerve pain), slow healing, and localized numbness. Dr Ramawat will provide detailed information and follow-up care to ensure you have the best possible outcome and enjoy lasting relief from foot and bunion pain.