SEMRUSH, a keyword analytics tool, reveals that there are over 964,000 searches related to bunion surgery annually in the US. Many of these people will stumble upon ads and articles promoting MIS as an option for these procedures.

The purpose of this article is not to debate the validity of MIS bunions procedures as every foot and ankle surgeon has some opinion on it, positive, negative, or neutral. The post-op x-rays being shared across various social media platforms are scary enough to push anyone away.

X-rays aside, there are many perceived benefits that MIS provides for bunion surgery: less pain and swelling, smaller incisions, faster return to function, and shorter OR times for those with experience.

Learning MIS, like anything new takes practice. Before jumping in it is recommended to get some hands-on training to familiarize yourself with the equipment and surgical technique. Most of those who teach the procedure encourage with less technical procedures to start, such as a cheilectomy.

Currently, 3 companies offer dedicated systems for MIS bunion techniques. Each of these companies has dedicated websites with Medical Education and Marketing resources for both patients and surgeons. Below are links to each of those sites where you can find videos, surgical techniques, training options, and direct to patient marketing tools (surgeon finders and other forms of patient outreach).

ARTHREX – MIS

NOVA STEP – PECA

WRIGHT MEDICAL – PROSTEP

Each of these companies’ platforms in terms of instrumentation are somewhat similar, the main difference is the recommended osteotomy type.

Here is a chart quickly outlining the systems and what options are offered:

CROSSROADS – Mini Bunion, Wright Medical – Iso Plate, and Nova Step – Centrolock also offer intramedullary plating options as a less invasive solution for hallux valgus.