A More Personalized Approach to Bunion Correction
If bunion pain is limiting your ability to walk comfortably, wear the shoes you love, or enjoy everyday activities, there is a new option available. Dr. Eric Linford, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, now offers the VIRTUGUIDE Patient-Matched Bunion Correction System, an innovative approach designed specifically for your foot.
Unlike traditional bunion surgery, which often corrects the toe in only two dimensions, VIRTUGUIDE uses CT scan imaging and advanced planning technology to create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your unique anatomy. Because most bunions are misaligned in three dimensions, this approach supports more precise correction and alignment.
Understanding Bunions
A bunion is more than a bump on the side of the foot. It is a structural change in the alignment of the bones in the big toe joint. Over time, this change can affect:
- Toe alignment
- Joint mechanics
- Foot comfort
- Ability to wear certain shoes
- Walking and everyday activities
Because the deformity often occurs in three dimensions, effective correction depends on evaluating the complete structure of the foot and toe alignment.
How VIRTUGUIDE Works
The VIRTUGUIDE System uses advanced imaging and surgical planning technology to create a bunion correction plan tailored to your specific anatomy. The following steps help guide personalized treatment:
1. CT Scan of Your Foot
A detailed CT scan creates a three-dimensional view of the bones in your foot. This imaging provides valuable information about the position and rotation of the bones involved in the bunion.
2. Personalized Surgical Planning
Using the CT scan, a patient-matched surgical plan is created based on your specific anatomy and the structure of your bunion.
3. Surgical Guidance During the Procedure
The procedure follows the detailed plan developed before surgery. This preparation helps guide the correction and alignment of the bones.
4. Preview of Expected Alignment
One unique feature of this planning process is the ability to preview the expected postsurgical alignment before surgery begins.
Meet Our VIRTUGUIDE Expert
Dr. Eric Linford is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon who provides comprehensive orthopedic care focused on restoring mobility and reducing pain. By combining advanced surgical technology with a patient-centered approach, he works closely with patients to develop treatment plans that support comfortable movement and long-term foot health. To learn more about Dr. Linford, please use the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Patient-Matched Bunion Correction Mean?
Patient-matched planning means the surgical approach is created using your CT scan and individual anatomy rather than relying on a standard template.
Is VIRTUGUIDE a Different Type of Surgery?
VIRTUGUIDE is a surgical planning and guidance system that supports bunion correction procedures. The exact surgical technique depends on the severity and type of bunion.
Will This Shorten My Recovery?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure and the individual patient. The goal of patient-matched planning is to support accurate correction and efficient surgical steps.
Why Is a CT Scan Used?
A CT scan provides a detailed three-dimensional view of the bones in the foot. This information helps guide surgical planning and alignment.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Linford, please call (307) 265-7205 or use the button below to request an appointment online.