Foot & ankle · Minimally invasive

Minimally invasive bunion surgery in Canada

Minimally invasive bunion correction uses the Stryker PROstep™ percutaneous system — small incisions, less soft-tissue disruption, and most patients walk the same day in a post-op shoe. Consultations with our fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later in Ontario or Quebec. Most patients return to comfortable footwear at around 6–12 weeks; full recovery takes 3–6 months.

At Pathway, our fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons perform minimally invasive bunion surgery. Consultations are available in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later.

Book a consultation (647) 799-3230

Most patients walk the same day
Incisions typically under 1cm
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

Patient putting on comfortable shoes after bunion surgery recovery

5.0 from 250+ reviews

Most walk the same day

At a glance

Minimally invasive bunion correction uses the Stryker PROstep™ percutaneous system — small incisions, less soft-tissue disruption, and most patients walk the same day in a post-op shoe.

Most patients walk the same day
Incisions typically under 1cm
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

1–3 days

to first consultation

2–4 weeks

from consult to surgery

Same day

most patients walking in a surgical shoe

3–6 months

typical full recovery

Patient stories

Recovery, in their words.

5.0 from 250+ patient reviews

I had bunion surgery on my left foot in January 2025! Great experience! Dr. Danny Arora uses a technique that is non-invasive. I was in and out of surgery in 30 minutes, walked out without any assistance, and felt no pain. The recovery has been quick and I am super happy with the results. I would highly recommend this procedure. I’ll be back next year to do the other foot.

Janine de Rosnay

MIS bunion correction

Pathways is a well-organized and efficient clinic with an administrative and surgical team staff who were helpful throughout the process. The surgeon, Dr. Arora, is an excellent physician who explained the procedure in detail and welcomed all questions. It is clear that Dr. Arora did an amazing job removing the bunion with minimal/minor tissue trauma and minimally disruptive to my mobility.

K Jarvis

Minimally invasive bunion surgery

What is minimally invasive bunion surgery?

A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the first metatarsal bone shifts outward and the big toe angles toward the smaller toes. This misalignment can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes.

Minimally invasive bunion surgery corrects this deformity through very small incisions — typically less than 1cm — rather than the larger incisions used in traditional open surgery. Using specialized instruments and imaging guidance, the surgeon reshapes and repositions the bones to restore proper alignment.

You may benefit from this procedure if you have

Painful bunion affecting daily activities
Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
Conservative treatments haven’t helped
Progressive deformity worsening over time

The minimally invasive approach aims to achieve the same correction as traditional surgery while potentially offering less postoperative pain, smaller scars, and faster return to activity.

Surgeon insights

Hear from our surgeons.

Watch Dr. Arora explain minimally invasive bunion surgery, what causes bunions, and the recovery process.

Q&A guide

Bunions & big toe arthritis

Minimally invasive techniques, when surgery is needed, and what to expect during recovery.

Full Q&A guide

Technique demo

See how PROstep™ works

Animation showing how the bones are reshaped and realigned through small incisions.

Full Q&A guide

View all surgeon Q&A guides

Surgical technique

The PROstep™ approach.

Specialized instrumentation designed for precise minimally invasive bunion correction.

Small incisions

Tiny incisions (typically under 1cm) minimize soft tissue disruption

Imaging guidance

Real-time imaging confirms accurate bone correction

Precision instruments

Specialized tools reshape bone through tiny portals

Stable fixation

Internal fixation maintains correction during healing

Minimally invasive vs. traditional surgery

Minimally invasive (PROstep™)

Incisions under 1cm
Minimal soft tissue disruption
Potentially less postoperative pain
Smaller, less visible scars

Traditional open surgery

• Larger incisions (5–8cm)
• More tissue exposure required
• Direct visualization of structures
• Well-established technique

Both techniques can achieve excellent results — your surgeon will recommend the best approach for your specific case. Technology information regarding the Stryker PROstep system is provided by Stryker Corporation, the manufacturer.

Your recovery

Recovery after bunion correction.

Day 1
1

Day 1

Home same day

Walking in a surgical shoe
Weeks 1–2
2

Weeks 1–2

Early healing

Limited walking, elevation, wound care
Weeks 4–6
3

Weeks 4–6

Regular footwear

Transition to wide, supportive shoes
Weeks 6–8
4

Weeks 6–8

Daily activities

Return to most daily activities

1–2 weeks

Early healing

Limited walking with elevation and wound care

4–6 weeks

Regular footwear

Wide, supportive shoes as comfort allows

3–4 months

High-impact activities

Gradual return as healing allows

Keep your foot elevated, wear your surgical shoe as directed, and attend follow-up visits for X-rays and wound checks. Swelling can persist for several months — this is normal.

Your surgeon

Our bunion correction specialist.

Fellowship-trained surgeon with expertise in minimally invasive foot surgery.

Dr. Danny Arora

Minimally invasive foot & ankle surgery · Duke University fellowship trained

Dr. Arora is Duke University fellowship trained, with expertise in minimally invasive bunion correction using the Stryker PROstep™ percutaneous system.

View profile

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Not everyone is a candidate. The minimally invasive approach is typically best suited for mild to moderate bunion deformities. Severe bunions, significant arthritis, or complex deformities may require traditional open surgery for optimal correction. Your surgeon will evaluate your specific case and recommend the best approach.

Yes, most patients can walk immediately after surgery in a special surgical shoe. However, you should limit walking to essential activities only for the first 1-2 weeks to allow initial healing to begin.

Recurrence rates after proper bunion surgery are low. However, factors such as genetics, footwear choices, and activity level can influence long-term results. Following your surgeon's post-operative instructions and wearing appropriate footwear helps minimize the risk of recurrence.

A referral is not typically required to book a consultation with our team. You can contact us directly to discuss your bunion and explore potential correction options. We generally recommend bringing any recent X-rays or relevant medical records to your appointment if available.

The PROstep technique utilizes small, high-strength screws to secure the bone in its new, corrected position. These screws are designed to stay in place long-term and typically do not need to be removed unless they cause irritation.

While every patient's experience is different, the minimally invasive approach is designed to be less traumatic to the surrounding skin and soft tissue. Many patients report requiring less pain medication and experiencing less swelling compared to traditional open bunion surgery.

Next step

Start your care journey.

Schedule a consultation to discuss your bunion and explore whether minimally invasive surgery is right for you. No referral required.