Eventually that major joint of the big toe will become stiff and this makes it difficult for activities such as climbing stairs and sports. There are many different procedures described to correct bunions. You should be aware that usually just shaving the bunion off, although it is attractive and minimally invasive, is usually not enough. Initially the foot will look much better but with time the bunion will recur. I do not know any patient who wants to undergo surgery twice for the same problem.
Arthrodesis refers to surgery performed on the great toe joint where the joint is fused.
This is usually reserved for people with very severe deformities when other surgical options are impossible. Bunionectomy refers to the simple removal of the bunion itself. This is seldom used because it doesn't correct the underlying bone problems. Osteomety is the commonest surgical procedure that we do. The bone is cut and the bones realigned and pinned in place until they heal so that the underlying bone deformity is corrected and the bunion will not recur.