The Bunion Cure procedure page
At The Bunion Cure, “minimally invasive bunionectomy” refers to a family of smaller-incision bunion correction procedures designed to correct the deformity, not just shave the bump. SERI bunionectomy is the most common procedure Dr. Sullivan performs, but it is not the only minimally invasive option.
Dr. Jordan Sullivan selects the minimally invasive procedure based on the patient’s X-rays, deformity pattern, joint motion, and goals. Options may include SERI bunionectomy, soft-tissue releases, bone shaving procedures, or simpler osteotomy procedures when those are the right fit.
Important procedure note: SERI is the most common procedure performed here, but it is one of several minimally invasive bunion procedures Dr. Sullivan may use. All bunion procedures performed by Dr. Sullivan at The Bunion Cure are minimally invasive, walk-in/walk-out procedures with protected weight-bearing.
Not sure where to start? A consultation and weight-bearing X-rays determine whether SERI fits your foot, health history, and recovery goals.
SERI bunionectomy is the main minimally invasive bunion correction procedure used at The Bunion Cure, but Dr. Sullivan may use other minimally invasive techniques when they better match the foot. These can include soft-tissue-only releases, bone shaving procedures, or simpler osteotomy procedures. When an osteotomy is used, the bone is repositioned and heals in its corrected position, similar to how a fracture heals. This is different from a Lapidus-style fusion, which intentionally fuses a midfoot joint.
Example X-ray progression from the SERI education guide showing correction and healing over time. Individual anatomy and healing vary.
In the SERI approach, the metatarsal is cut, shifted, derotated, and temporarily held while the bone heals. The pin is commonly removed around 4 weeks after follow-up evaluation and X-rays. In other minimally invasive bunion procedures, Dr. Sullivan may use a smaller soft-tissue release, bone shaving, or a simpler osteotomy depending on what the deformity requires.
Because SERI is an osteotomy rather than a joint fusion, the recovery is built around bone healing while preserving the first tarsometatarsal joint. Patients still need activity limits, swelling control, post-op shoe use, and follow-up X-rays.
Walking is protected, not unrestricted. At The Bunion Cure, immediate but limited protected walking is part of the procedure plan. Patients walk in a post-op shoe while following instructions that protect the correction.
A minimally invasive bunion procedure may be considered for patients with painful bunions, activity-limiting shoe irritation, toe crowding, progressive deformity, or a desire for a smaller-incision correction. SERI is the most common procedure used here, but Dr. Sullivan also considers other minimally invasive approaches when a simpler procedure is appropriate. He commonly evaluates severe bunions and revision situations for minimally invasive correction when the anatomy and X-rays are appropriate.
The final recommendation depends on weight-bearing X-rays, joint motion, arthritis, first metatarsal rotation, sesamoid position, circulation, diabetes control, nicotine use, neuropathy, revision history, support at home, and whether other forefoot procedures should be included.
The goal of SERI bunionectomy is not only cosmetic improvement. The goal is to improve the underlying alignment so the foot functions better in shoes and daily activity.
Even severe bunions and hammertoe crowding can often be corrected at the same time through a minimally invasive surgical plan when the patient’s anatomy, X-rays, and overall health make that appropriate.
Severe bunions are more difficult and less predictable than mild bunions, but many patients can still expect meaningful improvement when the procedure is matched appropriately to the foot.
Example bunion correction result. Individual results vary.
Example severe bunion with hammertoe crowding corrected in the same minimally invasive care plan. Individual results vary.
SERI is not an experimental idea. Published SERI studies show substantial improvement in pain, function, and bunion angles in selected patients. A large 1,000-foot SERI series reported functional improvement and complete osteotomy healing and remodeling on follow-up radiographs.
Comparative studies have also reported SERI outcomes comparable to established open procedures in selected patients, with practical advantages such as a shorter incision, less surgical time, and temporary rather than permanent fixation in the classic technique.
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Clinical review status: reviewed and approved by Dr. Jordan Sullivan on June 9, 2026. Original page content was previously reviewed by Dr. Sullivan on June 8, 2026.