What is the difference between a bunionectomy and cheilectomy by podiatrist?

Couple of things: A cheilectomy is usually the removal of boney spurs around the 1st toe joint and may be part of a bunionectomy. There are many bunioectomy procedures, but all involve repostioning a part of the 1st metatarsal and/or 1st toe.

Goal of procedure: Cheilectomy is a remodeling of the bone at a joint. Any bone spurs are removed and surfaces shaved down, cartilage at the joint is often addressed.Bone to bone healing is not involved. A bunionectomy involves the correction of a bunion deformity. This reqiures removing the boney prominence and most often cutting and realigning the 1st metatarsal bone and fixating it with a screw or pin.

Surgical difference : A cheilectomy is used to improve motion and performed on the top of the joint. That procedure is used for limited joint motion. A bunionectomy is a correction of the joint with a large eminence on the inside of the great toe joint. Sometimes these procedures can be performed together depending on clinical and radio graphic findings.

Difference : Usually with bunionectomy the bone is reset after the bump is removed. Cheilectomy is performed to remove bump on metatarsal to improve range of motion.

Different types: There are different types of bunionectomy procedures. A cheilectomy is a type of bunionectomy procedure.