MDNews - Long Island

P AT I E N T S A R E T R AV E L I N G to Manhattan from all over the world for Dr. Blitz and his innova- tive Bunionplasty procedure. For many patients, the impetus is to avoid what was once a long period of recovery after bunion surgery. A few years ago, Dr. Blitz transformed bunion surgery with the development of a patented implant that holds the bones steady, allowing his patients to walk immediately after bunion surgery without the need for cast or crutches. With this implant, Dr. Blitz has also been able to improve the aesthetic results of the procedure by moving the incision onto the side of the foot — rather than the top — in operations on bunions of all sizes. As such, bunion surgery can now be performed more cosmetically and no longer involves a painfully long, immobile recovery. Women, specifically high heel lovers, are affected by bunions because the fancy footwear puts excessive pressure on the big toe joint, causing a structural misalignment. While bunions can have a genetic component, many result from poor footwear choices. More than half of women have bunions, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "Most people think a bunion is a growth of bone at the base of the big toe," Dr. Blitz says. "That is partially correct, but it's really the misalignment of the big toe joint pushing out on the skin from underneath that causes the bony prominence." Prev ious surgica l techniques on larger bunions often necessitated an extensive recovery period that required assistive devices and limited mobility for six weeks or more. "Recovery was once long and painful, but that's not the case now," Dr. Blitz s ay s. " Bu n ion s u rg er y no lon g er means a cast, crutches or a wheel- chair. Nowadays, with the implant I designed, my patients can practically By Carrie Frye REVOLUTIONIZING BUNION SURGERY, DR. BLITZ DEVELOPED THE BUNIONPLASTY PROCEDURE AND A PATENTED IMPLANT THAT GETS PATIENTS WALKING IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY, RESULTING IN EXTREMELY POSITIVE OUTCOMES AND HIGH LEVELS OF SATISFACTION. Neal M. Blitz, DPM, FACFAS: Meet the Bunion King of New York COV ER FE AT UR E A patient learns about Bunionplasty plastic surgery for bunions. Many of Dr. Blitz's patients want to return to wearing high heels after bunion surgery. 6 | Long Island MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M

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