Foot surgery · Bunion · Vienna
Hallux valgus (a bunion) is one of the most common foot deformities – and over time it gets worse, not better. Insoles and splints ease the symptoms but do not correct the bony cause. As a specialist in foot surgery I correct hallux valgus precisely and permanently – with a gentle surgical technique and clear follow-up care.
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In hallux valgus the big toe deviates outward and the first metatarsal bone inward – creating the typical bony bump at the base joint of the big toe (the "bunion"). The deformity leads to pain when walking, inflammation, pressure points in the shoe and often to secondary damage to the other toes.
The causes are usually a genetic predisposition, aggravated by tight footwear (especially high heels). Women are affected more often than men.
The only way to correct the deformity permanently is the surgical straightening of the bone (osteotomy). In the first consultation I show you exactly what is going on, based on your X-rays, and which technique is best suited.
When should you have surgery?
Surgical techniques
Depending on the severity I choose the optimal method: Scarf osteotomy (for a pronounced hallux), Chevron osteotomy (for mild to moderate cases) or Akin osteotomy as a supplement. All techniques are stably fixed with small titanium screws.
Clinical examination, X-ray, discussion of the optimal surgical technique for your case.
Osteotomy and fixation under regional or general anaesthesia, approx. 45–60 minutes. Usually outpatient.
A heel-loading shoe protects the bone correction. Light everyday activities are possible immediately.
A normal shoe from week 6. Sport possible again after a few months. Regular X-ray check-ups.
After hallux valgus surgery you can bear weight immediately – this timeline shows the typical course. We discuss your personal plan individually.
The procedure is performed as day surgery or with one overnight stay. In the special surgical shoe you can bear weight immediately – no cast, no crutches.
Elevation and cooling come first, with short walks in the surgical shoe. Stitches are removed after about 14 days.
The surgical shoe stays on for 4–6 weeks in total. Office work is usually possible from week 1–2, walking distance grows steadily.
After the X-ray check, transition to comfortable normal shoes. Toe exercises support mobility.
Sport is usually possible again. Final swelling can take up to 6 months to subside – the result: a permanently straight, pain-free toe.
Surgery and hospital stay generally covered in full
Direct billing with your insurer – no upfront payment
Surgery date usually within 1–2 weeks
Transparent cost estimate before the procedure – no surprises
Surgery as a self-payer possible at any time
Practice visits: approx. 80% reimbursement of the statutory tariff from your public insurer
At Vienna’s private hospitals surgery dates are usually available within 1–2 weeks – without the months-long waiting lists of the public system. After your first consultation I take care of the cost estimate, insurance approval and scheduling with the hospital.
In hallux valgus the metatarsal bone is straightened by a precise osteotomy and fixed in the correct position with small titanium screws. Depending on the severity I choose the optimal procedure – Scarf, Chevron or Akin osteotomy. The procedure takes approx. 45–60 minutes, is usually possible on an outpatient basis and is performed under regional or general anaesthesia.
For the first 6 weeks you wear a special shoe. From week 6 a normal shoe is possible. Sport is allowed after a few months. Swelling can persist for up to 6 months – this is normal and does not affect healing. I accompany you with regular X-ray check-ups.
Yes, in many cases hallux valgus surgery is possible on an outpatient basis. The requirements are good general health, a stable home situation and uncomplicated anaesthesia. Whether outpatient or with a short inpatient stay – we decide together in the first consultation.
Unfortunately no – hallux valgus is a bony deformity and worsens over time without treatment. Conservative measures can slow the progression but cannot correct the deformity. In case of pain or cosmetic burden, surgery is the only way to achieve lasting correction.
With supplementary (Sonderklasse) insurance (e.g. UNIQA, Generali, Wiener Städtische, Allianz and many more) all costs of the operation and hospital stay are generally covered in full. I am happy to provide a cost estimate in advance that you can forward directly to your insurer.
I operate at four renowned Vienna private hospitals: Klinikum Währing (Atomos), Wiener Privatklinik, Privatklinik Döbling and Rudolfinerhaus. We choose the hospital together in the first consultation – depending on the procedure, your insurance and your personal preferences.
Of course. Dr. Ghobrial works exclusively as a private physician (Wahlarzt) but treats all patients. He cares for private patients, those with supplementary (Sonderklasse) insurance and self-payers. As a Wahlarzt you can have part of the consultation and treatment costs reimbursed by your statutory health insurer afterwards – the exact terms vary by insurer. Supplementary insurance generally covers outpatient and inpatient costs depending on the contract.
Appointments are usually available within a few days. For urgent cases I try to arrange priority scheduling. You can reach me directly at 1040 Vienna: +43 1 585 62 60 or 1020 Vienna: +43 1 890 45 20, or book online via haelsi.at.
What patients say
“For me, Dr. Ghobrial is an exceptional orthopaedist and physician. He has already operated on me twice and I always felt in the very best hands and well cared for. His dedication, his competence and his humanity are something special these days.”
Gabriele E.
Google review
A second opinion gives you certainty. I will tell you honestly whether the operation is really necessary – and whether there are alternatives.
In the first consultation I assess your case, explain the optimal surgical technique and answer all your questions – transparently and without time pressure.
1040 Vienna: +43 1 585 62 60 · 1020 Vienna: +43 1 890 45 20
Office 1040 Vienna-Wieden (Große Neugasse 28/2) · Office 1020 Vienna-Leopoldstadt (Vorgartenstrasse 206c)