Hallux valgus, more commonly known as a bunion, is a painful foot deformity affecting millions worldwide. In severe cases, surgery is the only option. But traditional surgical methods often risk joint instability and recurrence.

At Universitas Padjadjaran, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Raden Andri Primadhi and his team developed a modified medial capsulorrhaphy technique, using a figure-of-eight suture to reinforce the joint capsule after bunion correction surgery. This innovation was tested on patients undergoing corrective procedures at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung.

The results were promising. Patients experienced improved joint stability, reduced pain, and a lower risk of post-surgical complications. The modified method is also practical and cost-effective—important for hospitals in resource-limited settings. “Our goal was to create a technique that combines safety, effectiveness, and affordability,” said Dr. Primadhi.

For Indonesia, where many people live with untreated bunions due to lack of access to specialized care, this breakthrough offers hope. Patients can recover faster, return to daily activities sooner, and avoid expensive repeat surgeries. The technique can also be shared across hospitals nationally, building capacity for wider adoption.

This innovation not only advances orthopedic surgery in Indonesia but also contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by improving quality of life through accessible treatment. With this work, Unpad reinforces its reputation as a hub of medical innovation in Southeast Asia, pushing forward in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.