post bunionectomy complications

[daisy31]

I had a bunionectomy in March of 2007.  Immediately after the surgery I noticed that 2 of my toes of my left foot leaned dramatically.  The doctor informed me that once the swelling went down my toes would be straight.  That was almost 10 months ago, and these toes are in the SAME position as when I came out of surgery.  Also, I am unable to curl any toes on this foot.  I causes me to suffer from a burning sensation up my calf, and I am unable to find even a wide shoe to fit my foot.  The orthopedic surgeon tells me that she cannot explain why my toes won't curl, and why my 2 toes that lean (severely) never straightened up.  Could this be from permanent damage during surgery, as I had I believe 4 screws put in my toe to repair the bunion.  I was under the impression that I would have less pain after this type of surgery. Do I suffer from nerve damage?

[gram9]

A year and a half ago I also had a bunionectomy. Then 6 months later had a bone spur removed. My result has not been good, constant pain and stiffness. I'm searching for answers also

[newlife5]

I've had two operations for a bunion on my right big toe- the first in October , and the second in December. For the initial procedure, x-rays were taken of the top and then the right side of my foot. After the surgery I had extreme pain, that prompted the podiatrist to go for a second operation. What he found was more calcification of the joint, which prompted him to search further, and then he noticed a mass of calcified bone mass on the bottom of my foot! He removed the extra bone and also inserted a metal implant between the 1st and 2nd joints. Seems that if he took additional x-rays from other angles, he might have been able to see this problem as well, instead of being surprised during the proceedure. He also said there was no therepy required after this procedrure! I initiated my own therapy through two different therapists- both to sub par results, constant pain still ever present.
So ,I'm still in pain, and  now scheduled for a Third operation on 7/7/11 and I have become very doubtful of repeating this all again! Have been on TOO MANY pain pills for far too long, and now I've become very concerned (especially after reading of many people experiencing similar bad results) that I just don't know if this will be the right decision. I also know that this is quite late in the game- as, again my surgery is scheduled for this thursday morning. I just came up with the idea of checking out the internet for some help purely out of desperation! Please help!

[Bgcrazymom]

I had a bunionectomy on my right foot on May 27th.  The surgeon said that my surgery went extremely well; however, when I was able to remove my bandages a couple of weeks after the surgery my incision just didn't look right. After a couple of days, I called the doctor with my concerns and he had me come right in.  He said that he had never seen what is happening to my foot. I am 31 and in good health, but he said that some of my tissue is dying and might basically fall off which will cause me to need a skin graft.  I don't know what could have gone wrong or what I can do if anything to try and save my skin tissue to prevent it.

I am just shocked and don't know what to do.  I can't find anything when searching complications that is anywhere close to this and I need some guidance.

[JainMD]

Hi,
How are you feeling?
When you are planning for surgery it should be clear in doctor’s mind what the goals for surgery are. You should be having clear cut image about what is the idea behind the surgery.
Goals of surgery should be pain relief, correction of the deformity, restoration of normal biomechanics, and maintenance of adequate joint motion.
The indications for surgery are failed nonsurgical treatments, worsening pain and deformity and decreased function and inability to tolerate shoe wear.
The contraindications for surgery are cosmetic complaints alone without symptoms and vascular insufficiency.
There is lots of procedure which one can do among which one is Resection arthroplasty (Keller) bunionectomy.
Mild deformities and congruent deformities have lower rates of progression with nonoperative management than do severe or incongruent deformities.
Surgical treatment with appropriate indications and decision-making typically results in pain relief and deformity correction in most patients.
Surgical complications include wound breakdown and infection, recurrence of the deformity, overcorrection leading to hallux varus, mal-union or nonunion of osteotomy or fusion procedures, joint stiffness, neuroma, and transfer metatarsalgia.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.

[Belladona]

I don't know where else to post this. I am considering a bunionectomy. I am 44 years old, in excellent health, a non-smoker and a very active person. I've noticed that my bunion has really moved in the last two years, causing considerable pain. More, it is sending pain up to my hip, because I am also flatfooted. I'm wondering about the pros and cons of a bunionectomy at my age. Should I wait? Will there be repurcussions (knowing that no one can predict outcome?), etc? Thanks for anything you can tell me.

[JainMD]

Hi Daisy,
How are you feeling now?
First thing first I indeed feel that curling of your toes is due to some nerve damage during your surgery.
Second thing is that some form of physical therapy of the concerned muscle would help in avoiding disuse atrophy of muscle.
Third thing is you can take help of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.
It is still not too late for you to start some treatment.
Hope this helps.
Bye.