Why Bunion Surgery Is Not Effective for Some Patients (2024)

Are you in need of bunion surgery in Sugar Land? If so, then read on to learn about the reasons why this option might not be effective for every patient.

Why Bunion Surgery Is Not Effective for Some Patients (1)

Bunionectomies Do Not Work for Everyone.

When conservative treatments fail to resolve a patient’s bunion, then foot specialists frequently recommend a bunionectomy. In this type of surgery, only the bony prominence is removed. This simple, surgical bunion treatment can work well for some patients, but may not be effective for individuals who have severe bunions.

Bunion Surgery Isn’t Always a Permanent Solution.

For some patients, surgery is not effective long-term because of a recurrence of the bunion. Although your foot surgeon may be able to effectively treat your current bunion and the symptoms that it causes through surgery, this does not guarantee that the bunion will not reform. If you choose to continue wearing high heels or narrow-toed shoes after your treatment, then the recurrence of the bunion becomes more likely.

Bunion Surgery Doesn’t Meet Everyone’s Expectations.

Some patients decide to undergo bunion surgery because they are dissatisfied with the appearance of their feet. While bunion surgery is likely to improve the aesthetics of your foot, it may not completely restore its original appearance. Also, some patients are unhappy with the reduced flexibility in their big toe joint that can occur. Before undergoing bunion surgery, it’s essential to discuss your expectations with your doctor and to gain a good understanding of your probable outcomes.

Bunion Surgery Is Not Always Successful.

As with any other surgery, it’s possible for bunion surgery to fail, and there are a number of complications associated with bunion surgery of which every patient should be aware. Prolonged swelling, infection, and deep vein thrombosis can result from this treatment. Some of the other possible complications include over- or under-correction, loss of correction, joint stiffness, and nerve entrapment. Speak with your doctor to gain a full understanding of the possible complications associated with bunion surgery.

Why Bunion Surgery Is Not Effective for Some Patients (2024)

FAQs

Why Bunion Surgery Is Not Effective for Some Patients? ›

Essentially, bunion surgeries can fail in the following circumstances, each discussed below: the deformity is not fully corrected and hallux valgus persists or recurs. the deformity is overcorrected into varus. the bone doesn't heal, resulting in a nonunion.

What is the failure rate of bunion surgery? ›

During that time, you may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness. In addition, you may require physical therapy to help you regain full function of the affected foot. Another reason to avoid bunion surgery is the high failure rate. Studies have shown that bunion surgery has a failure rate of up to 40%.

Why do I still have a bunion after bunion surgery? ›

Even in situations where the bones of the foot have been realigned to reduce the pain and deformity of the bunion, a person's foot structure can cause a bunion to reform later. It may be several years before bunions appear again but it can happen.

When is it too late for bunion surgery? ›

There's no cut-and-dry rule regarding an age limit for bunion surgery. Seniors can visit a podiatrist serving the Sugar Land area to find out if the procedure might be right for them.

Is bunion surgery always successful? ›

The recurrence rate (a bunion coming back after surgery) is about 20% over a patient's lifetime. A mild bunion recurrence is well-tolerated by most patients. Significant bunion recurrences that cause problems and require further surgery are much less common.

What are the symptoms of a failed bunion surgery? ›

A botched bunionectomy typically is intolerable to the patient, causing inability to walk without pain, continuous inability to bend the big toe joint, or even inability to fit into shoes. Other cases of failed bunion surgery involve over-correction of the original deformity.

What happens when bunion surgery fails? ›

The nerves closest to incisions may be damaged, creating numbness, burning or pain. There also is a risk that another part of the foot will become irritated. Wound complications, infections, problems with blood flow and prolonged swelling are more likely. Hardware may become bothersome and require removal.

What is the new procedure for bunions? ›

Lapiplasty® is a new procedure using patented technology to correct not only the bunion, but its root cause. It straightens three dimensions of alignment of the metatarsal bone. First, it corrects the sideways lean of your metatarsal bone.

What is the new treatment for bunions? ›

Lapiplasty® technology can be used to address mild, moderate, and severe bunions. The Lapiplasty® Procedure corrects the entire bone and secures the unstable foundation to get you back on your feet in a walking boot within 3-10 days.

Can you correct a bunion without surgery? ›

In most cases, bunions can be treated nonsurgically. One of the podiatrists from our team can examine your bunion(s) and recommend a conservative treatment which includes one or more of the following: Custom shoe orthotics (inserts) that relieve pressure on the joint and align your weight in a more beneficial way.

What is considered a severe bunion? ›

In severe bunions, the big toe may angle all the way under or over the second toe. Pressure from the big toe may force the second toe out of alignment, causing it to come in contact with the third toe. This can result in hammer toe deformities of the smaller toes.

Has anyone ever reversed a bunion? ›

Bunions can't be reversed, and unfortunately, they don't go away on their own. Once you have a bunion, it will likely continue to grow over time. Luckily, many people don't need to have surgery to treat their bunions.

Is Lapiplasty better than bunionectomy? ›

Lapiplasty offers a promising surgical treatment option. It involves a less invasive procedure, fewer complications, and a quicker recovery than traditional bunion surgery. It also addresses bunions at their root cause.

How can I shrink my bunions naturally? ›

By following these steps and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can take charge of your foot health and enjoy greater comfort.
  1. Step 1: Assess Your Footwear. ...
  2. Step 2: Use Bunion Pads and Splints. ...
  3. Step 3: Incorporate Toe Exercises and Stretches. ...
  4. Step 4: Apply Ice and Heat Therapy. ...
  5. Step 5: Consider Custom Orthotics.
Feb 15, 2024

Is bunion surgery high risk? ›

You may still have pain and swelling, especially if you don't wear roomy shoes. Even after surgery, your foot may not look completely normal. All surgery has risks, including bleeding, nerve damage, and infection. Your age and your health can also affect your risk.

Is bunion surgery worth the risk? ›

Bunion surgery generally has a high success rate, with approximately 90-95% of patients experiencing positive outcomes. Most patients report long-term pain relief and improved quality of life, with 92.8% indicating an enhancement in their overall well-being.

What percentage of bunions come back after surgery? ›

Most bunion procedures involves shifting the head of the bone over and securing it with a pin or screw. This temporarily reduces the "bump" on the side of the toe, but fails to address the instability of the joint. Because of this, up to 40-60% of these procedures fail and the bunion returns over time.

Can screws move after a bunionectomy? ›

Foot Irritation From Retained Hardware

Furthermore, extremely active patients can force that screw to work its way up out of the bone. The screw does not have to be removed, unless it causes discomfort. Approximately 15% of patients request to have the screw removed.

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