I had bunion surgery (osteotomies) about two years ago. There were major complications on the left foot (you don'twant to know), and the right foot was undercorrected. After much lobbying of the best orthopedic specialist in the city, I am going in for a Lapidus Procedure on the right. This involves putting screws through the upper metatarsals to bring them closer together at the top, rather than working on the forefront of the foot. The Lapidus is known as a "salvage procedure for failed bunion surgeries". As well, the doctor is going to do a "gastrocnemius slide", a lengthening of the tendon in the calf, which helps with the stability of the whole foot. Apparently the recovery from this will be a little longer than most other bunion procedures, 6 to 8 weeks non-weightbearing (which realistically means 4 to 5 months of being careful, I'm sure). Of course I'm worried, but more worried about the pain and growing arthritis in my foot.

1) what does "some" loss of mobility mid-foot mean?
2) how painful is tendon lengthening?
3) what sort of shoe can I reasonably expect to be able to wear?

I rely on my feet for my work. I need to be very mobile. I have already lost almost a year on 2 failed surgeries, but this will get better.

My advice if things go wrong? Educate yourself. Agitate for change. The ONLY person who knows what's really going on is you.

Regards,
L.

Hi! I've had 2 lapidus procedures. My left foot is awesome. My right foot was undercorrected and needs to be redone(in a couple years) My new doc says he has never heard of a failed lapidus, lucky me. It really wasn't that bad. All I can suggest is physical therapy!!!! Do not wait. Your foot and ankle will be soooo atrophied from 8 weeks in a cast, it needs professional help to get back into shape. Any questions, ask!!!

Hi! I've had 2 lapidus procedures. My left foot is awesome. My right foot was undercorrected and needs to be redone(in a couple years) My new doc says he has never heard of a failed lapidus, lucky me. It really wasn't that bad. All I can suggest is physical therapy!!!! Do not wait. Your foot and ankle will be soooo atrophied from 8 weeks in a cast, it needs professional help to get back into shape. Any questions, ask!!!

Thanks, Lasonia. I do have a question. My other two surgeries involved removable pins (a rather creepy thing, having metal sticking out of your foot). I take it the Lapidus will involve permanent screws. I have heard of complications, i.e., people having pain from the screws, the screws breaking, etc. Can you feel them at all?

Unfortunately, physical therapy will be very limited as I can't really afford it. But I'm a dancer (hence the bad feet) and after my previous experiences, I know what to do, and what to look out for.

I feel very confident in my ortho. Here's hoping for the best.

L.

At the end of September, I had a bunionectomy with a Lapidus procedure and correction of a hammer toe (my second toe) -- all told these corrections took 6 osteotomies, 2 screws, and 1 removeable pin (in my second toe for 4 weeks). I wore a nonweightbearing cast for around 6 weeks and then went through various walking casts and then a walking boot for 7 more weeks.

I hated the screws in my foot -- I felt like part of my foot was pinned down during the entire time I was in a cast and boot. 2-3 weeks after I got out of my last walking boot, the two screws were removed during a short surgery. The orthopedist used Versed, so I was awake but forgot most of what went on because of the Versed. It didn't hurt, even though I was awake as they were backing out the screws.

I did lose some motion in my midfoot from the Lapidus procedure, but have most of it back now. What feels weird is the fusion in my second toe. There's some motion in the very end joint, but that's it. I still have some leftover pain where the screws had been 4 weeks after their removal, but they tell me that will go away in time.

I can comfortably wear any kind of shoe as long as they have a wide enough toebox.

Hope this answers some of your questions.

Vita



Thanks, Lasonia. I do have a question. My other two surgeries involved removable pins (a rather creepy thing, having metal sticking out of your foot). I take it the Lapidus will involve permanent screws. I have heard of complications, i.e., people having pain from the screws, the screws breaking, etc. Can you feel them at all?

Unfortunately, physical therapy will be very limited as I can't really afford it. But I'm a dancer (hence the bad feet) and after my previous experiences, I know what to do, and what to look out for.

I feel very confident in my ortho. Here's hoping for the best.

L.

Hi: had a lapidus procedure on my right foot five weeks ago. I have not had the need to take any pain pills. However, I am a person who does not take meds unless it is absolutely necessary. When I think of the side effects of narcotics, mainly constipation, drowsiness, etc. I do avoid them. I do keep my foot elevated most of time. I exercise twice a day on the floor with my feet up on the stairs. i.e. setups, bicycling with weights around my ankle. Then to exercise my upper body, I sit on a stool with my right leg resting on a chair and do 30 minutes holding free weights. Three days ago started exercising on a stationary bike 20 minutes three times a day, however, I can only pedal with my heel so that I do not put any weight to the ball of my foot. I still wear my orthothic booth though.