So, here is my story..... On December 19, 2006 I had a MTP fusion of the big toe. My recovery went really well.....I did not experience much pain, I kept my foot up all the time so there really wasn't any swelling, and the toe looked great! WHen I had the fusion, I also had a hammertoe correction on the the 2nd toe. For the first 2 weeks I was in a cast up to my knee (NWB) and then in walking boot for the next 10 weeks (WB).
Typically, at least with my doc, the pins should come out in 6 weeks. Apparently, my foot liked the pins and they only began to become a little loose on the 8th or 9th week....which is when he decided to take them out. After that I noticed something was going wrong. I noticed that my big toe began to move back toward the position it was in before the surgery, but everyone else (including my parents, boyfriend, and doc) thought I was crazy.
After the 12 weeks, I was allowed to begin wearing "normal" shoes (basically, whatever I could get my foot into) again and I started PT. Now, 5 weeks later, my doctor agrees that the something went wrong. He told me that in about 30% of cases scar tissue and cartilage form instead of the actual fusion. Has anyone had this happen???? Now, he reccommends another surgery, but this time he will join the MTP with a screw that will stay in.
I am so frustrated with this. I am only 22 and am in grad school and trying to live a normal life; however, I feel like this has taken over my life. It has already been 4 1/2 months and now I am going to have to go through this all over, when I am not even healed yet.
Does anyone have any suggestions or has anyone gone through this?

Please help

I am surprised your doctor did not monitor your toe with x-rays. Cartilage does not grow, I suppose a cartilage like substance can form, but that means there was never solid contact for the fusion to form.

I would get a second opinion. I understand weird things can occur, and it is difficult when you like and trust your doctor, they are human after all. But I had a situation where I sought out a second opinion and felt better that I had, I went back to the first doctor, but I knew he was being upfront with me.

I am sorry to hear that this has happened to you. Wish you the best. -eko

Eko-

Thank you so much for replying! :)

He took an x-ray during the 6th week, when I was supposed to have the pins removed (but didn't because they were not loose at all). The x-ray did not comfort me at all at that point, because it looked as though nothing had happened (no fusing....the bone looked broken still); however he told me that the x-ray seems to look like that even a year after the surgery in some cases.

I am going to get a second opinion, but I am scheduled for surgery on the 25th of May.

Did you have this surgery done? If so, how did yours turn out and do u have a "permanent" screw in your toe or did you have the pins like I did?

Thank you :wave:
Liz

Before you have that surgery ,get a couple more opinions...are you in nyc? Thats a very unfortunate story, that could get worse if you don't have the right kind of doctor..Consider seeing a foot and ankle orthopedist in The hospital for special surgey. They are some of the best in the world..No joke!!

I actually live in upstate ny. I had the surgery done in vermont, because the doctor is supposed to be a great surgeon.....I really do not think he is to fault at all. I am going to get a second opinion from a pod. and a 3rd from another orthopedic surgeon.

Have you had this surgery?

Thank you for the concern! :)

liz

I had a bunionectomy 10 weeks ago ..and have 2 permanent screws in there...But, 13 years ago i had a bunionectomy with a removable pin..got staph aureaus infection that lead to osteomyelitis( a bone infection) in my foot. so i had alot of problems..it took a year out of my life but after 3 surgeries and 6 weeks of I.V. antibiotics ..it was gone..my foot is not very pretty..i have a very short big toe..due to the bone loss from the infection. the 3rd surgery was a doctor in manhattan (hospital for special surgery)..anyway, its important that you do see other doctors..but do not be surprised if you get conflicting answers.let me know..

Eko-


Did you have this surgery done? If so, how did yours turn out and do u have a "permanent" screw in your toe or did you have the pins like I did?



Mine was fused about two years ago with temporary pins only. Originally I was told I would have a plate w/ screws, but when he put the toe in place it stayed so well he decided to forego the extra hardware and went with two pins only that were more than ready to come out at six weeks.

If I were you, beware of them shortening your toe even further to get a good fusion. Might inquire about a bone graft to keep some length. I am glad to hear that you are getting additional opinions, beware of conflicting solutions.

Good luck. -eko

My toe length now is what I want it to be, so I am worried about it becoming too short. I have read a lot on here about how the big toe often becomes shorter than the second toe....I hope I don't have that, but at this rate I would just like a straight toe without any pain.

Do you think what he is suggesting sounds like the appropriate treatment? I am very worried about conflicting thoughts on the issue from other doctors and will be extremely confused if they say anything different.

Thanks for the help and advice :)
Liz

It would be hard for any of us to say if his plan is appropriate ..everybody is different..Take somebody with you for the second opinions..your mind kinda blanks out when you get nervous. and any kind of surgery is stressful. research the doctors that you are going to see. I never did have a fusion..but had lots of other foot issues from the infection..my big toe is noticably shorter than my second toe..i think it looks horrible..but, oh well, i went thru hell for months before i was better..if this is what im stuck with..so be it.. Now, the bunionectomy i had 10 weeks ago..healed nicely..although i still have pain.but im on my feet all day..i hardly ever sit.(my fault).im getting a pedicure tomorrow and am dreading having my foot touched.anyway, im sure things will work out for you.....

It would be hard for any of us to say if his plan is appropriate ..everybody is different..Take somebody with you for the second opinions..your mind kinda blanks out when you get nervous. and any kind of surgery is stressful. research the doctors that you are going to see. I never did have a fusion..but had lots of other foot issues from the infection..my big toe is noticably shorter than my second toe..i think it looks horrible..but, oh well, i went thru hell for months before i was better..if this is what im stuck with..so be it.. Now, the bunionectomy i had 10 weeks ago..healed nicely..although i still have pain.but im on my feet all day..i hardly ever sit.(my fault).im getting a pedicure tomorrow and am dreading having my foot touched.anyway, im sure things will work out for you.....



Well, I am glad that your surgery healed nicely....I'm sure your toe looks beautiful!
I recently got a report on the doctor who did the original surgery and his report looks great. He has been practicing for 28 years as an OS and has never had a disciplinary action against him. People do make mistakes though, so who knows. I will definitly check out the other doctors as well.

Thanks for the support I could really use it right now with finals coming up, I am moving next week, and am scheduled for surgery on the 25th.

Liz

how old are you liz? doctors do make mistakes, unfortunatly when it happens ,,somebody has to suffer for it. i was 29 when i had that horrible foot infection..that doctor was in denial he kept telling me i was getting better...boy, was he wrong.

I am 22, and will be 23 July 12. I guess I am lucky, because I did not have an infection and post-op really wasnt that bad for me. I did not experience a lot of pain, just a lot of boredom :)

Liz

Liz,

Make a list of your questions and concerns as you get your second opinions and for your current doctor. If you are concerned about the length of your toe be sure to ask questions about it. It is your foot and your decision, so don't be afraid to be your own advocate.

Let us know what you learn! -eko

Thanks eko! I actually have been adding questions to my list :)

I was wondering if you or anyone else would know of the chance of a nonfusion when there is a permanent screw in the toe instead of the removable pins? I am going to ask my doctor, but I was just wondering if anyone knew?

Liz

This is just my opinion, I believe that there is a greater failure rate with pins then with screws. When my toe was fused I fully expected to wake up with a plate and screws, but during the procedure the two bones fitted so tight together and just "popped" in place, my Dr. decided to skip the plate and screws and use pins only. I just also heard about my aunt who had a bunionectomy with pins, with non-union. So I am a firm believer based on observation that unless the bones are held tightly and firmly in place with screws, there is a higher risk of non-union with pins only. Pins only can work, they did for me, but I believe that it has to be under the right circumstances.

My opinion-for what it is worth. -eko

Thanks eko! You have been such a great help :) I am so sorry to hear that you had to have another surgery...I hope all goes well.

I am not sure if you would know this or not, because your toe fused (lucky :) ) but if I wait to get it fixed do you think it would get worse and be harder to correct later on?

Liz, I functioned for six months on a dislocated big toe until it was fused. The only issue I had was that the toe moved on me, but did no additional damage. Unless there is a medical reason to hurry and get it done, the urgancy of surgery is sometimes the preference of the doctor to complete a "project" if you will. If you can function okay, and protect your foot and toe and not further damage it, then if you want to hold off a little bit I would, but eventually you'll have to get it fix and there is no good time for surgery - sometimes we just have to suck it up and get it done.

-eko :cool:

That is very true......there really is never a good time to have surgery! I think I would leave it for awhile and put it off, however, it really hurts when I walk and heaven forbid I step the wrong way on my toe.....I feel like crying it hurts so bad.

After the toe is fully fused (after the 12 weeks) is it supposed to hurt to walk on it? I mean, I know it will hurt all the way up your leg, because you are working muscles that have not been worked in awhile....but should the toe itself hurt?

Liz

In all honesty, it truely takes nine months before you truel forget it is fused and treat it normally. But after 12 weeks, it should not hurt to walk on. I had some sensitivity across the fused site, but just didn't buy shoes that cut across it. I honesty relished the muscle pain in the legs, because it meant I was using them again.

A straight forward fusion should be healed enough to walk on at 6 to 8 weeks w/ no pain. Fusion w/ a graft takes longer, I would imagine without complications 12 weeks would suffice.

Wishing you well. -eko

Eko-
You have been so helpful! I feel bad asking all of these questions, but I am not really sure what to expect next time since this one failed. I was not allowed to walk "normally" on my foot for 12 weeks....I had a walking boot and had to walk with my foot out to the side (like if you were to put you feet in an L shape)....and still it did not fuse properly :(

As soon as I was able to walk on it, it began to be uncomfortable and it did hurt...especially when I attempted to walk barefoot! I feel as though the pain has gotten worse over the weeks though, which scares me and will most likely force me into getting it done on the tentative date I am scheduled for (may 25).

I am hoping this fusion goes better than the last.

Thanks again eko and I hope your recovery goes well!
Liz

Hey everyone!
Well, I just returned from my appointment with my primary care physician concerning my foot. He eased my nerves so much!
Apparently, the surgeon I am seeing is the best in this and surroundings areas. Whenever, one of the OS or pods here do not know how to "fix" something or what action to take they all send them to him.
So, I can get a second opinion, which I think I will still do; however, I am going to return to the original surgeon to have the surgeon completed.
I am nervous about it, but I am confident it will turn out better this time! I am scheduled for surgery on the 25th of May, so I will give you all an update then.

Thanks again everyone for all of your help! (esp. Eko and Jules)

Liz

I am glad :) you are feeling better about the decision to go ahead with surgery. My Primary Care Dr. has listened to me often over the years, especially during the past three months.

I wish you much success! -eko :angel:

Thank you so much eko! You have been such a great help with everything :angel: I hope that you begin to feel better and that everything goes well with your recovery.

I will be back on here closer to surgery time to give you updates :)

Thanks again :wave:
Liz