MTP fusion....failed after 17 weeks - Foot Problems Message Board

lizzy21 · 04-28-2006, 09:17 PM

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

eko · 04-29-2006, 03:36 PM

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

lizzy21 · 04-29-2006, 07:24 PM

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

Liz

jules3 · 04-29-2006, 08:21 PM

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!!

lizzy21 · 04-29-2006, 08:41 PM

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