7 year old having bunion surgery - Foot Problems Message Board

ursulac · 05-28-2007, 01:17 AM

My 7 year old daughter is having osteotomies of the 1st metatarsal on both feet,on 6 june.(bunion surgery)has anyone else had this done at such a young age and what excersises will we need to do with her??any suggestions on what to do with the boredom factor?

marcine26 · 05-29-2007, 07:54 AM

OMG 7 years old? When I was around 7 I was told (about 25 years ago) that I would need surgery as an adult but they never suggested it at that age for me. THey just tried to adjust with orthodics and therapy. obviously didnt work for me and I am in extreme pain and my surgery is scheduled for july 23.

sorry I have no advice for you, I am curious to read if anyone else has heard of this.

ursulac · 05-29-2007, 08:24 AM

hi..yes she is young but the moulds and splits did not work at all..it has actually become worse the last two years to the extent of her not being able to wear shoes.Is in constant pain.Hearing u say you now need it done actually reasures me that this is for the best now as we do not want her to suffer any longer! I really am struggling to find others who have had it done so young or thier children having it done so young.Will keep you posted see..let us know how you cope!! good luck

MsTammy · 05-29-2007, 06:21 PM

Wow! That is SO young! I have had bad bunion I was at least 9. I remember tracing my foot at the age and it being there... I still have the tracing, actually. Anyway, they've been horrible and often painful for at least 23 years. Still, I've never had any doctor who would have recommended getting it done so young. A main concern shsould be that bunions can and do grow back. I would think since her foot still has a lot of growing to do, that would open the door further to the chances of the bunion(s) growing back.

ursulac · 05-29-2007, 11:53 PM

hello.thanks for that.I must actually remeber to keep her original plaster moulds for her.they did explain a year ago that they are reluctant to do it before she is 12.they only do the op in circumstances that really warrant it.the degree of deformity is severe9app 20deg out)...normally seen in a person over the age of 60.Her big toes are already crossing over the second and facing out.she is not using her big toe at all so has developed arthritis in all the other toes.She also gets itchy from the toes crossing.The OS says they are alot more aggressive with her age as the chance of it raccurring is 40%.For that reason they will be using extra screws abd pins and she will have to be off her feet alot longer than an adult.I will let you know how the op goes see.