Need Bone Fusion/Removal of Titanium Rod - Foot Problems Message Board

dancing feet · 08-16-2007, 07:40 PM

10 months post-op and still in pain. Had a bunionectomy and titanium rod implant in large toe on 10/18/06. Went to Orthopaedic doctor in NYC for 2nd opinion. Dr. said bone never formed around implant. I'm now dealing with a loose implant and it is wearing down the bone in my toe. I was told that the best option was to remove the implant and have a bone fusion. The doctor wants to take bone from below my knee and fuse it in my toe. I was told that if I wait too long to have this surgery, bone fusion will no longer be an option because there will be no bone left in the toe to fuse. I so don't want to go through the agony of another surgery and recuperation period. The pain after surgery was excruciating. I had to sleep on a couch for 7 weeks in order to keep my foot elevated and reduce the swelling. I couldn't wear a sneaker until 6 months after the surgery. However, the pain is getting worse and seems to be moving up the side of my foot, not to mention the back pain due to walking improperly. One thing I know for sure is that I am not going back to the Podiatrist who performed my surgery. I am thinking of getting another Orthopaedic doctor's opinion to see if he concurs with the one I just went to. Has anyone had to have a bone fusion after a failed implant? I am so distraught over this and I would appreciate any comments you might have.

jdm1 · 08-16-2007, 09:12 PM

Your story sounds like mine. I had my first surgery in Dec. 99 to remove a bone spur a repair an old fracture in the joint. That surgey didn't work, so a year later I had a joint replacement in the big toe. A few months after the surgery, we knew that it wasn't successful. However, there was no pain so I ignored it. Finally in Jan. 04 the pain increased and I went to an ortho surgeon who specializes in feet and ankles. Best thing I ever did. She recommended a fusion with a bone graft from the hip. It was the best thing I ever did. I won't kid you, the recovery was hard and long. For the first few days, the graft hurt worse than the foot. I couldn't sit by myself. I was out of work for 8 weeks. with the fusion, I had a plate and three screws put in. I was told that 40% of the people have them removed. I was in the 40%. In june of 05, I had the hardware removed. That recovery was much easier.
I would do the fusion all over again. It was the best thing I did. If I can help with anything else, let me know.

Jennie