As with any other medical procedure, Haglund’s deformity surgery comes with its own set of risks and potential complications. Before you decide to remove this stubborn condition surgically, you need to do your due diligence and become aware of Haglund’s deformity surgery risks. So, here’s everything you need to know about the potential downsides of this minimally invasive procedure.
All procedures carry a certain amount of risk. Besides general risks, Haglund’s deformity surgery has a risk of nerve damage, issues with wound healing, the possibility of the deformity recurring, over- or under-correction of the deformity, and reduced range of motion in the ankle or foot.
What Are General Surgical Risks?
Every surgery carries a certain amount of risk, no matter how routine and minimally invasive it is or how experienced the surgeon performing it may be. Sometimes, complications arise without any concrete reason, but here are the most common risks of any surgery.
Adverse Reactions to Anesthesia
Any surgery performed under anesthesia carries a certain risk of the patient developing adverse reactions to anesthesia. These reactions include side effects such as vomiting and nausea, chills, fever, general confusion, and so on.
Infection at the Surgical Site
One of the most common surgical complications is developing an infection of the surgical site. An infection can arise for many reasons – maybe the surgeon didn’t do a good job, or the patient didn’t respect the rules of post-operative care. Either way, an infection is a serious complication that can lead to much bigger issues.
Potential for Bleeding or Hematoma
Another important risk to consider is bleeding or developing a hematoma. In some cases, usually due to the patient’s nature, there can be excessive bleeding in the surgical site. A hematoma can also develop after the procedure, and it can lead to more issues in some cases.
Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Or Blood Clots
Surgery can cause blood clots to develop inside a vein in your body (deep vein thrombosis), blocking regular blood flow and causing potential problems down the line.
What Are the Risks Specific to Haglund’s Deformity Surgery
Even though Haglund’s deformity surgery has a very high success rate, you should be informed about the specific risks that come along with it.
Nerve Damage and Issues With Wound Healing
Nerve damage is especially common when it comes to dealing with sensitive areas with lots of nerve endings, such as feet. If the nerve gets damaged, you will feel numbness that should go away on its own after a while. If not, immediately contact your doctor. Some people also experience slow wound healing, in which case another procedure may be necessary.
The Possibility of the Deformity Recurring
No matter how successfully the surgery goes, there is always a possibility of the deformity recurring. Sometimes, it’s because the surgeon didn’t take out all affected tissue; other times, the reasoning is unknown.
Over- Or Under-Correction of the Deformity
In some cases, the procedure can result in an over or under-correction of the deformity, which can lead to additional procedures.
Reduced Range of Motion in the Ankle or Foot
In some cases, if there is a lot of nerve damage or the Achilles tendon ruptures, there is a risk of developing a reduced range of motion in the foot or even the ankle.
Factors Influencing the Risk Levels
While there is no way to exclude surgical risks with certainty, there are some factors that influence the risk levels and the probability of them happening. Here are a few factors you should consider:
- Smoking – Nicotine has a negative impact on the healing and recovery process, so you will need to stop smoking before the procedure,
- Your overall health – A poor diet and a weak immune system are a good foundation for complications,
- Post-operative care – Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully in order to avoid complications.
Discuss Haglund’s Deformity Surgery Risks With Your Doctor in Miami
Before deciding to undergo Haglund’s deformity surgery, you have to do your research and find out what potential risks and complications are. So, contact us and schedule your appointment at our Luxe Foot Surgery center. Our doctor will inform you about any potential risks, side effects, and complications during your consultation, before you decide on the surgery.
