When a small toe joint is under tension for an extended length of time, tailor bunions may occur. If non-invasive methods can’t improve the issue, surgery may be performed in order to alleviate the pain and repair the deformities. Tailor bunion surgery has risks like any other surgical procedure, but it is one of the best solutions for this problem.
A Summary of Tailor Bunion Surgery Complications
| Risks | Description |
|---|---|
| Infection | As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection. This risk can be minimized by keeping the surgical incision clean and dry, and taking antibiotics as prescribed. |
| Nerve damage | The surgery can cause damage to the nerves around the fifth metatarsal, resulting in numbness or tingling in the little toe. |
| Blood clots | Blood clots can form in the legs after surgery, which can be dangerous if they travel to the lungs. |
| Stiffness and limited range of motion | The surgery may cause stiffness and limited range of motion in the affected foot. |
| Recurrence of bunion | The bunion may return if the underlying causes, such as poor foot mechanics or ill-fitting shoes, are not addressed. |
| Scarring | There may be scarring at the incision site. |
| Pain | Pain can be expected after the surgery, but this can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. |
What Are the Main Tailor Bunion Surgery Risks?
Complications are always a possibility with any kind of surgical operation. Here are some potential issues that could arise:
- Stiffness and numbness in your foot,
- Swelling,
- Untimely recuperation,
- Infection.
There is a possibility of additional complications, depending on the nature of your current medical condition. Before the procedure, you and your healthcare professional should have a conversation about any concerns you have.
Stiffness and Numbness
After the procedure, it is possible that the areas where the incisions were made will feel numb. This is because the nerves responsible for the sensation of the skin are near the incision site. If numbness continues after surgery, there is a chance that the nerve controlling it was injured. In most cases, the numbness goes away as the wound heals. Permanent damage is uncommon, accounting for just about 5% of all cases.
There is a risk of experiencing some degree of joint stiffness because of the nature of the surgery. Stiffness can be especially problematic for joints that consist of a ball and socket, such as the joint in the big toe. It is possible to reduce the likelihood of this happening by moving the joint of the big toe after bunion surgery.
Swelling
After surgery, you will have discomfort and swelling, both of which will gradually get better over the course of the first six weeks. You could experience some mild swelling that lasts anywhere from six months to a year after the procedure. After having surgery on your toe, you will have to wear a brace or a specialized shoe for at least three to six weeks in order to safeguard your toe and ensure that it heals in the correct position.
Delayed Healing
Any operation done on the foot carries the risk of delayed bone healing, although this complication is uncommon. This risk is heightened if people do too much too early (against the advice of their doctor) and/or if they have other health issues that can impair how quickly their bones mend.
Infection
When infections following bunion surgery do occur, they are most often skin infections that may typically be treated with medicines taken orally. Antibiotics used intravenously could be necessary for treating more advanced infections. Sometimes, doctors will need to perform a surgical washout of the area.
Tips for Tailor Bunion Surgery: How to Minimize Complications
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Choose an experienced surgeon | Select a surgeon who has performed many tailor bunion surgeries and has a good track record of successful outcomes. |
| Pre-surgery preparation | Follow all instructions provided by your surgeon regarding preparation for the surgery, including any necessary lab work or imaging tests. |
| Keep your feet healthy | Maintaining good foot hygiene and keeping your feet healthy before and after surgery can help prevent infections and other complications. |
| Follow post-surgery care instructions | Follow all care instructions provided by your surgeon after the surgery to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. |
| Keep an eye on your wound | Monitor your wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. |
| Be realistic about recovery time | Tailor bunion surgery recovery time can take several weeks, so be prepared to take it easy and avoid activities that could put stress on your foot. |
| Physical therapy | Physical therapy may be recommended to help improve your range of motion and strengthen your foot muscles after surgery. |
| Follow-up appointments | Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure proper healing and address any complications that may arise. |
What Are Some Other Complications?
Bunion recurrence, nerve injury, and ongoing discomfort are some of the other potential concerns. Overcorrection of the condition, in which the big toe stretches away from the rest of the toes as a result of the operation, is another possible outcome of the procedure.
Consult Your Surgeon About Tailor Bunion Surgery Risks
If you are worried about the potential risks of bunion surgery, you should definitely contact us and book an appointment with our experienced surgeons at Luxe Foot Surgery. Our experts will examine you, give you all the information about the possible complications, and inform you what you can expect from the recovery process.
FAQ
Is Bunion Surgery Risky?
The excision of a bunion is not without its associated dangers. Infection, a negative reaction to the anesthetic, and bleeding are among potential complications that might arise during surgery. A recurrence of the bunion is another risk that is unique to bunion surgery, along with diminished sensation, tingling, numbness, or burning in the toe, stiffness, arthritis, and a host of other potential complications.
How Successful Is Tailor Bunion Surgery?
Once the foot has healed, it may take up to six weeks for the pain to go away completely. After three months, you should be at a satisfactory level of physical activity and sports. It will take between six and twelve months to fully heal. It is usually a very effective procedure, and the patients are happy with the results.
What Can Go Wrong With Bunion Surgery?
One of the potential risks linked with bunion surgery is the possibility that the bunion will return (coming back) and other such as:
- Continuous pain or stiffness,
- Infection or inflammation,
- Nerve injury,
- Poor healing of wounds.
