Recurrence of Bunions After Surgery
If your bunion has returned after having had bunion surgery, you will undoubtedly want to know why. After all, if you had known that the problem would recur just months after the operation, you probably would not have agreed to the procedure in the first place.
In this article we explore the recurrence of bunions after surgery, explaining who is to blame and what action you can take.
Bunion surgery
A bunion, known medically as a hallux valgus, is when the big toe drifts away from the midline. Because of this deviation, there is increased pressure on the first metatarsal head, which is the joint that connects the big toe to the foot. The bone responds to this increased pressure by growing and a bunion develops.
Although cosmetically unappealing, a bunion will only require medical intervention if it is causing a patient pain. Otherwise conservative treatment in the form of special shoes, insoles and bracing will suffice. While these will not correct the deformity, they can help relieve symptoms.
The only effective means of correcting the position of the big toe is by surgical intervention. Bunion surgery is very variable and there are over 130 different procedures that are been described for correction of the big toe. No one surgeon can be accustomed with all 130 procedures, but the majority of surgeons will be familiar with between five and 10 which they utilise depending upon various features. The choice of procedure will depend upon patient age, mobility, other illnesses and the degree of deformity.
Can bunions come back after surgery?
Whichever procedure is decided upon, a patient must be told about the possible risks and complications before consenting to surgery. One of the main risks is that your bunion will recur, and the younger you are when you have the operation, the more likely this is.
However, with proper surgical intervention, the correction should last for years. Therefore if your bunion returns years after your operation, it is likely that no one is to blame, and this is simply a natural but unfortunate event. But there is an early recurrence, in that your bunion returns soon after surgery, it is possible that a case of substandard surgical treatment occurred.
Claiming for the early recurrence of a bunion
If your bunion has returned shortly after surgery, you need to assess why the recurrence has taken place. A medical negligence solicitor will be able to advise you further, but if it is found that substandard surgical care is at play, you will be entitled to compensation.
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Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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