Failed Bunion Surgery/Bunionectomy

A bunion is a bump on the side of your foot that forms near the base of your big toe. Bunions usually occur when the big toe pushes against the toe next in line, which causes the joint of the big toe to become larger and protrude. When bunions grow too large, they become very painful and can negatively impact your life. A bunionectomy is done to realign you bones and reduce the size of the bump on the side of your foot. This is also known as bunion surgery.   It is a treatment to correct bunions. There are a few types of bunion surgeries but most of them involve repositioning the big toe to relieve pain and improve function. Sometimes, however, a bunion surgery can fail to correct the problem and may even make matters worse.

What can cause a failed bunionectomy?

• Under-correction or over-correction.
• Excessive shortening of the metatarsal bone.
• Loss of correction.
• Ongoing swelling.
• Infection.
• Deep venous thrombosis.
• Non-union or the bone not healing.
• Malunion or the bone healing in the wrong position.

The cause of most failed bunion surgeries, however, is the failure of the podiatrist to properly develop a surgical plan for correction of the issue. Each bunion is unique and must be treated individually. If there is a complication, it must be addressed as soon as possible.  For example, if a hallux tendon ruptures, prompt treatment is required. Any delay in diagnosis and treatment allows the tendon to retract, which makes a good outcome more unlikely.

Bunion surgery failures can cause long lasting or lifelong pain and problems.

If your podiatrist made an error during surgery or there was a failure or delay in diagnosing a complication, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Bonner Law at mbonner@bonner-law.com or call at 1-800-4MEDMAL for a free consultation. Mr. Bonner is an attorney with over 32 years of experience in medical malpractice litigation.