Bunion surgery, while it may seem a welcome solution to the discomfort and deformity caused by bunions, sometimes results in failure. This failure may manifest relatively soon after the operation, leaving patients bewildered and dismayed. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for bunion surgeries to fail; in some cases, the failure may be the result of medical negligence. If you have experienced a failed bunionectomy in New York, turn to The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, P.C.  

Larry Karam has been a powerful advocate for victims of podiatric malpractice for decades, with a high rate of successful outcomes to his credit. Offering more than excellent legal representation, Larry provides compassion and commitment and will charge you no attorney’s fee until he secures meaningful compensation for you and your family. 

Different Types of Bunion Surgery

Bunion surgery encompasses various procedures aimed at correcting the misalignment and alleviating the pain. Common types of bunion surgeries include:

Osteotomy

In this procedure, the surgeon cuts and realigns one or two bones to realign the big toe joint known as the “metatarso-phalangeal joint.

Exostectomy

This procedure involves removing the bony bump on the side, and at times the top, of the big toe joint fwithout realigning the toe joint, making recurrence more likely.

Arthrodesis

Also known as fusion surgery, this procedure involves fusing the bones of the big toe joint to provide stability and reduce pain. Another fusion is one at the base of the first metatarsal to a bone in the mid-foot and this is called a “Lapidus” procedure.

Resection Arthroplasty

In this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged portion of the big toe joint to relieve pain and improve function.

Lapiplasty® Procedure

This innovative technique addresses the root cause of bunions by realigning the entire bone, rather than just shaving off the protrusion. By restoring the natural anatomy of the foot in 3 dimensions, Lapiplasty® is designed to provide more stable, long-lasting results than traditional approaches and a more rapid recovery.

Ways Bunion Surgery Fails

When bunion surgery fails, the consequences can be grim: continued pain and deformity. Some possible reasons for failed bunion surgery include:

Failure To Remove the Bunion

In some cases, the bony bump returns or persists despite surgical intervention, indicating incomplete correction or inadequate removal.

Big Toe Misalignment

Improper alignment of the big toe joint after surgery can result in ongoing discomfort and deformity, requiring revision surgery.

Hallux Varus

This complication occurs when the big toe drifts away from the foot, leading to instability and difficulty walking.   This is often due to an over-correction and is one of the leading ways a podiatrist can be found negligent.

Recurrence of the Bunion

Some patients go through surgery and prolonged recovery only to find that their bunion is reoccurring.

Failure of the Bone to Heal Completely

If the bone doesn’t heal properly (nonunion) or heals in the wrong position (malunion), the bunion surgery has failed and the patient may face another reparative surgical procedure.  The podiatrist has a duty to carefully follow the progress of bone healing, or slowed healing or even no healing, by periodic x-rays and evaluating the patient’s complaints.  Continuing complaints of pain are often the key to finding out that the bones are not healing as they should.  

Stiff Toe 

Reduced mobility at the big toe joint can result in stiffness and limited function, impeding normal activity.

Cock-Up Toe 

In some cases, the big toe may remain elevated or fail to make contact with the ground during walking, causing imbalance and discomfort.

New Pain 

Instead of experiencing relief from bunion pain, some patients develop new sources of discomfort after surgery, indicating unresolved issues or complications.

Other Postsurgical Complications

While Lapiplasty®, the most recently developed type of bunion surgery, provides bunion correction by realigning the bone in three dimensions, it can lead to other complications. These complications may include arthritis, necrosis, and nerve damage.

If you have gone through the stresses of bunion surgery and are still troubled by the pain and mobility issues you suffered presurgery or if you have developed new problems with your feet as the result of the operation, Larry Karam is here to help you fight for your right to meaningful compensation.

How We Will Help You Recover Damages

Proving podiatric malpractice requires in-depth legal and medical knowledge and Larry Karam has both. He will assist you in proving malpractice and recovering the damages you deserve by:

Performing a Comprehensive Case Evaluation

Larry will conduct a detailed review of your medical records and interview witnesses in order to objectively evaluate the circumstances surrounding your failed bunion surgery. This assessment will form the foundation of your malpractice claim.

Thoroughly Investigating

Larry will uncover any and all evidence of malpractice on the part of your healthcare providers, from pinpointing surgical errors to establishing breaches of protocol. He will check out every aspect of your case to build a compelling argument for liability.

Seeking Expert Testimony

Larry will collaborate with medical experts who are able to testify on your behalf by demonstrating  at which point your doctor deviated from recognized standards of appropriate healthcare.

Being an Outstanding Negotiator and a Sharp Litigator

With decades of experience handling opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters, Larry Karam is impressive both in and out of the courtroom. He will skillfully represent your interests in negotiations to recover the damages you deserve. If those negotiations break down, he will fight aggressively to bring you maximum damages at trial.

Damages We Will Fight To Win

You can count on Larry to work tirelessly to bring you maximum compensation for:

  • Medical costs
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent disability
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Are You a Victim of Botched Bunion Surgery? Call Us Today!

At The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, our lead attorney has all the traits you look for in a podiatry malpractice attorney — extensive experience, strategic skill, and genuine compassion. You are likely overwhelmed by your situation, but be reassured: all you have to do to take the first step towards justice and healing is contact Larry Karam.