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Among the most overlooked parts of the human body are your feet. Your feet carry your weight, propel you forward at a walk or a run, and help keep your body aligned. With everything your feet do daily, it is no wonder they can suffer painful and deforming conditions like bunions.
Bunions are painful, bony bumps that can develop on the inside edge of the foot at the base of the big toe or on the metatarsophalangeal joint due to extra pressure pushing the large toe out of its natural alignment. Some estimates suggest nearly one-third of Americans have bunions. The treatment for this painful condition is a procedure called Lapidus bunionectomy. While common, the surgery is not without risks or complications.
At Dental and Podiatry Malpractice Lawyers of New York, our legal team wants to advise you about the risks and complications associated with Lapidus surgery and what you can do if you suspect medical malpractice.
What Is Lapidus Surgery?
Lapidus surgery or Lapidus bunionectomy is a surgical procedure used to correct a bunion. The goal of the procedure is to restore the natural alignment and shape of the foot by putting the metatarsal bone back into its proper position. Lapidus surgery is generally recommended for individuals with a painful or severe bump on the inner part of the big toe, those who have difficulty wearing shoes due to deformity, and those who have found no relief from non-surgical bunion treatments.
During surgery, a surgeon makes a small incision to access the lump. They can trim away excess bone growth, reshaping the deformity. Sometimes, it may be necessary to make an incision in the tendon, which is a strong and flexible cord that can pull the bone in the wrong direction. In significant cases of deformity, it may also be necessary to use pins or screws to realign the bones in the foot.
What Are the Complications of Lapidus Surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications. Some of the most common complications associated with Lapidus surgery can include:
- Permanent stiffness in the foot
- Nerve damage
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Shortening of the metatarsal bone
- Nonunion
- Infection
Two of the most common complications associated with Lapidus surgery are the shortening of the metatarsal bone and significant infections. Shortening of the bone can cause pain and stiffness. It can also cause nonunion when a patient puts too much weight on the area following surgery. Nonunion means the bones do not fuse as they are meant to during the healing process. Significant infections of the surgical area or near hardware, like screws and pins in the foot, can also occur.
Some of these complications can lead to permanent disfigurement and disability. Infections like sepsis can be life-threatening, as can blood clots, which can form in the lower leg. When these clots break free, they can travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism.
When podiatrists deviate from the appropriate standard of care, these types of complications can arise and potentially derail not only your physical health but your financial well-being.
Contact the Dental & Podiatry Malpractice Lawyers of New York Today
New York medical malpractice cases are complicated. If you believe that your podiatrist deviated from the accepted medical standard of care and you were injured as a result, you need to speak with a skilled New York medical malpractice attorney. At Dental and Podiatry Malpractice Lawyers of New York, we have the resources to determine whether you suffered injury due to medical malpractice. We take the time to listen, get to know you, and review your situation before outlining your options for recovering compensation for your financial losses.
Contact our office today and request a confidential legal consultation to learn more about your rights.