Author: Foot Doc
Date: 11/20/2007 8:26 pm PDT
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DISCLAIMER:
THE FOLLOWING IS OFFERED GRATIS AS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY, AND, AS SUCH, MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONER AND/OR HIS/HER PROBLEM. IT IS CLEARLY NOT BASED ON ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE AND/OR EXAMINATION OF THE QUESTIONER OR HIS/HER MEDICAL HISTORY, AND IT CAN NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS DEFINITIVE MEDICAL OPINION OR ADVICE. ONLY THROUGH HANDS- ON PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE ACTUAL PATIENT CAN ACCURATE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS BE ESTABLISHED AND SPECIFIC ADVICE BE GIVEN. NO DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS CREATED OR ESTABLISHED OR MAY BE INFERRED. THE QUESTIONER AND/OR READER IS INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN DOCTOR BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, AND TO ACT ONLY UPON HIS/HER OWN DOCTOR’S ORDERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. BY THE READING OF MY POSTING WHICH FOLLOWS, THE READER STIPULATES AND CONFIRMS THAT HE/SHE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THIS DISCLAIMER AND HOLDS HARMLESS THIS WRITER. IF THIS IS NOT FULLY AGREEABLE TO YOU, THE READER, AND/OR YOU HAVE NOT ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18 YEARS, YOU HEREBY ARE ADMONISHED TO READ NO FURTHER.
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There are many surgical techniques for correction of hallux valgus deformities. Although there are certainly major similarities among such deformities, the choice as to the specific procedure is best determined by its ability to address the specifics of each case. The major difference between the Lapidus procedure and other bunionectomies is that the angulation and splaying of the first metatarsal(metatarsus primus varus) is addressed by fusion of the first metatarsal-first cuneiform joint, whereas other techniques for achieving this same result generally employ various osteotomies instead. But not only would it be impossible for anyone who has not examined your foot and reviewed the x-rays to opine as to whether or not a Lapidus procedure is appropriate for YOUR HALLUX PROBLEM, but even various surgeons who might examine you would likely differ in their opinions.
Properly selected hallux valgus/bunion procedures, skillfully performed have a reasonably high success rate. In my hands, I would estimate at least 85% good to excellent results. Recurrences, if they occur, can generally be traced back to inadequate correction in the first place, and that may be the result of poor or errant technique or inappropriate selection of procedure. The degree of relief of pain and instability are dependent on these symptoms being proximate to the deformity. There is every reason to believe that a correctly chosen and well performed procedure would enhance the patient's ability to use his or her feet after a period of recovery which may be as much as six months.
Let me strongly caution you against relying on what other patients tell you in terms of how well or how poorly they did, as each case is unique, often even between two feet done on the same patient at the same time. You cannot possibly scientifically survey sufficient numbers of patients who have undergone exactly the same procedure, having had precisely the same degree and type of deformity as you in order to form any valid conclusions.
Choosing your surgeon wisely for sound medical/surgical reasons is far more important than your deciding which procedure is best for you. |
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