[hikergirl]

Recently, I had bilateral Tailor's Bunion surgery.
X-rays were taken intraoperatively to determine proper placement of the screws.
At the post-op visit, x-rays were taken.
The post-op x-rays showed the L screw is facing directly forward. The post-op x-rays showed the R screw is facing outward at approximately 2 o'clock.
I get the feeling the doc is trying to cover his butt by saying, "Well, we got a little correction." He also said he would "splint the toe," using stretchy bandage and that it should help. I told him it would not "splint," and it did not - the bandage stretched and the toe is still up against the 4th toe. As long as the bunion remains, another Morton's Neuroma will form. Doc says it will not, but that's what caused the L MN to form. Also, the R Tailor's bunion was painful from the moment I had any awareness after surgery. Doc said it's usual to have pain immediately post-op. I do not agree, as there is lots of analgesic in the anesthesia mix. And, the pain/discomfort has not abated in the 2 weeks 2 days since surgery. It feels as if I am walking directly on the base of the screw. Wearing the walking boots makes my feet swell and the discomfort much worse.
Also, are the screws to remain permanent or, are they to be removed?
I need some input on this.
Thanks.

[hikergirl]

Replying to my own post: I have discovered the doc made, what is called "poor procedure selection," for correcting the Right tailor's bunion. The 4th interspace is still quite large, which would have been corrected if he had used the midshaft diaphyseal oblique osteotomy. This procedure is recognized to have a much better result than the Chevron distal osteotomy, which is what he used. He should have used the midshaft procedure on the Left foot, too.
Also, I have found, there are bioabsorbable screws, which do not have (or need) to be removed. I can tell you, from one who lives to do high-energy step aerobics and hike, that, using bioabsorbable screws would make a huge difference in my life. Of course, the doc insists that most people are very active and that almost never is he asked to remove the screws. The screws HURT! They do not belong in the body (feet).