Bunion Surgery Infections

A bunion is a common foot problem that looks like a bony bump protruding at the base of the big toe.This deformity can throw the other toes out of alignment. When bunions become too painful and other less invasive treatments fail, surgery often becomes necessary. Although individuals rarely experience complications from bunion surgery, the wound can get infected after surgery. While infection is treatable, it may delay the length of a patient's recovery.

Causes

• According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, although certain foot types make a person more prone to developing the condition, wearing narrow shoes with pointed toes is most often the cause of problems. Foot injuries, arthritis and congenital deformities are other less common causes of bunions. Each of these factors can make an already existing bunion worse.

Women and Bunions

• A study conducted by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society found that nearly 90 percent of the women in the United States wear shoes that fit too tightly. More than half of the women report having bunions, often the result of wearing tight shoes that squeeze the toes. Just like for other surgeries, those women who may eventually need bunion surgery are at risk for post-surgical infections.

Prevention

• Since even simple surgical procedures carry the risk of infection during or after surgery, a patient should let her doctor know if she has recently had a bladder or other type of infection. Surgery patients are often asked to shower with antibacterial soap the morning before surgery to reduce the number of bacteria on the skin. The skin surrounding the incision site is also cleaned with a disinfectant such as iodine before surgery begins. Dressings provide a barrier against infection, therefore, until the wound heals, bandages should be kept dry and clean. Antibiotics may be taken for up to 72 hours following surgery as a precautionary measure.

When Surgery Is Necessary

• Bunion surgery usually becomes necessary when a person experiences severe foot pain that makes it hard to walk. Often an individual reaches the point where she no longer gets relief from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The big toe may swell and become stiff and deformed. This can make it difficult to wear shoes. If left untreated, bunions can get larger and more painful.

Warning

• Minimal surgical procedures are not always enough to treat bunions. There are several different surgical procedures, and each offers advantages and disadvantages. The simplest procedure involves making a small incision to shave the knob of the bone. However, the problem usually recurs in time and pain returns. While some procedures are more complex, the goal of surgery is to relieve pain, realign the joint and correct toe deformity as much as possible. Although the risk of developing an infection after surgery is small, individuals should be well informed about proper post-operative care before deciding to have bunion surgery.

Post-Surgical Care

• In order to prevent infection and other complications following bunion surgery, it is important to follow the surgeon's instructions carefully. Many orthopedic surgeons prescribe antibiotics for several days after the surgery to prevent infection. In some cases, surgeons order an IV antibiotic before surgery to reduce the risk of infection because if infection does occur, hospitalization may be necessary and sometimes additional surgery.

  Dressings are applied to hold the toe in the corrected position after surgery. A patient may also be required to wear a special post-operative surgical shoe to protect the foot while healing. Although stitches are usually removed two weeks after surgery, a patient may have to continue to wear dressings or a brace for another six to eight weeks.

Signs of Infection

• Common signs of infection include fever, chills and worsening pain. Redness around the dressing and swelling in the calf are other signs that infection may be present. The area around the dressing may feel warm. Contact your physician if you notice blood or drainage on the dressing, experience constant pain, or drainage continues for more than five days after surgery, especially if the wound is draining yellow pus that is foul smelling.