What is Revisional Foot Surgery?

Revisional foot surgery is a corrective procedure performed when a prior foot surgery does not achieve the desired results or leads to complications. While most foot surgeries—such as bunion correction, hammertoe repair, or fracture fixation—are successful, some patients may experience persistent pain, deformity, or functional problems afterward. Revisional surgery aims to address these issues, restore alignment, and improve comfort and mobility.

Causes

Revisional foot surgery may be needed for several reasons, including:

  • Recurrence of deformity (e.g., bunion or hammertoe returning after surgery)

  • Incomplete correction or overcorrection of the original problem

  • Nonunion or malunion (bones not healing properly after surgery)

  • Scar tissue buildup causing stiffness or pain

  • Implant or hardware problems such as loosening, breakage, or irritation

  • Infection at the surgical site

  • Progressive arthritis or degeneration in nearby joints

Symptoms

Patients who may require revisional foot surgery often experience:

  • Persistent or worsening pain after initial surgery

  • Visible deformity or recurrence of the original condition

  • Difficulty walking, standing, or wearing shoes comfortably

  • Stiffness, swelling, or limited range of motion

  • Instability or altered gait

  • Hardware irritation or prominence under the skin

Diagnosis

A thorough evaluation is essential before planning revisional surgery. This may include:

  • Medical history and physical exam to assess pain, function, and alignment

  • Imaging studies such as X‑rays, CT scans, or MRI to evaluate bone healing, implant position, or scar tissue

  • Gait analysis to understand how the foot functions during walking

  • Review of prior surgical records to understand what was done previously

Nonsurgical Treatment

Before considering revisional surgery, nonsurgical options may be attempted, such as:

  • Custom orthotics or shoe modifications to relieve pressure and improve alignment

  • Bracing or splints to support the foot and reduce pain

  • Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility

  • Medications including anti‑inflammatory drugs for pain and swelling

  • Injections (such as corticosteroids) for temporary relief in certain cases

These measures may provide symptom relief, but if the underlying structural problem persists, surgery may be necessary.

When is Surgery Needed?

Revisional foot surgery is typically recommended when:

  • Pain and disability significantly affect daily activities

  • Deformity has returned or worsened after the first surgery

  • Bones did not heal properly (nonunion or malunion)

  • Hardware is causing pain or complications

  • Infection cannot be controlled with nonsurgical treatment

  • Conservative measures fail to provide lasting relief

Surgical options vary depending on the problem and may include:

  • Bone realignment (osteotomy) to correct deformity

  • Joint fusion (arthrodesis) for severe arthritis or instability

  • Removal or replacement of hardware

  • Scar tissue removal (debridement) to restore mobility

  • Soft tissue repair of tendons or ligaments

Because revisional surgery is often more complex than the original procedure, it requires careful planning and a tailored approach.