Question
30 years ago I had a motorcycle accident.
The damage was on the 3&4th metatarsal of my left foot.
I had surgery in 1978 the joints were shattered.

I did well for many years now I'm 52 and have pain.

We have tried everything The VA said the only option left is surgery.
Joint decompression of the 3&4th metatarsal phalangeal joint with synovectomy.

Can you please tell me the risks of having this type of surgery ?
Thanks,
Alfred  

Answer
Hi,

Before you undergo any surgery, your surgeon needs to have a detailed discussion with you regarding risks and complications as well as all of the surgery details.  Of course there is always the risk of infection and the possibility that you will not get relief from the procedure.  Since I cannot know exactly what they will be doing you will need to talk to your surgeon.  If you do not get satisfactory answers, I would seek another opinion.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she 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 advised to read no further.