What Happens if Your Foot or Ankle Surgery Doesn’t Work?

You expected your foot or ankle surgery to get you moving again. Instead, months later, you still have pain, your foot looks or functions differently than expected, or a deformity that was corrected has started to return. If this sounds familiar, you may wonder whether another operation would even help. 

For many people struggling with bone misalignment, nonunion, damaged ligaments or tendons, or problematic hardware, a revision foot surgery is an excellent option. In fact, most people who get revision foot surgery report having a successful outcome. But finding the best foot surgeon in Los Angeles is essential for a successful outcome. Read on to learn more about why foot and ankle surgeries can fail, how to tell if your previous surgery failed, and where to find the best foot and ankle surgeon in West LA for revision. 

What Causes Foot or Ankle Surgery to Fail?

Several problems can cause symptoms to persist after surgery. Sometimes the bone did not heal as intended. In other cases, the original procedure addressed one problem while another source of pain remained. Common reasons why you may need revision surgery include:

• Nonunion: A bone or fusion site does not heal completely after a bad ankle sprain or fracture
• Malunion: A bone heals, but in an abnormal position
• Recurrent deformity: A bunion, toe deformity, or other alignment problem returns
• Persistent instability: The ankle joint remains unstable
• Hardware problems: Screws, plates, or other implants become painful, loose, or prominent
• Infection: An infection can interfere with healing and damage surrounding tissue
• Tendon or ligament problems: A tendon may remain damaged, or a reconstructed ligament may fail
• Arthritis or joint damage: Degeneration may continue or become apparent after the initial procedure
• Nerve-related pain: Burning, tingling, numbness, or hypersensitivity may have a different cause than the original structural problem

How Does a Surgeon Determine Why a Previous Surgery Didn't Work?

A revision consultation starts with a detailed reconstruction of the original treatment. This includes your new surgeon reviewing the operative report, preoperative imaging, postoperative X-rays, and records documenting your recovery.

The physical examination then provides another piece of the puzzle. During this exam, the best foot and ankle surgeon in Los Angeles will evaluate:

• Where you experience pain
• How the foot or ankle moves
• Strength and tendon function
• Joint stability
• Alignment while standing
• Walking mechanics
• Swelling and skin condition
• Sensation and nerve function

Sometimes getting new imaging is necessary. This can include: 

• X-rays that show alignment, arthritis, hardware position, and obvious changes in bone healing
• CT scans that provide a more detailed assessment of bone healing or a suspected nonunion
• MRI’s which can help evaluate tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and other soft tissues

When Should You See a Foot and Ankle Specialist for a Second Opinion?

A second opinion is reasonable when you continue to have significant symptoms after surgery and do not understand why. It is especially worth considering if you have been told that you have a nonunion, recurrent deformity, hardware failure, or another complication that may require another operation. You should also consider specialist evaluation if:

• Your pain is worsening rather than improving
• A deformity has returned
• Your ankle or foot feels unstable
• You cannot return to normal walking or desired activities
• Imaging suggests incomplete healing
• You have persistent swelling or drainage
• You are being advised to undergo another major operation but are unsure why
• You simply want another expert assessment before making a decision

When you get a second opinion, bring your previous imaging, operative report, and postoperative records whenever possible. Having the original X-rays and surgical details can save time and help the surgeon understand exactly what was changed during the first procedure.

Where to Find the Best Foot and Ankle Podiatrist in Los Angeles for a Second Opinion and Revision Surgery

Revision surgery is sometimes necessary, and choosing the best foot and ankle surgeon in West LA helps ensure the best outcome. 

Dr. Megan Ishibashi, DPM, FACFAS, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon whose advanced training includes reconstruction, trauma, sports medicine, minimally invasive surgery, arthroscopy, and revision procedures. Her experience as a former chief resident and fellowship-trained reconstructive specialist provides a strong foundation for evaluating complex cases, including patients seeking a second opinion after unsuccessful foot or ankle surgery.

Ready to get accurate answers and personalized treatment for recurring ankle pain or instability from the best foot and ankle specialist in West LA?