Hammertoes/Claw Toes

[Guest]

had surgery in Dec.01 for bunion and hammertoe. my big toe went to the right, and the next toe went on top. like that for years but gets worse with age. two screws, pin in toe. xrays look good,everyting fine for awhile. pin removed etc. 3 months later, the 2nd toe start pulling upward again, but straight, as has no joint after surgery. tight at base of toe at the site of scarand starting to hurt.
He says "bad scar tissue" and says will try shots of cortizone for a couple of weeks. This was not pleasent, more pain, and little help.
I now has very hard place at base of second toe, and told scar is the problem. back to surgery, (minor done in procedure room of hospital with just numbing) shots to numb "hurt like H---."
He makes a V incision to relieve pull, more sticthes more visits more $$$.
Now, two months later, it is coming up again . the big toe looks like it is starting to push back over, (bunion returning??).
I do not think any thing was done to my tendons, as that was not on the orders for the surgery.
I think that the toe is coming up due to the tight tendon, that is what it feels like to me.
I really do not want to go back, as I have lost faith in the guy. My question is
....Shouldn't there have been a "Tenoplasty and/or capsulotomy "(terms learned from the WWW) performed to begin with??
should I find a new doctor. I will not be doing anything for awhile, as I am alone, and lost to much time tying to get the huge yard in to some kind of shape that I can handle, as I am getting too old.

[Guest]

Tenotomies and capsulotomies are always performed with hammertoe surgery. However, the tendon probably was not lengthened and this may be causing the problem of the tight tenon. If you do have a third surgery, ask about an arthrodesis to fuse the joint so it never raises up again. Have a nice day and please write back if you have any further questions.
[quote] had surgery in Dec. 01 for bunion and hammertoe... [/quote]

[Guest]

I did not explain right. The toe is not "bending" up in the middle, as he removed that joint.

It is coming straight up / back (at the base) as if being pulled by a string , which is why the second surgery. He said it was from the scar tissue tightening or shrinking , and the V was to releave that. I hope this explains better.

Also, is it common for a bunion to "reform" this soon? I bought wider shoes after the surgery, just in case they were the problem . I have always bought wide width shoes, never wear heels, mostly tennis shoes. Also, my Mom had this too. I appreciate your time.
thanks
[quote] Tenotomies and capsulotomies are always performed with hammertoe surgery. However, the tendon probably was not lengthened and this may be causing the problem of the tight tenon... [/quote]

[Guest]

Bunions can unfortunately return after surgery and your foot type and the shape of your bones can have a lot to do with it. The fact that your toe is pulling up from the base does sound like a scar tissue problem. If surgery is performed again, ask about lengthening the tendon and injecting a steroid in the area to decrease teh scarring. Finally, if you are unsure about the cause of the problems you are having, you may want to seek a second opinion so you are confident about your next treatment decision.
[quote] I did not explain right. The toe is not "bending" up in the middle, as he removed that joint... [/quote]