Unfortunately, no surgical procedure has a 100% success rate. Complications are an inevitable part of the surgery that all patients should be aware of. This does not mean that you WILL develop a complication. Below are some of the complications observed in my field:
Common Complications
Superficial infection
Hematoma
Joint stiffness, temporary
Nerve injury, temporary
Permanent numbness around incision
Need for additional (unplanned) surgery
Incomplete resolution of all pain
Wound dehiscence/Skin slough
Unusual Complications
Deep infection
Recurrent infection
Malunion (bony deformity)
Incomplete correction of deformity or leg length discrepancy
Recurrence of the condition
Nonunion (bone does not heal)
Delayed bone healing
Avascular necrosis (bone loses blood supply)
Joint deformity
Joint stiffness, permanent
Fracture of bone at pin site or other site (broken bone)
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (blood clot)
Chronic pain
Neuroma
Failure of the procedure
Unhappiness with the procedure
New pain in other regions
Need for revision surgery
Need for fusion
Cosmetic deformity
Need for ambulatory aids
Shoe modifications
Change in activities of daily living
Rare Complications
Nerve injury, permanent
Artery injury
Need for blood transfusion
Compartment syndrome (excessive swelling in leg that could lead to permanent loss of function)
