Scar tissue can make dissection more difficult, blood supply may be altered, and bone may contain old screw tracks or defects. Grafting, fusion, multiple osteotomies or correction of lesser-toe problems may require longer protection.
Weight-bearing instructions depend on the actual reconstruction. Patients should not assume that because they walked early after their first operation they can follow the same protocol after revision. Swelling, nerve sensitivity and rehabilitation may also take longer.
Plan additional time away from standing and physical work.
Follow the new procedure-specific weight-bearing plan.
Optimise smoking, diabetes, nutrition and vascular health before surgery.
Expect more frequent imaging when union or complex correction is being monitored.
Use staged rehabilitation to restore gait and forefoot loading.
Will the old screws always be removed?
No. Fixation is removed if it obstructs the revision, is loose, infected or symptomatic. Well-positioned hardware that does not interfere may sometimes remain.