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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

Not happy with the TightRope fixation procedure

by Michele
(McGuire AFB, NJ)

Hello Doctor, my name is Michele and I am a healthy, active 29 year old female. I began having pain in my foot a little over a year ago. I went to a few specialists and none had any answers. I believed my pain was caused from recently taking up tennis. But when walking became extremely painful, I was concerned and more proactive with finding out the cause. I finally met with a doctor who told me within the first five minutes of my consultation that I had a bunion. I did not want to take medication to alleviate the pain and was desperate to "fix" this problem. This doctor told me about this new procedure, the TightRope fixation, and after discussing this option with my husband, I decided to go ahead with it. I had the procedure done on Halloween of last year (2007). The first few weeks I believed that the surgery would be a success. The pain I was in was due to the surgery and I believed I was healing properly. But after about 3 months, I felt I was in more pain than before the surgery and discussed this with my doctor, who believed that I shouldn't be in as much pain. I felt cornered because I believed my doctor either didn't believe me or felt I was being deceptive. So, I stopped making appointments and have been living every day in pain. Occasionally I will take an over the counter anti-inflammatory. But, it's been almost a year since the surgery and every day the pain gets worse. I have limited movement in my big toe and wearing shoes causes me an enormous amount of pain. I had clicking in my big toe every time I bent it/walked previous to surgery and was told that

the surgery would correct that. It has not.

My question to you is how do I go about having the hardware removed from my foot? I feel as though I was better off before the surgery with occasional pain rather than now with constant pain. I am no longer in contact with the doctor who performed the procedure because of personal reasons.
I appreciate your time and am grateful that I found your site. As you know, with my particular surgery being quite "new", it is hard to find any information about it.
Thanks again,
Michele (New Jersey)

Hi Michele,
I am sorry your surgery was not successful and as mentioned in my bunion article the tight rope procedure is a new procedure and for that reason none of know the ultimate success rate.
I am not clear on one point; is your present pain the same as your pain prior to surgery or is this a new type of pain in slightly different area of the foot?
If this is a new pain then obviously the procedure does not agree with you; if this is the old pain, perhaps it was not your bunion that actually hurt. What bothers me is that the first couple of doctors you went to did not discuss the bunion as the source of your foot pain.
In any event the hardware should be removable, but of course it will take another surgery.
Find yourself a good doctor down where you live and between you and your new doctor decide if your present pain is actually the result of the procedure performed or if it the original problem. If it is from the procedure, then have the hardware removed, if not, then let your new doctor find the source of your pain.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for Not happy with the TightRope fixation procedure

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Sep 28, 2018
Rating

Anthrax tightrope worked for me
by: Jag

Hi,

I injured my foot in Jan 2015, went with Arthrex rope fixation for Lisfranc injury and its been very good so far. Its been more than three years and I can do 99% of the daily things without any issue. I dont for running or jumping but daily life no issues.

Wish you all the best!
Thank you,
Jag

Aug 17, 2015
Rating

avoid tightrope
by: Julie

Avoid this surgery. I had it four years ago for bunion and hammertoe. Foot now quite deformed. Big toe leans left. Hammer toe shrunk to half its length, turned sideways and sticks up. Have to tape it down or I can't walk. Nerve damage, numbness and scar tissue. I, too, was promised the sun and the moon by a very reputable doctor.

Sep 05, 2014
Rating

same thing
by: Anonymous

Foot worse one year after the mini tightrope. I am in my 40s and was perfect in regard to waiting and wearing boot.
Burning under all small toes, swelling above them, paralyzed second toe stuck to the first. New bunion that is the bigger than the first.
DONT LET YOUR DOC do this surgery.

Jan 07, 2014
Rating

Mini tightrope nightmare
by: Jodie Martin

Dec 2009 I went to a foot Doctor for a second digit hammer toe issue. In the 5 mins I was in there she pointed out I had a bunion, same foot. Then stated "while I'm in there"... Why don't I fix your bunion with this New wonderful Mini Tightrope. Then stated I wish I had a piece to show you I could literary hang off of it. My bunion did not hurt yet but made sense to do it all in one surgery. A bit after the surgery I'm complaining of awful pain still not out of the walking boot yet. Come to find out the tightrope broke and gave me a nonunion of the big toe metarsil and shattered my second toe metarsil and my bone died. 6 surgerys, 7th attempting to replace with cadaver bone. That also didn't work.. And let's not leave out RSD.. I need a lawyer. Something so simple changed my life and my family's.

Aug 30, 2011
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Initial post-op X Rays negative,but I KNOW something is wrong with my TightRope
by: Joseph

Had my TightRope 2 weeks ago,and was healing very well,or so I thought. Walking slowly, while wearing a walking boot, I heard something snap (like when your knees or ankles snap after prolonged sitting). For 10 minutes pain was unreal, and within the next 24 hours, my foot began swelling more than it had ever swollen post-op, and I absolutely could not walk. Also, the lower half of my foot became red and somewhat warm. My Dr got XRays and said nothing obvious had changed. I'm going back to see him tomorrow. Any thoughts? Is this a broken toe, broken wire or rejection of hardware ? How does Avascular Necrosis presnt ?

Dec 21, 2010
Rating

Anyone with a success story of mini-tight-rope bunion procedure?
by: shelley

Okay, so it is a new procedure, so was the laparascopic gall bladder removal and so many other new surgical methods. My experience in the operating room showed me without doubt that the level and interest of surgeons of many years practice is "do I have to change?" Often the surgical techs or the equipment representatives on site"train" the surgeons to use and manipulate the equipement. Therefore with such loosy goosy "learning" techhiques the surgeon begins to practice what the patients are demanding without any overseeing organization to clinically determine if the surgeon is adequately trained to perform the surgeon and has appropriate patient outcomes. The only feedback is the lawsuit.

Okay. So, is it possible that a similar story line can be drawn in the cases that did not work well and patient outcome was miserable?

That leads me to my dilema. I need corrective foot surgery too. THis new method is appealing as I am active and would like to remain so. Long rehabilitation is not desirable on many levels.

How do I get info on who is trained from the original performers of this surgery? I need a list of providers, their city locations, practice identity, and hopefully their formal training in this specific procedure. Then, how do I get info on the patient outcomes of any one receiving the surgery?
Okay too much to ask. What can you tell me?
Shelley

Feb 15, 2009
Rating

DON'T DO TIGHTROPE!
by: Anonymous

I also had tightrope and it ruined my life! My second toe broke ... something i have now heard is a common problem with this surgery which my doctor never told me about. In fact I had a second opinion and was told by a doctor that she would never recommend this surgery for anyone under the age of 70 due to the stress it puts on the bones. I've been to a pain specialist for the past year and now have to have a more traditional bunion surgery ... and go through the pain all over again!

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ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

University of Maryland Medical Center

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(location unknown)

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LH

(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Thanks for replying so quickly. I was a bit concerned. I think your website is great, and chock full of info.....

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Denison, TX

Dr. Marc, Thank you so much for your reply which seemed to be right on. I have researched many sites but you put me on the right path to the possible answer. My foot pain may not rule the rest of my life after all! I believe I'll make a sign that reads, "THE END IS NEAR!" Thanks Very Much,

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Unknown

Unknown location

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Unknown location

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New Zealand

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Sincerely

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Arizona

I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

Thanks, Kathy

Florida

1st of all THANKS A LOT for your great site......

Anna

Poland

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South Carolina

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San Clemente, CA

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location unknown

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location unknown

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Bre

location unknown

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anonymous

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

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Poland

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Seattle, WA

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location unknown

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New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

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location unknown

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

Rivi,

Albany, NY

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Jill S.

location unknown

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Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

Like others have stated...This site is amazing and I am so thankful that it was created.

....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

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Colorado

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annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown

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Canada

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

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Nancie

Wisconsin

Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

Julie

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Renae

North Carolina

Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

Bessie Mae

Florida

Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown

Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

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I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC

Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

Rustam

Bellevue, WA

I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

Not happy with the TightRope fixation procedure

Comments for Not happy with the TightRope fixation procedure

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