Potential complications

Even though the vast majority of cases result in excellent outcomes without any complications, it is possible to have any of the following potential complications arise:

"Sprained Ankle Syndrome"
This is discomfort to the outer ankle ligaments due to a new stretch placed on the ligaments. This should be a temporary symptom and will most likely dissipate. However, it is possible that the ligaments, for whatever reason, are not able to adjust to the new position, leading to several months of discomfort, pain, limitation to walking/standing, and possibly removal of the implant. This is not a problem with the implant, but one of the soft tissues. If the problem does not improve after six to eight months of treatment, including wearing good, supportive shoes, taking anti-inflammatory meds, injections, or bracing, it may be necessary to either downsize or permanently remove the HyProCure implant.

Displacement / migration of the HyProCure implant
Even though the HyProCure implant is inserted correctly at the time of surgery, it is possible for it to shift or displace. Every sinus tarsi is different and the implant may need to "seek its own" position. The implant is just pushed into the sinus tarsi; it is not drilled or cemented. If displacement of the implant is to occur, it will happen within the first four weeks post-op. Although it is possible for it to displace after the four-week period, this is extremely rare. If slight displacement does occur, the implant is holding correction, and the patient has no pain or discomfort, a revision is not needed. If there is loss of correction, the implant will have to be repositioned and the patient will have to be careful with the way he/she walks, etc., during the four to six weeks it takes for the tissues to hold the implant in place. It is possible that even with the ideal placement surgically, along with optimum patient compliance, the implant  will still displace and migrate. This is due to anatomical variations within the sinus tarsi and inability of the soft tissues to hold the implant in place.

Inability to place the HyProCure implant within the sinus tarsi
This is a rare, but possible complication. Even though clinically and radiographically it appears that the patient's sinus tarsi would accept the implant, it is possible that due to the bone tissue anatomy, severity of the deformity, and other factors, that an implant may not be able to be inserted into the sinus tarsi. Another possibility is that even if the implant was placed within the sinus tarsi, there is displacement of the implant when the foot is put through the range-of-motion. If the implant will not hold correction intra-op, it should not be left within the sinus tarsi in the hope that it will hold post-op. The implant should be removed and the patient will need to have some other form of surgical intervention.

Possibility of under- or over-correction
There are six different HyProCure sizes for every foot on the planet. It is possible that one size gives not enough correction and the next size gives too much. It is always better to have an "under-correction" than an "over-correction." Trial sizing is done while the patient is off of their feet so there could be a difference once the patient stands. Initially after the procedure, the correction will seem to be higher due to swelling and inflammation around the surgical site. Once the swelling and inflammation decreases, it may appear that there was a loss of correction, however this is the true correction the surgeon wanted to achieve. It could also be due to a ligamentous or tendon laxity when, after several months, there is loss of correction. In this instance, other additional surgical procedures may need to be performed.

Unsatisfactory result
Even though HyProCure is placed where it should be, it is possible that, due to the very complicated foot structure, there are other deformities that need to also be addressed. This is not a failure of HyProCure to stabilize the ankle bone on the heel bone, but that other deformities are present and need to be addressed.

Prolonged pain and period of swelling, and abnormal walking or standing
Every person has a different pain tolerance and it will even vary from foot to foot. The patient should expect to have a period of pain and tenderness after this procedure, especially during the first few months. After three to six months, there might only be a rare, quick, stabbing pain, but it should not be on a consistent basis. If after 6 months there is no improvement, it is possible that the tissues just won't improve and that the implant will need to be removed. Follow steps indicated by your doctor to ensure you are not making the situation worse.

Infection
It is a widely accepted practice that even when there are no risk factors, it is better to give at least a pre-op antibiotic before the HyProCure procedure. High risk patients should also follow up with a regimen of post-op antibiotic therapy for seven to 10 days as indicated. If a serious deep infection does occur following the procedure, the implant should be removed and an incision and drainage procedure should be performed and appropriate antibiotic coverage should be initiated. Once the infection is fully resolved, re-implantation can occur.

Synovitis / bursitis / capsulitis
These are various soft tissue inflammatory reactions to the new position of the sinus tarsi. For many patients, the abnormal motion of the talus on the calcaneus has resulted in many different types of disease processes and abnormal soft tissue compensations. Once the sinus tarsi is re-aligned it is possible to irritate or exacerbate these soft-tissues reactions. These are self-resolving conditions.

Need for further surgery
If there is an intolerance of the soft tissues to adjust to the new correction, or if there is displacement/shifting of the implant, further surgery to remove the HyProCure implant will be necessary.

Other
Complications associated with surgery or the administration of medications or anesthesia.

Concluding remarks
When one weighs the potential complications of having the HyProCure Procedure, versus not undergoing this treatment option and suffering from a lifetime of the ill effects of this deformity, the decision should be clear.