Bunionectomy With Fusion Risks -- Hardware Failure

Another complication worth noting relates to the mechanical failure of medical equipment. Medical equipment and instruments are regularly tested and meet strict standards. Medical equipment problems are extremely rare; however, manmade products can fail or malfunction. Most hardware failures after a lumbar fusion are due to poor healing at the fusion site. If this is painful, it may be necessary to have a repeat procedure to remove and possibly replace the broken hardware.