What This Procedure Involves
Incision over the big toe joint. Cartilage removed. Bones positioned at optimal angle and fixed with plate and screws. Takes 45–75 minutes.
First MTP fusion permanently stiffens the big toe joint, eliminating painful arthritic motion. Gold standard for severe hallux rigidus.
Incision over the big toe joint. Cartilage removed. Bones positioned at optimal angle and fixed with plate and screws. Takes 45–75 minutes.
For severe hallux rigidus with significant cartilage loss, failed cheilectomy, or severe deformity.
Stiff-soled shoes, carbon fibre insoles, rocker-bottom shoes, injection. Cheilectomy for earlier-stage disease.
Weight-bearing X-rays. Assessment of desired fusion position for footwear.
Excellent pain relief in over 90%. Functional walking position.
Expected — purpose of surgery.
High heels difficult.
Several months.
5–10%. Higher in smokers.
Suboptimal angle.
Plate prominence.
Pain under adjacent metatarsals.
Local ankle block, regional, or general anaesthesia.
Post-op shoe six to eight weeks. Normal footwear at eight to twelve weeks. Full recovery three to six months.
X-rays at six weeks and three months.
Yes — most patients walk very well. The toe is set in a slightly upward position allowing normal push-off.