Big toe fusion

Performed at SWLEOC by leading UK surgeons
treatment-consultation

Introduction

A big toe fusion is performed when the patient has severe pain from arthritis in the big toe joint

How to get referred
Referral form

Why would I need a big toe fusion?

1.
Big toe fusion are usually performed for big toe arthritis that has failed non-operative treatments.

 

2.
A fusion may also be performed in cases with deformity (such as a bunion) in the presence of a general condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.

3.
Between 80-90% of patients are satisfied with the surgery.

What happens during the procedure?

1. A surgical incision is made on the top or inside of the foot.

The surgery joins the two bones that make up the big toe joint together and prevents movement at the joint which stops the pain.

What happens during the procedure?

2. The arthritis is removed.

The surgery joins the two bones that make up the big toe joint together and prevents movement at the joint which stops the pain.

What happens during the procedure?

3. The two bones are then placed together and held with either screws or a plate.

The surgery joins the two bones that make up the big toe joint together and prevents movement at the joint which stops the pain.

What happens during the procedure?

4. The wound is then closed.

The surgery joins the two bones that make up the big toe joint together and prevents movement at the joint which stops the pain.

Risks

Although success rate for this surgery is high, some common complications are listed below.

  • Failure of the bone to fuse may occur on up to 10% of cases and may require further
    operations
  • The bones may heal in the wrong position
  • Infection or nerve injury
  • Blood clots such as a deep vein thrombosis

Recovery time

2 weeks
2 weeks of elevation (please keep the foot elevated to the level of the waist or above for approximately 45 minutes out of each hour)

6 weeks
6 weeks in a dressing and a special shoe

12 weeks
A further six weeks (approximately) in a wide fitting shoe. Of note, it may take 6 months or even a year to feel the full benefit of the surgery

Meet the team

Miss Andrea Sott

Mr Dominic Nielsen

Mr Paul Hamilton