During the operation the joint above the big toe is resected - which means a small plate is applied on top of the joint to keep the toe in the right position while the bones heal.
Before your Operation
You may have to attend a pre-admission appointment to assess your suitability for anaesthesia. At this appointment you will also be given a fasting instructions leaflet.
On the Day of Surgery
This is a day case procedure. You will be in hospital between four and seven hours.
Following your Operation
When you return from theatre your foot will be bandaged and elevated. Treatment after surgery is at the surgeons discretion. Ask your surgeon. Before leaving the hospital most patients receive a stiff-soled shoe and you will be allowed to walk, bearing weight on the heel. Some people need crutches for a few days.
Risks Involved
There may be some bleeding into the dressing, but normally it is not necessary to change the bandage. Infection does occur and if pain increases or your temperature goes up, don't hesitate to contact the hospital or your GP. You may get a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or even a pulmonary embolism. On rare occasions the bones do not unite and further surgery is needed.
Benefits
After surgery the big toe joint will be stiff and, hopefully, pain will disappear. If the toe is not straight before surgery, we will be able to correct that at the operation. Bony spurs will be gone as well.
Alternatives to this Procedure
Depending on the symptoms, insoles might be helpful and toe separators may keep the toes apart. Wearing broad shoes with sufficient space for the forefoot is always recommendable. Shoes with a rocker-bottom could alleviate pain.