Hey everyone... Just got done with a metatarsal shortening and may have hallux rigidus...not sure of the stage yet. Kind of weird since I have already had bunion surgery 15 years ago...now no plantarflexion in big toe (mtp) joint ...it only measures 2 and dorsiflexion is only 26...I have read it should be 60 or 70 minimum. Subchondral sclerosis...assymetric joint space narrowing... ...John the Bomb are you around...can you help at all...anyone else dealt with fusion of the mtp joint or has anyone had it saved...have a second appointment next week! Guess i JUST DIDN't Notice the pain until now because of the massive amount of time previously in the cast and nwb... Any comments?? Any fusion buddies out there still with ideas?? Thanks....been through enough already...Sophie :angel:

Why are you talking fusion? Would none of the more conservative approaches give you some relief (cheilectomy, implant?) or are they not recommended due to previous surgery? Fusion will give you pain relief but could restrict some activity...and it's a final resort...no going back.

I probably worded that wrong...it was very late! Yes I would also like to hear from anyone who had a cheilectomy or an implant as well. I won't make any assumptions ntil I talk more with my doctor. Thanks Titchou for bringing that to my attention...

Well, I had a cheilectomy and it worked out well...almost 3 years ago. Am back to jogging, dancing, heels, etc with little soreness....unless I really overdo. I do take an anti-inflammatory daily - used to be on Vioxx, which I miss immensely, but am now on Mobic. My personal belief about this surgery is that you have to find the appropriate surgeon - which to me is the best sports med foot specialist you can find, ask tons of questions about exactly what he's going to do and why (there are variations) and then do the exercises faithfully afterwards. I don't know what city you are in but if there is a pro football or basketball team there - or a major college athletic program - use who they use. This condition is also known as turf toe, tennis toe, runner's toe, etc and is a very common condition in athletes who run a lot. Shaquille O'Neal had one about 3-4 years ago when he was with the Lakers. Good luck!

Sophie-

Sorry to hear about your current situation. As you may remember, I think I am a senior member of the fusion buddies, since my fusion is over two years old. I think you have a lot of questions that need to be answered right now because of previous surgeries. Also you need to decide what is your goal after all is done - what do you want to be able to do when all is said and done. Above all communicate what you want/need to your doctor and even get an additional opinion or two. Surgery upon surgery is probably the most difficult.

In regards to fusion, I am happy my mine, if I stop screwing up my ankle. It has been two years, my only real issue has been no high heels, but then again I never wore them anyway. If you have additional questions regarding fusion, please let me know and I'll do me best to answer. -eko

Just had another "stronger" cortisone shot in the MTP joint. Doc says he takes out so many implants that he doesn't do them anymore. The joint is TOO FAR GONE for a cheilectomy. (Already had previous bunion surgery with no fixation). The joint space is almost non existant and bone is on bone! :eek: A fusion was strongly recommended to get rid of the pain. If I keep walking on the outside of my foot, I will have more stress fractures and fractures....been there...done that!! I really just want the pain to end. I was told that although footwear would be limited, I should still be able to wear 1-1 1/2 inch heels....that's more than now! Doc says this is one surgery with a high patient satisfaction as far as freedom from pain is concerned. He said it would involve 6 MORE weeks of nwb (forgot to ask if that involves a cast...does anyone know?) Will this get rid of the pain?? How long is the REAL recovery time? Eko? Dlh? Or John the Bomb? I will see if the cortisone shot works although I do know this is a temporary remedy. I am at end stage here....so as the doctor demonstrated my ROM will not be adversely affected as I don't have any now!! Thanks ahead of time for any thoughts...I really would appreciate anybody's input as to after surgery pain levels as well. Sophie :angel:

Sophie-

Got a question first, is this going to be a straight fusion, or a fusion with a graft (ususally a piece of your own hip bone)? Typical recovery is 6 weeks NWB. It will take six to nine months before you hop out of bed in the morning and feel like this is "normal". If they use hardware for your fusion, most do to get good compression for the fusion, it may bother you over time and you may want to have it removed as a later date. Every doctor has his own protocol for this procedure, so I don't know if you will be in a cast or not. If you have other questions, please let me know. -eko

Sophie-
Hi! Im so sorry to hear you have to have surgery again, but at least you are getting it taken care of. I had a fusion of the MTP joint in my big toe on December 19, 2005. Unfortunately, mine did not take (which they did not notice until 5 months after surgery :( ); however, the recovery w/out permanent hardware for me was 12 weeks. The first 2 were nwb, and the last 10 i was in a walking boot and had to walk with my foot to the side (kind of like a duck :) ), to ensure I wouldn't bend the toe and mess up the surgery. I was very happy up until the point where I noticed something wasn't right. I am going back into surgery on the 5th of June to have the procedure redone with a permanent screw this time.
Before getting the surgery just ask a ton of questions and be ready for a long recovery. It takes 12 weeks before you are able to walk on it "normally" again and then about 3 months after that to fully feel back to yourself, just minus the pain.
Good luck with everything and let me know if I can answer anything else!
Liz

Sophie-Sophie-Sophie: I thought you were long gone and dancing around the block. LOL. I cannot believe you of all people are still having problems. I have had my first Met joint fused. I can say that that is the one that feels the best. Yes, there is a lot of restriction. I will write more tomorrow. I have to take my mom to the doctor. It is so good to see your name (even though I feel bad that you are having problems) I will talk to you soon.

Thank you so much for all of your replies! First to answer your questions. It will be a fusion (no graft) with two screws. One week in a post surgery splint...six weeks (minimum) nwb with a fiberglass cast then a week walking with that cast then a boot for an undetermined time. I think the surgery will be in July but that has not been confirmed. I am very scared of the after surgery pain level as I had a hard time keeping that under control with the percocet last time. My range of motion is almost nonexistant now so as far as that goes...there really won't be much change that I will have to get used to. What happens to the poot ehl tendon (the one on top of the big toe coming from the ankle)...does it just lose its function in life??

Wtwct...HELLO!!! It's so good to see you! Thank you for answering. I, too, will write more later. How is your Mom doing? And how are you?

Thank you all so much for your replies! Sophie :angel: