Have a big toe fusion? How happy are you with the results? - Foot Problems Message Board

imhdab · 01-28-2006, 12:06 AM

Hello,

I'm interested in hearing from anyone who went through a fusion of their big toe joint...

How happy are you with the results of your fusion(s)?
Didyou experience any problems after the surgery?
Did you need additional surgery?
Was all of this worth it?

I'm very interested because I had both big toe joints fused last year, had to have the pin on the 1st one removed just before New Years and also had to have a little more work done on that foot. Will these surgeries EVER end? I still have to have the pin on the 2nd one removed (probably in July) but I feel like the surgeries and the crutches will never end! AUUUUGH!

Thanks -- I feel better now. (Maybe that's the pain meds talking...)

THANKS in advance for any advise, words or wisdom, sharing of your stories, etc.

~Heather

Titchou · 01-28-2006, 07:58 AM

Am so sorry you've had this done. Unfortunately, fusion is an end-stage treatment. Cheilectomy and hemi implants being the first two. I assume you went thru those procedures previously. The fusion cannot be reversed. What sort of doc are you using? And what were his creds? Hopefully had a LOT of sports med background.

imhdab · 01-28-2006, 11:43 AM

Hi - thanks for responding.

I did not have a cheilectomy or hemi implants because I was told by 3 different orthopedic surgeons over the past 14 years that my joints were too far beyond that. Before I had the first surgery I went to a highly recommended orthopedic surgeon specializing in feet/sports medicine in Charlotte, NC (who was not on my insurance plan) and was told I was a 'stage 3' damage-wise and that a cheilectory wouldn't help (I was told that worked only for stage 1 & maybe stage 2) and that an implant would only last for a year or two and I would just need a fusion after that anyway. I was also told that a fusion after a cheilectomy or implant would possibly not fuse and that a fusion was my best option -- all of the doctors I consulted with agreed with this.

My surgeon was also an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in feet and the clinic he works at is an "Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Center" so I would think if a joint replacement would have been an option that he would have recommended it. (I DID ask about this before my first surgery and he said he said they didn't last that long in younger/active people and he did not recommed it in my case.

Any further words of wisdom? Does it sound like I did the right thing?

Thanks,
~Heather

eko · 01-28-2006, 01:58 PM

Heather,

Sorry to hear all that you have gone through. I had my right big toe fused almost two years ago (in March). I had no problems after surgery, except waiting for it to heal and have been problem free. My surgery was done by a Podiatrist who is a partner in an orthopedic group. The only frustrating part I sometimes run into has been dress shoes, as you know we are limited to the how high the heel can be, but the other thing I found I have had to watch is how the cut of the shoes comes across the fused area. It is probably sensitivity of the scar, but I still have to be careful.

I don't really regret it now, two years later, I sure did not like having to do it. The past is past, I looking forward and moving on.

If there is anything else, let me know. Take care and I hope things start getting better. -eko

Titchou · 01-28-2006, 03:39 PM

Well, since I can't post URLs here I'm limited in the info I can give you. I was told I was stage 2 and a cheilectomy would last me 10 years or more. That was 2-1/2 years ago (I was 57 at the time). I'm very active - jogger, dancer, etc - so I wanted as long a life span as possible. It is also my understanding that the hemi should last 10-20 years. All depends on what material it is made of and the skill of the surgeon. Fusion was given to me as the last option after the other two. I went to Dr. John Gould of the Alabama Sports Medicine and Orthopedic group. They work on lots of pro athletes and celebrities. Dr. Gould is/was (the practice has broken up) foot guy. He also removed a Morton's neuroma a couple of years before the cheilectomy. I can wear 2 inch heals but that's about it. GUess I was just lucky. I do know that the fusion cannot be reversed so I don't know what to tell you about the pain. Are you on an anti-inflammatory? Otherwise, I have no ideas. You might do more research as there is lots of literature out there. I assume since this was such a well-known doc in Charlotte that he does the work on the Panthers? I ALWAYS refer people to the local football or basketball teams as the condition (hallux limitus or rigidus) is better known as turf toe or tennis toe or runner's toe.