Big Toe Fusion - Foot Problems Message Board

pooby · 06-05-2007, 07:56 PM

I am being referred for a fusion of my big toe joint. The joint is full of arthritis to the point that the joint is totally destroyed with no other options available. I have had arthritis in this joint for over 30 years and this is just the end result. It is very important for me to have this joint fixed as I am only able to walk on the side of my foot right now and I can no longer wear any shoes other than loose fitting crocs. I also have problems with my other leg due to nerve problems in my back and I depend on this crippled foot to take on my weight when I walk.

My question is how long is it before I will be able to put any weight on this foot. Remember for me this is important because I don't have another strong leg to stand on with crutches. This is the only good leg I have.

Beginning to wonder if I will need to have a scooter after surgery and how long the recovery usually is. Figure the surgeon will answer my questions as best they can but just wanted to know anyone elses experience. I walk with a walker or a cane when able so running or walking any distance is not in the cards for me now or after surgery.

janieab · 06-05-2007, 08:20 PM

There are quite a few of us on this forum that has had their big toe fused.
I had my big toe fused with graft plate and screws after a failed Keller surgery. My fusion was exactly 1 year ago. I have rheumatoid arthritis so many joints are affected and crutches were a problem. I was non weightbearing for 12 weeks (typical is eight weeks but I had a graft used so 12 weeks was the reason). I still slightly gimp now but at the end of the day I may gimp a little more because I still swell when on my feet a lot. I also had surgery 2nd and 3rd toes as well then. I'm glad I had the surgery because the pain I had before is absent. I will probably need my other foot done but will wait till at least later this year. Best of luck.
Janie

Stitcher317 · 06-06-2007, 06:57 AM

Hi Janie,

Can you explain what a "failed" Keller Procedure is? what happend as a result that you needed a fusion? I was scheduled to have this done tomorrow and canceled because I am getting around fairly well at this time. I have lost a lot of cartilege in my large toe and have some bone spurs as well. I am sure this feeling better thing is temporary at best. I am just so fearful of having surgery and making things worse. My POD did explain that I will be fitted for orthotics again after the surgery and that my large toe might be elevated but that it would also be shorter and floppy. My concerns now were his mention of infection, nerve damage, etc. All the potential side effects one cou;ld think of! I know he has to list them all but I really started to give this more consideration the closer I got to the surgery date. I am 65 and this has been slowly progressing for the past 5 years.

Will delaying this procedure lead to a fusion later on? Never thought to ask the Dr. that question. Also, I did get several opinions and the Keller was recommend by 3 Drs over the course of the last year as the best procedure for me. Maybe the age thing?

Thanks

debbie g · 06-06-2007, 03:37 PM

8 weeks is typical after toe fusion and non weightbearing. a wheel chair sounds good and so does the scooter. just make sure somebody is there to help you. ask your dr what else you can do

janieab · 06-07-2007, 06:35 AM

Hi Stitcher317. My Keller on the big toe made it too short and floppy and my
balance was not there...it almost felt like I had no toe and the pain kept getting worse and worse. The doctor said that what he did with the surgery
didn't work for me. I did a lot of research AFTERWARDS and found that the
Keller is very rarely used and for people who are not active. I am in my mid 40's. Even if one was elderly I would think they would want some stability with their walking so, I myself would never had the Keller procedure (if I had known what I researched) I'm happy with the fusion at this point. The toe does sit up some but it is not floppy and there is more stability. I also had toes 2 and 3 done at the same time with osteotomies. My suggestion is to do a lot of research and learn the pros and cons of the procedures and how they would affect your lifestyle. Fusions in general are the longest for the recovery but they are permanent. If there are no complications (sometimes fusions don't heal fast enough) then you have a permanent solution.
Janie