Bone Fusion on Big Toe - Foot Problems Message Board

nifty fifty · 06-17-2008, 07:02 PM

This is my first post on this website. I am due to have surgery on big toe July 11...I am really afraid. I have heard so many bad things about it. Does anyone have good things to say about it? I have arthritus in the joint and the bonecartilage in gone, and is bone on bone, making the bone fusion necessary. I have a bone spur on top and buion on the side of my foot. Can't wear any of my shoes, only if they are a half sizwe bigger or sandals. I know my recovery is going to be a long time. But it is that bad????Need help to decide whether this really necessary. Thanks for listening.

Stitcher317 · 06-17-2008, 07:28 PM

Hello Nifty -

I have the exact same condition you describe. I've been told by several Drs that I need to have either a fusion, which is a permanent fix with a long recovery or a procedure which removes a portion of the joint and cleans up the bone spurs, etc. It is called a Keller Bunionectomy and this is what I have chosen to have. My surgery is scheduled for Mon. June 23rd....

I a spent a ton of time researching and fussing about what to do. In reality, I found a POD I like and feel very comfortable with. He has done this procedure on a women I know (both feet) and she is doing very well. It may not be the best procedure for a very young, active individual and if it fails, you have no other option but a fusion. Since I am 66, I feel it's worth the chance. I am very active and try to walk 45 minutes daily..Apparently this procedure leaves you with a shorter floppy toe. In doing so, you lose some of the "purchase" or "push off" power in your foot and this in turn stresses the other toes which are smaller, etc. My Dr. makes special orthotics to help support this problem and claims he is has had great success with this. Out of 6 PODs I consulted, 3 recommend the Keller Procedure. The Ortho. Surgeon recommended the fusion but doesn't do them. Referred me to another POD in the area....Other recommendations were to perform just a cheilectomy but Dr's did admit I had no cartiledge left and this would be a temporary quick fix that might last me a few years. At that pint, a fusion would be necessary. An implant was another recommendation but I definitely don't want to fuss with one of those at my age. Outcome is too iffy...

I am getting a bit nervous as the surgery day approaches. I am worried that something could go wrong and I will be worse off than I am at the present. My foot IS very sore but not all day. I am limited to using icky old sneakers with orthotics and continuous cortisone injections that wear off in a few months. This is getting me down...so - I am making my final preparations for a boring 3-4 week recovery. Dr. hopes I'll be in a shoe in 3 weeks. Wouldn't that be nice!

I'll keep notes for you and let you know how I do. One good thing, the procedure only takes 35 minutes! Hooray.....I'll only miss one cup of coffe in the morning.....ha !

Good luck in your decision.....

debbie g · 06-18-2008, 03:17 PM

hi nifty, i also had toe fusion over a year ago. it is a long recovery, but it took away the pain i was having. i am a very active person and luckily i was able to return to everything. i am slower than i was, i just dont have the pain. i did have an implant first, but it did not work. i was not offered the keller procedure. make sure to get a specialist and research them. good luck and keep posting.

nifty fifty · 06-18-2008, 05:40 PM

Thank you for your response. How long is the recovery from your bone fusion. Weeks, months? Were you on crutches for long? It is nice to talk to someone who has been there and can help me through the long recovery. Thank you again for answering my post. I have not yet retired and hoped to work for 3 more years, as a dental assistant and there is alot of moving around during the day.

nifty fifty · 06-18-2008, 05:47 PM

Thank you for your response to my post. I would rather have a simpler prodecure like yours but Dr. says it wouldn't last long and I would have to have the bone fusion later on. I don't like being still, I am very active person and sitting still is not something I do very well. Thanks again and good luck on your surgery also.