Hallux Rigidus Surgery

Arthritis of the Great Toe (Hallux Rigidus) Surgery Bunbury & Busselton

Hallux rigidus is arthritis of the big toe joint. It is the most common arthritic condition of the foot and second only to hallux valgus (bunion) as a condition associated with the big toe. Females are more commonly affected than males in all age groups, and the condition typically develops in adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years. The most common cause is osteoarthritis and is usually caused by age and general wear and tear.

Consultation appointments can be made by contacting the rooms of Mr Paul Armanasco on (08) 9745 9100

Hallux Rigidus Anatomy

Hallux Rigidus Symptoms and Clinical Presentation

Most patients present with a complaint of pain in the big toe joint while active, especially when pushing off to walk. Others note swelling and stiffness around the big toe joint or an inability to bend the toe up or down. A bump, like a bunion or bone spur, can develop on top of the big toe joint and be aggravated by rubbing against the inside of a shoe.

Hallux Rigidus Deformity

Hallux Rigidus Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be made by Mr Armanasco taking a history of your problem, carrying out a clinical assessment to examine the foot for evidence of bone spurs and the range of motion available at the big toe joint. Xrays may be performed to help understand the extent of joint degeneration and to show the location and size of bone spurs.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Advice include avoiding flexible shoes or high heels, wearing wider shoes with a curved sole (rocker bottom), or adding orthotics that limit the motion at the MTP joint and potentially alleviating symptoms. Although these treatments may help decrease the symptoms, they do not stop the condition from progressing. Mr Armanasco may suggest antiinflammatory medicines, or injections into the joint to reduce pain and stiffness.

flat foot surgery consultation southwest foot and ankle centre

Hallux Rigidus Surgical Treatment

The aim of surgery is to relieve pain and improve function of the forefoot. The surgery may be done by Mr Armanasco as a day case or an overnight procedure.

Joint Preserving

For the more minor type of hallux rigidus, when the damage is mild to moderate, shaving the bone spur on top of the metatarsal (cheilectomy) is sufficient. Removing the bone spur allows more room for the toe to bend and alleviates pain caused when pushing off the toe. The advantages of this procedure are that it is joint sparing, preserves joint motion and maintains joint stability

This may be accompanied by a bore cut in the metatarsal to decompress the joint, placing a piece of soft tissue (joint capsule/tendon) from the foot to create a buffer between the two bones.

Hallux Rigidus Joint Preservation

Arthrodesis (Fusion)

Advanced stages of hallux rigidus, when the joint damage is severe, are often treated by fusing the big toe (arthrodesis). In this procedure, the damaged cartilage is removed and the two bones are fixed together with screws and/or plates to allow for them to grow together. The main advantage of this procedure is that it is a permanent correction with elimination of the arthritis and pain. The major disadvantage is the restriction of movement of the big toe.

Hallux Rigidus Fusion

Post-Operative Recovery

  • It is important not to underestimate the time taken to recover from foot surgery. Elevation of the foot is crucial, particularly in the first 2-4 weeks following the procedure
  • It is necessary to wear a postoperative shoe for the first 4 to 6 weeks
  • Most patients take at least 3 months to fit their feet into their regular shoes. Swelling may persist up to 12 months post-surgery.

Complications of Hallux Rigidus Surgery

Mr Armanasco will go through the potential complications of the foot surgery with you in the pre-operative consultation

Please contact the rooms of Mr Armanasco on 97459100 should you have any further queries.

Southwest Foot & Ankle Centre is a podiatry clinic based in Bunbury, Busselton and Australind that services all of the southwest region and WA.

Have a generic question? Contact Southwest Foot and Ankle Centre today on (08) 9791 1319 or book an appointment online!

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