Minimally Invasive Hallux Rigidus Procedures
Not all patients with arthritis of the big toe (hallux rigidus)
require a fusion to treat the condition. Some patients may be eligible for
minimally invasive procedures or open procedures to retain or
increase range of motion and reduce pain.
Two of the most important procedures are the:
- Cheilectomy and Moberg Osteotomy
- Interposition Arthroplasty
Moberg Osteotomy Procedure
The Cheilectomy / Moberg Osteotomy is a minimally invasive procedure (keyhole
surgery) to shave down arthritis and increase the range of motion. This is
most commonly performed in the earlier stages of the disease.
Interposition Arthroplasty
The interposition arthroplasty is reserved for more severe cases of hallux
rigidus. It consists of shaving the arthritic bone and recreating a joint
space by using a tendon. The latter will create padding in the joint thus
alleviating pain while retaining the range of motion.
Big Toe Arthritis Surgery Recovery: General Facts
-
Once the joint has healed, you will be allowed to wear most shoes, including
a high heel if desired.
-
There are no limits to exercise activities after the surgery, including all
sports and running.
- You are able to walk on the outside of the foot the day after surgery
- You must wear your surgical shoe at all times for 6 weeks
- You may not walk barefoot at all even in the house without this shoe
-
You may drive as soon as comfortable, usually at 4 days if the left foot and
21 days if the right foot.
- The surgical shoe is worn for 6-8 weeks
-
Low-impact exercise is allowed at about 2 weeks after surgery in the
surgical boot
-
Range of motion exercises of the big toe begins about 2 weeks after surgery
Specific Post-Operative Course
Week 0-2
- Foot wrapped in a bulky bandage and surgical shoe
- Ice, elevate, take pain medication as needed
- Blood drainage through bandage is expected
- Do not remove surgical shoe
Week 2-6
- Shower allowed
- Keep using surgical shoe
- Start hallux range of motion
Week 6
- Remove surgical shoe
- Start PT
- A regular shoe may then be worn as comfortable
Request Your Appointment Today!
To request your consultation with Dr. Ettore Vulcano, a top big-toe arthritis
surgery specialist in South Florida, please call
(305) 674-2090 or
contact us online today!
Our Location
Ettore Vulcano, MD (Mount Sinai Medical Center)
4302 Alton Road, Suite 220
Miami Beach, FL 33140
Phone:
(305) 674-2090
Foot and Ankle surgery specialist serving patients in Miami Beach, Miami,
and the surrounding South Florida communities.