A big toe joint fusion, also known as a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis, permanently joins the bones of the big toe joint. This procedure eliminates pain caused by arthritis or other conditions by preventing the bones from rubbing against each other.
The Surgical Procedure
The surgical technique involves several steps:
- Incision: A surgical incision, typically 4-5cm long, is made on either the top or the back of the big toe, depending on the surgeon's preference and the specific needs of the patient.
- Joint Preparation: The damaged cartilage is removed from the joint. Any bone spurs or other bony abnormalities are also removed.
- Bone Fixation: The two bones (the first metatarsal and the proximal phalanx) are then precisely positioned and secured together using small screws and/or plates. This allows the bones to fuse (grow together) over time.
- Closure: The incision is closed with stitches.
The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, often supplemented with a local anesthetic for post-operative pain relief.
Purpose of Big Toe Joint Fusion
This surgery's primary purpose is to treat:
- Arthritis of the big toe: This is the most common reason for a big toe fusion. Arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joint.
- End-stage deformities: Severe deformities of the big toe joint that cannot be corrected with other methods may also be treated with fusion.
Note: While joint fusion is a common and effective treatment, alternative options, such as Cartiva implants (synthetic cartilage), may exist for specific cases.
Recovery and Long-Term Impact
Post-operative recovery involves a period of immobilization (often with a cast or special shoe) followed by physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the remaining foot and ankle. While the fused joint will be immobile, the long-term outcome for many patients is significant pain relief and improved function.
Examples of references supporting the above:
- Treatment. In an MTP joint fusion, your foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and fixes the two bones together with screws and/or plates to enable them to grow together. This directly explains the core surgical technique.
- A first MTP joint fusion is a surgical procedure to treat arthritis of the big toe. The bones are joined permanently so they cannot rub against each other. This highlights the purpose and effect of the procedure.
- Fusion is the most popular way to address arthritis and end-stage deformities of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint… This confirms the prevalence and application of the technique.
