Great Toe Arthritis
Many different surgical options are available for the correction of arthritis to the great toe. These procedures are typically dependent, but not restricted to, the patient's age and activity level. As a general rule patients under 60 are offered a fusion of the joint or a "distraction" (opening) of the joint. Patients that are 60 and over usually are offered a joint replacement (many options of joints exist in the market, Dr. Donate will discuss the best one for you). With fusions a period of 6-8 weeks of no weight bearing or heel-only weight bearing is expected. This is followed by a period of 3-4 weeks of gradual weight bearing using a walking boot. Full weight bearing and regular shoe gear is expected at 3 months. The pictures below show examples of different surgical approaches of arthritis of the Great Toe and post-operative outcomes.
