Treating arthritis of the big toe using arthrodesis (immobilisation of the joint)

If arthritis has already spread widely in the big toe joint, the toe will slowly become rigid. We refer to this painful ossification of the joint as hallux rigidus. When this reaches an advanced stage, the problem makes it impossible for patients to properly roll their toe. We begin treatment with the use of orthotics (shoe inlays) and infiltrations (injections). If these conservative treatments do not have the desired result, we recommend that an operation be performed. If the stiffness is already at an advanced stage, we have to resort to arthrodesis, a procedure that stiffens the joint. This involves removing the areas of bone and cartilage that have already been destroyed and then using screws and plates to fuse neighbouring bones in place, so that they can grow together.

The goal of this procedure is to provide the patient with a pain-free life, so that they can regain their desired quality of life, practice their profession, do sports, and wear normal shoes. Depending on the scale of the intervention required, the healing phase can take between two and eight weeks. During this time, patients must wear supportive post-operative shoes and may require walking aids. Sometimes supportive orthotics may be required after this time.