What causes Hallux Limitus/Rigidus?
Essentially, there are two groups of operations for this condition; those that preserve the joint (joint preservation) and those that destroy the joint (joint destructive). The type of procedure that is appropriate for you is determined by the clinical and radiological (X-ray) examination. At times, the final decision is made during the operation (intra-operatively) when the extent of arthritis can be most accurately determined. Joint preservation procedures Cheilectomy. This is the most straight forward procedure which involves removing (debriding) the excess bone and generally the upper 1/3 of the joint surface from the head of the 1st metatarsal. This often relieves discomfort when arthritis is mild and can increase joint movement. However, many joints are stiff again after 2 years although symptom relief persists. Kessel-Bonny. This operation involves the removal of a small wedge of bone from the base of the proximal phalanx in the big toe. This effectively, lifts the big toe off t
