What treatments options are available for hallux rigidus?
The options are between operative or non-operative management. A combination of the level of pain, radiographic stage of degeneration, the presence of deformity and the chance of success versus the degree of restriction following treatment helps to reach an informed decision as to which of the many therapies will be most appropriate. Operative: • Injection/manipulation : This can be useful in the early stages of arthritis. The effects are often temporary. • Arthroscopic debridement: A minimally invasive technique, generally for patients with moderately severe symptoms but lesser degrees of x-ray changes. • Open debridement: See below • Kellers/Hamiltons arthroplasty: A good option in the less mobile, more elderly patient. This involves removal of one side of the painful joint. This stops the pain of the arthritic joint but the big toe sometimes becomes floppy. • Big Toe Fusion: See below. • Replacement: See below. Non operative(Orthotic): The principle with orthotic management is to of
