You can put weight on the heel but do not put any pressure through the great toe. You are likely to have a cast over your forefoot made of plaster of Paris to keep the forefoot immobilised. An IV line (drip) will be inserted and you may be given some What should I expect immediately after the operation?Īfter the operation you will go to the recovery room where nursing staff will monitor you until you are awake. In most cases the procedure is done under a general anaesthetic. You will also meet the anaesthetist (specialist doctor) who will be providing the anaesthetic. What Happens on the day of surgery?ĭO NOT EAT OR DRINK from midnight, unless otherwise instructed.ĭr Schluter will meet with you, answer any further questions, check the consent form and mark the operative leg. You will need someone to drive you home, and a responsible adult to be with you overnight as you may still be sleepy and require oral pain medications. Generally it is performed as Day Stay Surgery and you may go home the same day as your procedure. How long does 1 st MTPj fusion surgery take?Īn uncomplicated stabilisation takes about 60 minutes to perform. This is a possible cause of persisting pain beyond 12 weeks post surgery and if there is a persisting non-union further surgery may be required. It occurs more frequently in smokers and diabetics. Non- union or failure to fuse the joint is very rare but a possible complication. Physiotherapy following surgery is not often required Wearing a heel greater than 1 ½ cm is generally too uncomfortable.
People generally walk without a limp and some can jog. Persisting stiffness is the consequence of the surgery but is adapted to very well as the pain is gone. Serious complications such as infection and blood clots are very rare. Occasionally patients experience some transient numbness around the incision It is common for patients to experience swelling around the fused joint, which can take several weeks to settle. There may be a degree of pain for approximately 2 weeks. The majority of surgeries go very smoothly without any major complications. The 1 st MTPj fusion is a quick and effective operation. What are the risks of 1 st MTP joint fusion? The standard treatment for arthritis of this joint is fusing (stiffening) the joint as it is a reliable way to stop the pain. Spur formation is also common, causing prominence which can make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Arthritis occurs when the articular cartilage wears out and the underlying bone becomes exposed and grinds on the bone on the other side of the joint.
What is a 1 st Metatarsal phalyngeal joint (MTPj) fusion of the Great toe?ġ st MTPj fusion is performed due to arthritis of the ball joint of the great toe (Hallux Rigidis) which has become chronically painful and interferes with everyday activities.