Toe Joint Replacement

Toe joint replacement, or toe arthroplasty, is an operation that removes a damaged toe joint and replaces it with an artificial one. The procedure is most often performed on the big toe and helps restore its function and reduce pain caused by an injury, arthritis, or other conditions that cause the toe joint damage.

What is Toe Joint Replacement?

Toe joint replacement is an elective surgery that offers improved mobility and relief from pain for people with serious big toe joint conditions. The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint is the joint in the big toe and is most frequently used as it must bend every time a step is taken. If the joint is damaged or stiffened by a condition or injury, walking can become painful.

The joint replacement procedure removes the damaged toe joint and replaces it with an artificial one called a prosthesis. The artificial joint is made from ceramic, metal, or plastic and is designed to work like an organic toe joint.

When is Joint Replacement in the Toe Needed?

Toe arthroplasty is recommended to treat conditions in the foot if other treatment efforts weren’t successful, such as:

steroid injections
physical therapy
lifestyle adjustments
assistive devices like special shoes or a brace

While toe joint replacement surgery is often used to treat arthritis of the big toe, other common conditions that it can treat include:

Hallux rigidus or stiff big toe
Bunions, painful bony lumps on the outside of the big toe
Bone fractures
Osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes the joint to swell and is painful
Osteonecrosis: bone tissue death due to lack of blood supply to it

Toe Joint Arthroplasty

Replacing the toe joint with an artificial one helps treat all the conditions listed previously, but specifically can:

restore the function of the toe joint
improve range of motion
reduce the stiffness and swelling caused by conditions in the toe
relieve joint pain

Toe joint arthroplasty should only be performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon who subspecializes in foot surgery and, prior to the operation, will ask about your general health and any medical conditions you have that could impede the surgery. They’ll examine the toe for strength and its range of motion, order X-rays of your foot to see the bones involved, and perform other tests to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery.

Toe Joint Replacement Procedure

The operation itself takes two to three hours and is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center. The steps to replace the damaged toe joint are:

1.

Anesthesia is administered through an IV

2.

An incision is made at the top of the toe

3.

The joint and any damaged cartilage and bone are removed

4.

The prosthesis is inserted and attached to the bones on each side of the toe joint with pins, bone cement, or screws

5.

The artificial joint is checked to ensure it is secured

6.

The surgeon tests that the toe joint moves appropriately and that surrounding tissues are back in their correct place

7.

The incision is closed with stitches and the foot is wrapped in sterile bandages before being placed in a cast.

1.

Anesthesia is administered through an IV

2.

An incision is made at the top of the toe

3.

The joint and any damaged cartilage and bone are removed

4.

The prosthesis is inserted and attached to the bones on each side of the toe joint with pins, bone cement, or screws

5.

The artificial joint is checked to ensure it is secured

6.

The surgeon tests that the toe joint moves appropriately and that surrounding tissues are back in their correct place

7.

The incision is closed with stitches and the foot is wrapped in sterile bandages before being placed in a cast.

Post Surgery Recovery

After surgery, the healthcare team will monitor you to ensure no side effects or complications from anesthesia take place. You’ll stay in recovery until able to walk safely with help from a walker, cane, or crutches and will be given instructions on how to care for your toe at home:

Keeping the toe iced to reduce pain and swelling
Elevating the foot as much as possible
Wearing hard-soled shoes as often as possible
Returning to have stitches removed and surgical site checked.

Make an Appointment with our Orthopedic Surgeons

We at Proliance Pacific Rim Orthopedic Surgeons strive to help our patients achieve a return to normal activity through compassionate and exceptional care using evidence-based medicine in a patient-friendly environment. We are committed to bringing you a high standard of care that is patient-focused, with the goal of improving your quality of life.