Hallux Limitus Surgery: Implant vs. Fusion, which is best for you?

Patients with late stage big toe arthritis (hallux limitus or hallux rigidus) that are exploring surgical options are often unsure if a fusion or implant is best for them. Dr. Bob weighs in...
If you have very bad, late stage arthritis and your don't care about wearing high heels, we would suggest a joint fusion. A fusion should last your entire life with no need for revision surgery.
For those patients that want to keep motion in their toe, we have had great success with the Arthrosurface implant. It is incredibly strong and allows us to really dial in the amount of treatment, correction and surgery. Additionally there is very minimal bone removal making future fusion possible, if necessary.
Arthrosurface implant recovery: patients are allowed to immediate weight bear, moved into a shoe within five days and back to full activity within two weeks.
#halluxrigidussurgery #halluxlimitus #arthrosurface #bigtoearthritis #jointfusion #podiatristlosangeles #footandanklesurgeon #drbobbaravarian #universityfootandankleinstitute
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[@nuttysigns7113]

Having my great toe fused was the worst thing I could have ever done. I am desperately searching for a surgeon who has been successful in fusion reversal. I was an athlete and now I have trouble walking. I absolutely hate it.

[@CallMeJeff]

How old r u

[@jaxoncarrol5195]

Same here. This condition is extremely painful and makes you feel horrible. It is 1 of the worst pain wise thing I've ever had.

[@sknuts2783]

@@CallMeJeff I was 51 when it was fused. I am as athletic as a 20-year-old.

[@MorningDove154]

Thank you for your comment, I have just seen my specialist and decided to go for the correction and not fusion because of the many reviews I read including yours. I hope you find a solution that could ease your pain 🙏

[@sknuts2783]

@@MorningDove154 Good choice. Down the line, it will likely need to be fused anyway. Stay away from fusion as long as possible.

[@califdad4]

I had my right foot fusion surgery but I think if I was doing it over again, I would do the joint replacement , you don't realize how much you move your toes in everyday things like getting out of a bath tub. But it was my choice to do this surgery so I wouldn't have to do the fusion surgery when that wore out

[@sknuts2783]

I had a joint replacement before the fusion. What do you want to know?

[@califdad4]

@@sknuts2783 well I did the fusion so I all about it

[@sknuts2783]

@@califdad4 when did you have it and how is it?

[@califdad4]

@@sknuts2783 had it in 1999, as you know I was laid up for close to 5 months, it's fine, my foot doesn't hurt like it did before. My Dr told me that the joint replacement only lasts about 10 -15 years and I figured that since I was 64 when I did it, would put me at 76-78 having to do fusion, and how difficult that would be at that age, so I opted to do it instead of the joint replacement, so it's permanent fixed.

[@bridgetweaver-hicks8086]

@@sknuts2783Hello, I would like to know how soon were you back and up after the replacement.

[@Alexander-dt2eq]

haha 2 weeks recovery.. well yes actually i had a pain-free toe (left one) 2-3 weeks post-op, but my right toes joint capsule is still hurting after months. Do not get fooled, yes this implant can be great for you and I still believe so, but fusion recovery is definitely about the same amount of time or even quicker than a total toe implant.

[@sknuts2783]

I never recovered at all.

[@AcD15]

I had a cheilectomy in 2014. It wasn't that successful but reduced pain. My toe is stiffening up again. Frustrated that I can't do things like walking lunges or sprint. Running with Hoka trainers is fine though. Pain is starting to kick in so wondering if this a robust option that will support running and carrying weight on my back when I go hiking

[@nicoleliotti7421]

I would do the implant . Thank. You for information.

[@PrayBehuman]

Thank you for good information. I think there will be a lot of references

[@skmk3900]

Thank you doctor 😥

[@pinkspace6687]

Oh my goodness! Why isn’t this offered everywhere? My podiatrist didn’t even mention this. I don’t want fusion. I’m in so much pain. I want to keep movement and walk. I don’t want to wear flats forever. I have severe fibromyalgia, why should I suffer more with a fusion; right? How can I get my doctor to look into this? Must he be trained in it?

[@MikeWoot65]

Might have to take a trip to a good doc. this guy is in LA

[@sknuts2783]

Be VERY careful with a replacement. They do fail in time. Mine lasted 5 years, but it was a shit implant. Had I done my homework, I would have done things differently.

[@marykroeker4230]

I’m Canadian,I’ve had two toe surgeries, (I have arthritis in the joint)I have no cartilage left . Would I be a good candidate for a joint replacement? No one here doe that type of surgery,I’m in soo much pain , I should have just had it fused I guess

[@sknuts2783]

There are surgeons out there that can do it successfully with a calcaneous bone graft or iliac crest bone graft to lengthen the 1st ray. Not in my town, sadly. All podiatrists are fusion happy. Try an orthopedic surgeon. Older doctors will NEVER stray from fusion.

[@youdontwanttoknow5203]

Oh boy. Don't count on it. Less ROM now than ever before. Got the Hemi. 2 surgeries later and still no greater ROM and in a LOT of pain still. Gait is worse. Afraid to take a step after sitting for any length of time. I really don't think fusion would be any better. Fed Up.

[@butcherwoman3753]

I just had a fusion. Wow the pain! Not that I didn’t think it wasn’t going to painful but didn’t think it would be this tough. Elevate, elevate, elevate and ice, ice, ice! Good luck. I can’t wait until I am through the healing process. I am 48, there was no cartilage left fusion seemed a better choice surgically and hope there has to be no revision in the future as with a joint replacement. Eyes to the toes! Good luck.

[@twistedsd]

@@butcherwoman3753 How is the recovery coming along?

[@twistedsd]

Huh, ima confused as to what you are trying to say...

[@sknuts2783]

I hear ya. I feel your pain. Make sure they lengthen your 1st ray with a bone graft before they fuse it, especially since you have had 2 surgeries.

[@bridgetweaver-hicks8086]

@@butcherwoman3753can you provide an update. How are you doing ?

[@01dukegirl]

This sounds like such a great option. I have been diagnosed with hallux rigidus and told to just do a fusion because other routes my not last or require more surgery. I am so torn! I am active. Do like to wear a mid heel or my fav is platforms without a high arch. I am active and do some modeling. Any thoughts? Thank You! 🦋🦋

[@karthij2709]

That's great ❤️.

[@bobdigi500]

What did you choose to do in the end?

[@sknuts2783]

If you don't have the issues I have had, you will be able to wear mid heel. Forget about flip-flops or any type of sandal that does not have a strap on the back. d

[@sknuts2783]

I gotta know, why is "duke" in you r name?

[@Dee17050]

Would the implant work for patients with no cartilage left in the joint?

[@sknuts2783]

It's bone, not cartilage. A bone graft takes care of that.

[@sknuts2783]

Hey, Bob. No comment?

[@gagesstuff5946]

Not the implant i was thinking about