Our big toes are integral in helping us move throughout the day, so when a problem develops in the big toe joint, it can cause significant symptoms and greatly affect your quality of life. Bunions are the most common problem that affect the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, but stiff and arthritic great toe joints are just as troublesome.
Hallux rigidus, or stiff big toe, involves arthritis of the first metatarsalphalangeal. This degeneration can be from trauma, repetitive injury and sometimes primary great toe arthritis. It often leads to progressive cartilage loss, changes in joint mechanics and the development of bone spurs on the big toe joint. As the condition develops and progresses, patients can expect to experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Localized pain
- Pain that worsens when walking, running or pushing off of the foot
- Dorsiflexion (upwards bending) of the big toe joint
- Stiffness
- Loss of flexibility and range of motion
Hallux rigidus symptoms and progression tend to respond well to conservative care treatments like shoe modifications, anti-inflammatory medications, orthotic inserts and activity modification, but for more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. That procedure has been made easier for patients thanks to advancements from Wright Medical.
PROstep Cheilectomy
There are a few different surgical options to correct hallux rigidus, but cheilectomy is often viewed as one of the treatment options for early disease as it preserves range of motion in the joint and minimizes bone loss. Wright Medical has advanced the cheilectomy procedure even further thanks to their innovative PROstep system.
With the PROstep technique for cheilectomy, only 1-2 very small openings (4-8mm) need to be made in order to access the surgical site. The surgeon then inserts a special elevating tool to create extra space near the bone spur, and then a wedge burr is used to carefully shave away the spur. The excess bone formation is turned into a paste-like substance by the burr, which can then be readily extracted by the surgeon, returning the joint to a healthy state.
Clinical testing of 44 feet using the PROstep system found that 90 percent of patients experienced symptom improvement and 86 percent of patients returned to normal footwear and daily activities within a week after surgery. The PROstep technique is less invasive than the traditional cheilectomy operation, which helps to speed up recovery time and reduce potential surgical complications like bleeding or scarring.
Atlanta PROstep Bunion Surgery
Dr. Silverman offers the minimally invasive cheilectomy using the PROstep system through his clinic because he’s seen just how effective it can be at helping people get back on their feet after hallux rigidus.