Overview

This surgery relieves arthritis at the base of the big toe. That's a condition we call "stiff big toe," or "hallux rigidus." A cheilectomy gives your big toe a greater range of motion.

Preparation

To begin, your foot is numbed. Most patients are put to sleep. Then, we make an incision on the top of your foot behind your big toe.

Removing bony growths

Now, we examine your toe's joint. We remove bone spurs and any loose bone fragments that are keeping your joint from moving. We may trim your bones so this joint can bend properly.

End of procedure

When it's done, your incision is closed and bandaged. You are watched in a recovery room while you wake up. Follow your surgeon's instructions as you recover.