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I need the joint on my big toe replaced and my Dr. has not provided any info as to what to expect. First of all, it just seems funny that a toe would get a joint replaced. The only website that I could find with any real info stated that a joint replacement is not recomended for an active person.
Questions:
1) heal time
2) better off after or before replacement
3) how long does the joint last
4) problems
I feel lucky that my only health problem is a sore toe!
Yes, there are toe prosthesis; the great toe being the one most commonly affected. The prosthesis eliminates painful joints or mal occluded joints, thus enablilng flexibility and painless movement to the toe.
The prosthesis is made of solid silicone, and comes in a variety of sizes, to fit the joint. They are held in place by the normal tension of the joint (afforded by the ligaments), but some can also have a cover on the ends, which allows for boney ingrowth to secure it.
The devices are manufactured by Wright Medical Corporation, an orhtopedic device manufacturer and distributor.
They can be inserted by orthopedic surgeons, or podiatrists.
The questions you pose need to be addressed to and discussed with the doctor. Nobody here can tell you about healing time, operating time, expected outcomes, etc., primarily because your lifestyle and current medical history are pertinent to those questions. Nobobody here has your information or x-rays.
Get a referral to a board certified orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist. Some ortho docs will actually refer to a podiatrist, as they do more foot work than the orthopedics do on a daily basis. Ortho's are more concerned, in most cases, with large bone and limb injuries/conditions. Check that person out prior to going "under the knife."
Possible problems: infection from surgery, possible reaction to anaesthesia, possibly changing the way you walk which would give you knee or back pain.
Ask the doctor if the prosthesis will allow for a normal "push off" using the big toe. Also ask him if just the metatarsal head (the bump you feel under your toes) is removed or is part of the tarsal (toe) bone removed? What anchors the joint in place? How much flexion (bending) and extension (straightening ) of the toe is expected after surgery? Where will the surgery be done, hospital or doctor's office?
In general, hip and knee replacements have been very succesful. Shoulder, wrist, finger, toe replacements have had more difficulties associated with them, mainly due to the anatomy of these joints.
My question is: Are you in a lot of pain or is there a reason you HAVE to have this? I mean it isn't a hip or kneee replacement where you can't get around without it.
Thanks for your input. To answer a couple of questions that were raised. I was born with a deformed foot that has deteriorarated to the point where the toe will pop out and that will get your attention. I went to the Dr. and suggested that he should just amputate the toe because I have never been able to use it. He would not consider amputation and said that he would have to remove the deformity and install a new joint.
I checked the Dept of Healing Arts web site and he has been licensed for a long time with no complaints. He is the second Dr. that I have seen and they both agree that the joint has to be replaced. I am just concerned that the info that I have been able to find states that this procedure is not for active people. I guess I could have the joint replaced and then have the toe amputated if I have problems. I have really good health insurance, so my cost for the operation will only be $50.00.
Possible problems: infection from surgery, possible reaction to anaesthesia, possibly changing the way you walk which would give you knee or back pain.
Ask the doctor if the prosthesis will allow for a normal "push off" using the big toe. Also ask him if just the metatarsal head (the bump you feel under your toes) is removed or is part of the tarsal (toe) bone removed? What anchors the joint in place? How much flexion (bending) and extension (straightening ) of the toe is expected after surgery? Where will the surgery be done, hospital or doctor's office?
In general, hip and knee replacements have been very succesful. Shoulder, wrist, finger, toe replacements have had more difficulties associated with them, mainly due to the anatomy of these joints.
The toe joints and finger joints have been around for over thirty years. They are very well refined, and return a person to normalcy in regard to the functions of the toe joint. They are "hinged" in the center, and allow for great extension and flexion.
Yes, as with ANY surgical procedure, there are risks involved. NO surgery is without them. BUT- I believe you will find the potential benefits to outweigh the risks, depending upon your currnet heatlh.
Wright has been manufacturing or distributing these prosthesis over the years, and has a good reputation. Unlike the silicone breast fiasco, these are unaffected. Talk to you phsyician. The surgeon can give you all the information you need regarding the proceure, potential complications, and expected outcomes.
You can also visit the Wright Medicalt seb site at [url="http://www.wmt.com"]
Go to "extremities" and look at the right side of the page, most of the way down. You will find "Swanson Great Toe Prosthesis." If you click on that, there is a PDF link for the surgical procedure.
Again, check the credentials of the surgeon, prior to consenting.
Good luck
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