Cheilectomy
Minimally invasive or open surgery for big toe arthritis
A procedure to help treat milder cases of arthritis of the big toe
What is a cheilectomy?
A cheilectomy is recommended if you have a bony lump that is painfully pressing on your shoe, or as a treatment for early arthritis of the big toe, when the joint isn’t badly affected.
Need to know
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What happens during a cheilectomy? icon plus
A cut is made on the side of your big toe. The lump is removed and the joint cleaned. The joint is then inspected to see how severe the arthritis is.
Once confirmed, the area is stitched and dressings applied. This procedure can be performed as open or minimally invasive surgery. It is mostly carried out as a day case but you may need to be cared for in hospital overnight — depending on your level of fitness and whether you have someone to collect and look after you following surgery.
The operation can be done under general anaesthetic or under a local anaesthetic, which requires an injection above the ankle.
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How to prepare for surgery icon plus
Your consultant will tell you how best to prepare for the operation. If you are having general anaesthetic they will let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand. -
After a cheilectomy icon plus
You should be able to walk again from day one but for the first two weeks you should avoid walking if possible and put all of your weight on the heel. Your consultant will explain what you need to do. They will also let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including exercise and work.
You'll be given pain relief to help tackle any discomfort you have in the first couple of days after your procedure. Your stitches will be removed after approximately two weeks. Your consultant or a member of the physiotherapy team will advise you on exercises you can do to help speed up your recovery.
Our foot and ankle consultants
Our locations
From complex foot surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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London Ankle & Arthritis Centre
Platinum Medical Centre
15-17 Lodge Road, St John's Wood
London NW8 7JA
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
Book a foot and ankle appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced foot and ankle consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.
Call us today
020 7079 4344