Big toe joint fusion surgery

A surgical procedure that helps alleviate pain by removing the arthritic toe joint and fusing the two big toe bones with metal.

Enquiries & Appointments

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About joint fusion surgery to the big toe

Big toe fusion surgery is almost always carried out on people who have severe arthritis in the joint of their big toe.

It can be an effective way of easing arthritic pain. It won't necessarily restore full flexibility to your toe but walking should be much easier and more comfortable.

Need to know

Big toe joint fusion surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you'll be asleep for the procedure. Your surgeon will make a cut across the top of your big toe to remove the arthritic joint and any lumps of bone around the joint.

They'll also re-position the bones that the joint connects — the phalanx and metatarsal. The bones are then fixed together with metal screws or a metal screw and plate. The cut in your toe will be closed with dissolvable stitches.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you may have. If you're having general anaesthetic, they'll also tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.
You should be able to go home on the day, but please arrange for someone to collect you. You'll have a bandage around your foot so you won't be able to drive. It's normal for you foot to be swollen for a few weeks after your operation. You should try to elevate it as much as possible. You may be given pain relief to take as directed by your medical team.

To help you make the best recovery, your consultant will probably recommend that you have a course of physiotherapy. They'll also let you know when you can get back to your usual routine. However, you should take a couple of weeks off work – more if you have a manual job.
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Paying for medical treatment

You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.

Our Big toe joint fusion surgery locations

The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chelsea Outpatients

Chelsea Outpatients

280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients

Elstree Waterfront Outpatients

Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Golders Green Outpatients

Golders Green Outpatients

Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre NW11 9PY London
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients

The Wellington Hospital Outpatients

15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.