Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road London W1T 7HA
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street London W1G 6PU
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place London W1U 5NY
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, London SW1W 8RH
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street London SE1 9BS
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street London SE1 2PR
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road London NW8 7JA
Chelsea Outpatients - 280 King's Road
280 King's Road London SW3 5AW
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place London NW8 9LE
Golders Green Outpatients
Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre London NW11 9PY
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House Elstree WD6 3BS
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.