Ask a Toe Fusion Patient
1
I recently had both big toes surgically fused, one after the other, for hallux rigidus (really, really bad arthritis at the bases of my big toes). I live alone, up a set of stairs, and couldn't get out of the house--for 3 weeks for the left one and 6 for the second one.
My surgeon gave me the choice of Cartiva, synthetic cartilage, or fusions, and I chose the latter. So now I have plates and seven screws apiece in each foot where the joint used to be.
If you're considering the same, I'm happy to questions--such stuff as what equipment was helpful and what kind of help I needed as well as anything else I am able to.
BTW, my surgery was called "arthrodesis of the great toe" and probably other stuff I don't remember now. I did a lot of research in the medical literature about it beforehand, though I read a lot of abstracts because I didn't want to pay for the papers. I canNOT offer medical advice, though, since I'm the patient not the surgeon.
Training & Qualifications
I had my left big toe (technically called "great toe) fused October 20.
I had my right great toe surgically fused December 6.
Availability & Preferences
Evenings, weekends, whenever