Finally got a sore big toe checked out and found that I have a bone spur and hallux rigidus. Been going on for a long time, but I ignored it. Finally gotten bad enough to want it fixed.

Not really a good candidate for cortisone shots because I need them in my hand (which doesn't have a good surgical option) and am trying to limit steroids because I get occasional CSC.

Anyway, the doc said I appeared to be a good candidate for the procedure. Suggested it was the best option at this point considering my details. He made it sound like it was not a terrible procedure or recovery. Google seems to back up his opinion.

Wanted to see if others have had it or are familiar with it and the details of having it done and recovering.

I have had a cheilectomy procedure on both of my feet as a result of hallux rigidus and bone spurs in the big toe. Both procedures done by the same podiatrist.

In general the procedures themselves where not bad and the recovery was not overly difficult, but I was in a boot and told to stay off of it for several weeks for each. I'm testing my memory here, but the first was done on my right foot at roughly 28 and second on my left roughly around 31. Prior to each the condition had advanced to a level where I could not bend either big toe and had to limit activity, and at the end of the day my joint would be red, inflamed, and painful to the touch. Felt worlds better after each procedure and was able to go back to running and working out without pain. So, at the time both procedures were worthwhile.

Now for the downsides - by 39/40 both feet redeveloped bone spurs, pain, and lack of movement. I went back to the same podiatrist and they informed me that prior to the original procedures they had indicated it was only roughly a 10 year fix (I have no recollection at all of that being discussed) and that the only possible next step was to fuse the big toe on each foot. Needless to say, I was not pleased.

Coincidentally I crossed paths with an ortho through my kids activities and went to see him for a second opinion. He proposed a HemiCap implant instead of fusion, and I elected to proceed with that on each foot. Surprisingly, the recoveries from these procedures were both much easier than the cheilectomies but that could be due to the use of a stem cell injection in the site during the procedure and newer recovery method ideas that included much less down time. I am 5 years post HemiCap procedures and have enjoyed regained movement and full activity.

That's a lot to throw out there and just relaying my experiences not trying to sway one way or another. Hopefully my case was due to much more overly poor genetics than you have.

Thanks!

The doc was upfront about it not being a permeant fix and that the spur would likely come back. He also mentioned fusion and replacement. He suggested that cheilectomy seemed like the best option in my situation for now as far as helping the problem and recovery time. Interesting that you thought the replacement was an easier recovery.