# Hallux Rigidus Surgery **URL:** \ **Category:** Foot care\ **Tags:** Foot and toe problems\ **Created:** [24 April 2015 17:03 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053 "2015-04-24T17:03:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1 ## AI-generated summary This thread discusses various outcomes and concerns regarding Hallux Rigidus (HR) surgeries, primarily focusing on decompression osteotomy and cheilectomy. [nh_user_655421](/t/-/401053/1) shares a negative experience involving revision surgery and persistent joint pain 11 weeks post-op, questioning if this is normal. [anon53727290](/t/-/401053/2), identifying as a specialist foot and ankle surgeon, expresses strong skepticism about osteotomies, warning against metatarsal damage and stating that such errors are often perpetuated in training. This sparks a debate on surgical qualifications, with [anon53727290](/t/-/401053/9) clarifying the distinction between foot and ankle surgeons and podiatrists. Other users share their recovery journeys. [nh_user_922741](/t/-/401053/11) reports limping and joint pain four months after surgery. [anon53727290](/t/-/401053/12) describes a traumatic fall during recovery leading to a need for modified osteotomy, expressing significant distress. [nh_user_929083](/t/-/401053/13) seeks advice on regaining mobility after a Sagittal Mitchell osteotomy, noting sharp pain during manipulation. Concerns about long-term outcomes for young patients are raised by [nh_user_937868](/t/-/401053/14) regarding their daughter's debilitating pain after two cheilectomies, leading to scheduled bilateral fusion. Positive outcomes are also noted. [nh_user_1008297](/t/-/401053/23) reports minimal pain and resolved swelling 12 weeks post-surgery, though noting compensatory pain in other toes. However, [nh_user_896288](/t/-/401053/24) and [nh_user_896288](/t/-/401053/26) express exhaustion with daily exercises and persistent joint pain at 6-7 months post-op. [nh_user_655421](/t/-/401053/27) notes that nearly two years post-revision, they manage occasional pain and have good movement. Complications are further detailed by [nh_user_973006](/t/-/401053/22), who suffered multiple revisions due to hallux varus and screw issues, resulting in ongoing pain and limping. [nh_user_1477001](/t/-/401053/30) shares a severe negative outcome, feeling worse than pre-surgery with potential nerve damage, and is now facing a recommendation for full fusion, which they fear. The discussion highlights the variability in recovery, the risk of persistent pain, and the emotional toll of complex foot surgeries.
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_655421](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/a6a055/32.png) [@nh\_user\_655421](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_655421)\ **Post date:** [24 April 2015 17:03 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/1 "2015-04-24T17:03:38Z")
Anyone here had surgery for HR. I had surgery the middle of last year for suspected HR. Decompression osteotomy with Cheilectomy had a few problems with the recovery and had to have revision surgery which included further cheilectomy and debridement. 11 weeks post 2nd surgery and still getting swelling and some joint pain which is different than the before the initial surgery. I have read that swelling can last anywhere up to a year. My worry is the joint ache and pain. I'm not sure if this is post op healing raw bone etc. Or is it something else. Does anyone here have similar experience of HR surgery and did they eventually get rid of the pain?? ---
**Author:** ![anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/67e7ee/32.png) [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)\ **Post date:** [27 April 2015 16:46 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/2 "2015-04-27T16:46:47Z")
"decompression osteotomy" mankes no sense to me. Where was the osteotomy, and what was removed (if anything)? Longitudinal incisions (in the line of the toe) can be a problem as the scar will shorten with time. ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_655421](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/a6a055/32.png) [@nh\_user\_655421](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_655421)\ **Post date:** [28 April 2015 06:50 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/3 "2015-04-28T06:50:13Z")
Osteotomy was on the metatarsal behind the big toe. Not sure how much bone was removed. ---
**Author:** ![anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/67e7ee/32.png) [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)\ **Post date:** [28 April 2015 08:47 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/4 "2015-04-28T08:47:51Z")
How I wish that the NHS surgeons would stop damaging the metatarsal. My message to other readers is the emphatic advice not to allow any surgeon to operate upon the metatarsal. I have seen it all, catastrophy after catastrophy. ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_655421](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/a6a055/32.png) [@nh\_user\_655421](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_655421)\ **Post date:** [28 April 2015 10:41 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/5 "2015-04-28T10:41:54Z")
jP just a question and please don't think I'm being rude. You say you have seen this time and time before, where have you seen this and why are the surgeons performing this type of op if you believe this is a bad op? ---
**Author:** ![anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/67e7ee/32.png) [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)\ **Post date:** [28 April 2015 11:02 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/6 "2015-04-28T11:02:11Z")
I have seen it because I am a specialist foot and ankle surgeon. I have a certain sympathy for my colleagues, because they are only doing what they have been taught. Sadly, these errors are perpetuated in their training. ---
**Author:** ![anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/67e7ee/32.png) [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)\ **Post date:** [28 April 2015 11:05 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/7 "2015-04-28T11:05:28Z")
I have seen it because I am a specialist foot and ankle surgeon. I have a certain sympathy for my colleagues because they are only doing what they have been taught. Sadly these errors are perpetuated in their training. ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_655421](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/a6a055/32.png) [@nh\_user\_655421](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_655421)\ **Post date:** [28 April 2015 11:56 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/8 "2015-04-28T11:56:56Z")
JP thanks for the reply. Is it true this type of Surgery is not usually performed by Orthopeadic surgeons but more commonly by podiatric surgeons? ---
**Author:** ![anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/67e7ee/32.png) [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)\ **Post date:** [28 April 2015 12:10 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/9 "2015-04-28T12:10:15Z")
A foot and ankle surgeon is a fully trained medical practitioner, with a further five year diploma in surgery, plus usually having completed a further foot-and-ankle fellowship in a super specialised unit. Podiatrists do not have this training. ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_655421](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/a6a055/32.png) [@nh\_user\_655421](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_655421)\ **Post date:** [28 April 2015 12:23 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/10 "2015-04-28T12:23:56Z")
I take it you are an Orthopeadic Foot and ankle surgeon..!! ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_922741](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/f6c823/32.png) [@nh\_user\_922741](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_922741)\ **Post date:** [9 February 2016 18:56 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/11 "2016-02-09T18:56:32Z")
I also had the Decompression osteotomy with Cheilectomy.  It has been almost 4 months since the surgery, and I'm still limping.  Still quite a bit of joint pain. Hoping for better results with time.   ---
**Author:** ![anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/67e7ee/32.png) [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)\ **Post date:** [19 March 2016 21:09 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/12 "2016-03-19T21:09:15Z")
I am 3 weeks into post hallux surgery with 4 hammertoes with pins.  2nd nightI t fell due to the knee scooter handles doing a 90 degree flip and I fell on the operated foot.  Now my doctor tells me I have to have a "modified osteotomy in about 6-9 months after the swelling is gone.  I am in pain and am VERY discouraged and depressed.  Has this happened to anyone else?  I have had quite a few surgeries in my life, but the pain from this is almost unbearable.   ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_929083](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/9f8e36/32.png) [@nh\_user\_929083](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_929083)\ **Post date:** [15 April 2016 00:23 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/13 "2016-04-15T00:23:02Z")
Months have passed since this original post.  I had the decompression osteotomy or Sagittal Mitchell just over a month ago.  According the dr's notes, my metatarsal was shortened by 3mm.  At the month check up, I was told I could get out of the boot as long as I wear highly cushioned athletic shoes.  The issue was there is still minimal movement in my big toe.  I have been manually manipulating the toe at least twice a day.  It seems impossible to move the toe down past a certain spot, which is minimal.  Moving the toe up causes sharp pain and sometimes I feel a crack when I release it.  I deal with the pain on  mobility because I'm told to, but is this normal?  How much pain for mobility exercises.  I did have a PT appt and he did graston, which he says made a difference.   What is your experience with regaining mobility with this surgery?  My dr has been vague in what to expect or do going forward. ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_937868](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/8797f3/32.png) [@nh\_user\_937868](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_937868)\ **Post date:** [26 April 2016 17:17 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/14 "2016-04-26T17:17:22Z")
Hi JP - looking for reassurance more than anything else! My daughter has had two Cheilectomy's for Hallux Rigidus and still has debilitating pain - her last x-ray showed no cartilage in the great toes.  She is scheduled for bilateral big toe fusion surgery.  My concern is that she is only 21. I haven't found any resources or studies on long term success of this surgery on a young adult.  Any guidance where to look? or, is that even a concern? thank you! ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_896288](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/bbe5ce/32.png) [@nh\_user\_896288](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_896288)\ **Post date:** [13 June 2016 02:28 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/15 "2016-06-13T02:28:24Z")
Cason what is your suggestion to someone with rigiid big toe.? What would you do if it was your foot? ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_980307](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/bbce88/32.png) [@nh\_user\_980307](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_980307)\ **Post date:** [28 September 2016 02:52 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/16 "2016-09-28T02:52:34Z")
How is your toe today? I'm scheduled for surgery October 20th and it just started investigating patient forms ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_980307](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/bbce88/32.png) [@nh\_user\_980307](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_980307)\ **Post date:** [28 September 2016 02:53 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/17 "2016-09-28T02:53:20Z")
Hi Carol how is your toe today? I'm scheduled for surgery October 20th and I'm doing my homework on whether or not I should have this surgery or not ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_980307](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/bbce88/32.png) [@nh\_user\_980307](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_980307)\ **Post date:** [28 September 2016 02:54 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/18 "2016-09-28T02:54:21Z")
How is your daughter's foot today? I'm considering having the surgery actually I'm scheduled for surgery October 20th and I'm doing other homework and was wondering how she's doing ---
**Author:** ![nh\_user\_980307](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/bbce88/32.png) [@nh\_user\_980307](https://community.patient.info/u/nh_user_980307)\ **Post date:** [28 September 2016 02:55 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/19 "2016-09-28T02:55:14Z")
How do I know if my surgeon is going to damage my metatarsal? And how do I check up on my particular doctor to make sure he is qualified for the procedure ---
**Author:** ![anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/67e7ee/32.png) [@anon53727290](https://community.patient.info/u/anon53727290)\ **Post date:** [25 October 2016 10:08 UTC](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053/20 "2016-10-25T10:08:27Z")
A question for the foot and ankle surgeon. My podiatric surgeon has recommended decompression osteotomy on my left big toe joint. An MRI showed that my osteo-arthritis is far worse than previously thought (the X-rays had suggested mild arthritis). He had previously sugged a cheilectomy, but now says that wouldn't work on its own. even the decompressive osteotomy may not work, he says - the best long-term solution would be to fuse the joint but I'm relatively young (in my early 40s). I have read your comments about not undergoing surgery - how would you treat avanced osteo-arthritis? I get pain in both my feet. I feel like I have little choice. Thanks Julia [Next page](https://community.patient.info/t/hallux-rigidus-surgery/401053.md?page=2)