How long does it take for an MTP fusion to heal?

Your Recovery Pain and swelling should slowly improve over the next 6 weeks. You may not be able to put weight on the foot during those 6 weeks. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year. After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 weeks.

What is MTP joint fusion?

What is metatarsal phalangeal joint fusion? The joints where the foot bones join the toes are called the metatarsal phalangeal (MTP) joints. They make up the middle part (ball) of your foot. In joint fusion surgery, the surgeon removes part of the toe joint and lets the toe bones grow together (fuse).

What is the success rate of big toe Fusion?

Successful healing occurs in approximately 90% of patients who comply with postoperative restrictions. Dr. Whalen notes that revision surgery can be avoided if patients with metatarsophalangeal arthritis opt for fusion surgery, which generally provides positive outcomes.

How soon can you walk after foot fusion surgery?

During the second week after your operation, you should be able to walk short distances using your crutches, but it is crucial to remember to refrain from putting any weight on your foot. After six weeks and once an X-ray confirms that your bones are healing correctly, you can start to put weight on your foot.

Is foot fusion surgery painful?

You won’t feel any pain because the area will be numb. You will soon meet with a physical therapist to discuss how to walk without putting weight on your foot. Once you are comfortable (usually a day or two after surgery, you will go home with instructions and pain medications.

Can you run after MTP fusion?

There are no limits to exercise activities after the fusion, including all sports and running. The screw typically stays in forever, unless you are able to feel it, when it can be removed if uncomfortable.

Is big toe Fusion major surgery?

What does big toe joint fusion surgery involve? The procedure requires a minor incision to be made on top of the big toe and the removal of damaged bone prior to the fusion of the joint with a tiny plate and screw.

How long are you in the hospital for a foot fusion?

Generally 1 night hospital stay is required. The operation is done under a general anaesthesia and an added injection in the leg to numb the foot for after surgery. The operation in general will involve 1-2 incisions on the foot, depending on the exact joints to fuse together.

How successful is foot fusion?

This is a very successful procedure, with excellent outcomes in over 90% of patients. You can expect: Excellent pain relief which improves as the joints fuse (join) at around three months.

What is an MTP joint fusion?

In an MTP joint fusion, your foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and fixes the two bones together with screws and/or plates to enable them to grow together. This is routinely performed as an outpatient procedure.

Will I have a limp after a MTP fusion?

Most people who have a first MTP fusion do not have a limp after it is fully healed. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) offers information on this site as an educational service. The content of FootCareMD, including text, images, and graphics, is for informational purposes only.

What are the benefits of fusion of the great toe joint?

This relieves much of the pain since motion through the arthritic joint is eliminated. To fuse the great toe joint, any remnant cartilage on the arthritic joint surface is removed and the underlying bone is prepared for fusion. The joint is positioned in a manner which maximizes walking ability and maintains acceptable clinical alignment.

Where is the 1st MTPJ fusion located?

That is where the 1st MTPJ fusion resides. The medical term for the big toe joint is the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MTPJ). This is where the big toe attaches to the foot at the level of the first metatarsal bone.