Treatments of the Big Toe

The first MTP, also called the first metatarsophalangeal joint, is the big toe joint. A first MTP cheilectomy is a surgical procedure that removes bone spurs on the top surface of the big toe joint. Bones spurs develop due to arthritis of the big toe, also known as hallux rigidus. The spurs block the toe’s motion, which causes pain. A first STMP cheilectomy relieves pain and improves range of motion in the big toe.

The first MTP, also called the first metatarsophalangeal joint, is the big toe joint. A first MTP joint fusion is a surgical procedure to treat arthritis of the big toe. This condition can cause pain and swelling and lead to difficulty walking, running, and wearing shoes. Arthritis develops when the cartilage on each bone wears away and the two bones that make up the big toe joint rub against one another.

In a first MTP joint fusion, the bones are joined (fused) together permanently so they cannot rub against each other and cause pain. 

The first MTP, also called the first metatarsophalangeal joint, is the big toe joint. A first MTP joint interposition arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to treat arthritis of the big toe. The treatment can stop pain at the base of the big toe by preventing the surfaces of the bones from rubbing together. It also can preserve some motion in the big toe.

The first MTP, also called the first metatarsophalangeal joint, is the big toe joint. A first MTP joint replacement treats arthritis of the big toe. The bone on either side of the joint is partially removed and replaced with metal, plastic or a combination of both. First MTP joint replacement lessens pain, retains motion, and improves the position of the big toe.

The first MTP, also called the first metatarsophalangeal joint, is the big toe joint. A first MTP joint resection arthroplasty treats arthritis of the big toe. This procedure stops pain by preventing the surfaces of the big joint of the big toe from rubbing together. 

First MTP medial capsulorrhaphy is a procedure that tightens the soft tissue on the inner side of the big toe joint. This procedure is done along with other procedures to help correct a bunion deformity. It should not be performed alone due to the likelihood of the bunion returning. Bunions involve both an altered position of the bones of the foot as well as a stretching of the soft tissue around the joint, which allows the big toe to turn inward toward the second toe. Both of these should be addressed to allow long-term correction of a bunion.

The goal of tightening the soft tissue is to restore normal tension of the previously stretched out tissue, aiding in pain relief pain by straightening the big toe. Bunion procedures also may improve the cosmetic appearance of the foot but should not be done for this reason alone.

A flexor hallicus longus (FHL) tendon transfer to the proximal phalanx of the big toe is used to treat clawing of the big toe.

Small muscles in the foot help to stabilize the big toe. When those muscles are weakened by disease, an imbalance occurs that leads to clawing. The clawing puts abnormal pressure on the ball of the foot that can cause an ulcer to form. In addition, clawing may lead to pressure on top of the toe from shoes. Clawing is associated with a variety of underlying disorders, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, diabetic neuropathy, traumatic brain injury, polio, and stroke.

The primary goal of an FHL tendon transfer is to decrease the abnormal pressures on the big toe. This will prevent ulcer formation, or in the case of an existing ulcer, promote healing. An FHL tendon transfer often is done at the same time as other foot procedures.

This surgery is used to treat flexible hammertoe deformity. A hammertoe deformity is one in which the toe is bent and looks like a hammer. A flexible deformity is one in which the toe can be manipulated into a straight position. This deformity can cause shoe problems, corns, and pain with walking.