Big toe cheilectomy (excision of bone spurs)
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What is a big toe cheilectomy and why is it required some of the time?
cheilectomy is an operation used to treat hallux rigidus, a condition where arthritis causes pain and stiffness in the big toe joint. As bone spurs form around the joint, bending the toe becomes difficult, especially during push-off when walking. By removing these spurs, cheilectomy aims to improve movement, reduce pain and delay or avoid the need for joint fusion in the future.
What does the operation involve?
- Performed as a day-case under general or regional anaesthetic.
- A small incision is made over the big toe joint.
- Bony spurs on the top of the joint are removed, and the joint is cleaned.
- Sometimes additional small debridement or cartilage smoothing is performed.
- No joints are fused, and movement is preserved.
Cheilectomy is best suited for mild to moderate arthritis where joint space is still present.
What to Expect on the Day
- Usually home the same day
- Foot is bandaged
- You may walk using a post-operative shoe
- Pain is usually manageable with simple painkillers
- Elevation is important for swelling reduction
Big Toe chielectomy consent
Consent Form for 1st MTPJ Cheilectomy (docx)
DownloadPost Surgical Recovery
Immediate post operative period (0-2 weeks)
- Dressings applied to protect the wound.
- Weight-bearing in a stiff-soled post-op shoe is often allowed immediately.
- Elevation reduces swelling; keep dressings dry.
- Stitches removed at 10–14 days.
2-6 weeks after surgery
- Swelling gradually settles.
- Begin range-of-motion exercises to maintain flexibility.
- Transition into wide or cushioned footwear as tolerated.
- Return to desk work commonly within 1–3 weeks.
6-12 weeks after surgery
- Most daily activities more comfortable.
- Further improvement in movement and pain.
- Start low-impact exercise such as cycling or swimming.
Longer term (3-6 months and beyond)
- Continued increase in comfort and mobility.
- Swelling may persist at end of day initially, gradually improving.
- Higher-impact activities may resume when comfortable.
Recovery is typically quicker than fusion surgery due to joint preservation.
Outcomes
Before Surgery
- Pain when walking or bending the toe
- Limited movement and stiffness
- Difficulty with footwear, exercise and push-off
- Reduced daily mobility
After Surgery
- Improved movement in the big toe joint
- Reduced pain during walking and push-off
- Better tolerance in everyday footwear
- Maintained joint motion
- May delay or prevent the need for fusion
Long term success
- Many patients achieve lasting symptom improvement.
- Arthritis may continue to progress over time in some cases.
- Maintaining mobility with exercises helps long-term function.
- If arthritis becomes severe later, fusion remains an option.
Contact Us
Contact to arrange an appointment
Prof Mason has clinics at Spire Liverpool (weekly) and in Douglas, Isle of Man (every 3 months)
Cost -
Initial consultation - £250
Follow-up - £150
Prof Lyndon Mason
Spire Liverpool Hospital, 57 Greenbank Rd, Liverpool L18 1HQ, UK
Patient Liaison - Clare van de Waal Telephone - 07717580737 E-mail - CVDWclerical@outlook.com Website - <<https://liverpoolfootandankle.com/<<
Copyright © 2026 Prof Lyndon Mason - All Rights Reserved.