Hemiarthroplasty with Hemi-Implant
in New York City
Do you suffer from hallux rigidus, or arthritis in your big toe? Hallux rigidus isn’t just any arthritis; instead, it affects the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which is the joint where your big toe attaches to your foot. Hallux rigidus is the most prevalent type of arthritis affecting the foot, and the most common symptom is a stiff big toe (which is what “hallux rigidus” means).
At Chelsea Foot and Ankle, we offer an incredible procedure to help patients with end-stage hallux rigidus. Hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant isn’t a new type of surgery, but it is often overlooked in favor of first MTP joint fusions. However, unlike a fusion, hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant allows you to maintain the natural range of motion of your toe while eliminating the pain.
Hemiarthroplasty
What Is Hemiarthroplasty with Hemi-Implant?
When the lower joint of your big toe, or MTP, stiffens due to hallux rigidus, even the easiest tasks can be painful. Hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant is a procedure performed to replace half of the worn-out joint with a sleek and durable implant.
Your big toe is responsible for much of your movement, including balance, weight-bearing, stability, and forward propulsion. If you suffer from hallux rigidus, these movements can become difficult and extremely painful, affecting your functionality and quality of life. The goal of hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant is twofold: to eliminate bone-on-bone contact, which causes discomfort and pain, and to restore range of motion in the MTP joint.
What Can Hemiarthroplasty with Hemi-Implant Treat?
Hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant is specifically designed to treat hallux rigidus, a condition that causes arthritis in the first metatarsophalangeal joint of your big toe. Hallux rigidus is degenerative and leads to increasing levels of stiffness, pain, and loss of motion in your big toe. Hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant surgery can achieve the following:
Reduction in pain associated with end-stage hallux rigidus
Restoration of joint function and mobility
Continuation of natural movement, unlike joint fusion
Long-term relief while preserving foot mechanics
Why Choose Hemiarthroplasty Over Fusion?
Fusion of the joints involves permanently joining two bones together, which can significantly limit your movement. Because your first MTP joint (and your big toe in general) is responsible for so much of your body’s movement, fusing that joint can cause unintended consequences. Gait changes from fusion can lead to pain in other areas, as well as increased stress and pressure on other parts of your foot. You may also be unable to wear boots or shoes with heels, as your big toe cannot flex enough to allow you to walk properly.
Hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant, on the other hand, offers several advantages. Instead of fusing the joint, your surgeon replaces part of it, preserving your body’s natural motion and allowing you to walk with ease. The surgery offers a more comfortable and quicker recovery because there is less disruption to your foot’s anatomy than with fusion. The best part is that because you now have a durable metal joint helping you walk, you can enjoy pain-free movement for years to come.
Am I a Good Candidate for Hemiarthroplasty with Hemi-Implant?
Good candidates for hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant are people in good overall health who suffer from hallux rigidus. Ideal candidates for hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant are people who wish to treat their condition without fusion, including:
- Those who want to preserve range of motion in their big toe joint.
- People who still want to wear boots or shoes with (reasonable) heels.
- People who love to exercise and who need flexion in their big toe for proper athletic movement.
- People who want to be able to walk without pain.
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant is to schedule a consultation with one of the skilled and experienced surgeons at Chelsea Foot and Ankle.
How Is Hemiarthroplasty with Hemi-Implant Performed?
A hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant procedure is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about an hour to perform. During the surgery, a small incision is made over the top of your big toe joint. Next, the base of the big-toed portion of the joint is carefully removed, leaving the first metatarsal head side of the joint intact. A biocompatible hemi-implant made of medical-grade titanium is then placed into the base of the big toe, replacing the part of the joint that was removed. Any spurs or extra/loose bones around the joint are also removed at this time. Once the hemi-implant is secured, the incision is closed with sutures, and your foot is bandaged.
What Is Recovery Like After Hemiarthroplasty with Hemi-Implant?
Recovery after hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant surgery is much quicker and more comfortable than fusion surgery. After your hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant procedure, you are immediately allowed to put weight on your foot, though you’ll want to spend the first few days resting, icing, and elevating your foot to minimize swelling. You will be able to return to your normal activities within four to six weeks, or as soon as your surgeon clears you. Fusion surgery, on the other hand, requires you to be non-weight-bearing for at least six weeks but often longer, followed by a slow return to normal activities—typically around the three to six-month mark.
What Can I Expect From My Hemiarthroplasty with Hemi-Implant Results?
The results of a hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant are often life-changing! Most patients experience a significant reduction in pain and improvement in their range of motion. You can comfortably wear the footwear of your choice and engage in athletic activities without worrying about stiffness or discomfort.
The results of your hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant procedure are long-lasting, giving you decades to a full lifespan of improved mobility and flexibility.
Learn More About Hemiarthroplasty with Hemi-Implant Surgery in New York City
If you’re looking for a proven alternative to fusion that eliminates hallux rigidus pain, hemiarthroplasty with hemi-implant surgery is the answer! To discover more about the procedure and determine if you are a good candidate, contact Chelsea Foot and Ankle today by calling (646) 929-4149 or completing the online contact form.
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An absolutely amazing experience. Dr. Ciment is an absolutely wonderful person – it is very evident that he truly cares about his patients.
What a pleasure to meet Dr. Shastri. She was extremely personable, listened intently and actually was able to treat my condition to a fair extent in the first sitting.
Highly recommend her.