Testimonial for Joint preservation surgery

(Moberg osteotomy) for arthritis of the big toe

My right foot big toe joint had been painful on an off for a number of years and the joint had recently started to seize up, making walking difficult.

I am an active person and felt I needed to seek a professional opinion. Professor Bhatia was recommended to me and therefore I travelled from the Cotswolds to Leicester to be seen by him.

Professor Bhatia assessed the joint and confirmed that it was severe arthritis. There was no possibility of the joint recovering, and I was given a few options, including joint fusion. I decided to go ahead with joint preservation surgery (Moberg Osteotomy).

The procedure was a day case under general anaesthetic and a block. I woke up pain free and, as the joint was anaesthetised, there was no feeling in the joint for several hours.
I was discharged with painkillers; however, these were not needed. I had zero pain from day 1 which was totally unexpected, and I am very grateful for.

I kept the foot raised for the first couple of days and was able to hobble around after that. The dressing was removed after 2 weeks, and I was able to get into my trainers, walk the dog and drive the car at this point. I went on holiday after 6 weeks and had no issues doing my normal activities and was able to wear wedged heels.

I am writing this at 10 weeks post-surgery and I am completely pain free. The joint has healed really well and is no longer seizing up. Professor Bhatia has been fantastic throughout and I cannot thank him enough for his brilliance and expertise. I am likely to need similar surgery on my other big toe at some point in the future and will not hesitate to go back to Professor Bhatia.

Thank you so much!
Kate