Patient’s feedback following Joint preservation surgery (Moberg osteotomy) for arthritis of big toe
The joint on my big toe had virtually no mobility and had been giving me pain for a few decades. In addition, I had a lump on the side of the joint which had gradually got larger over time, I had assumed this was a bunion. The area was tender and I had pain virtually every step I took. In order to manage the pain I walked in a way that avoided bending the toe.
Mr Bhatia assessed the joint and confirmed it was quite severe arthritis in the joint and the lump was bone growth.
It was clear that I would never get full mobility back in the joint so was left with 2 viable options, fuse the joint completely or remove the arthritis and some bone from the toe to provide a degree of flexibility. In addition, reduce the bone growth lump on the side as much as possible.
I opted for option 2, try get a degree of flexibility back.
The procedure was a day case which I had under local anaesthetic (Ankle Block) and was pain free.
Over the first few days, post operation, I had pain and discomfort although this was managed by pain killers. The pain reduced over the next few weeks at which point I was able to wear soft shoes and drive. After 4 weeks the pain and aching had reduced quite a lot and I was able to start doing indoor cycle classes at the gym. At 6 weeks the pain had quite considerably reduced. At 10 weeks I had no pain.
The procedure has made a massive positive difference in terms of eliminating the pain and discomfort but also the fact that I can wear shoes which I had not worn for a long time because it was too painful. I walk without a limp, this was something I had to learn to do again having worked around the issue for so many years!
I am now 6 months on from the procedure and the positive difference this has made to everyday activities is amazing.
Mt Bhatia was fantastic throughout, he was very clear and honest about what could or could not be achieved. Thank you very much you are an absolute star!
Kind regards
Andy