Big toe joint fusion surgery
Big toe joint fusion is an operation that permanently joins the bones at the base of the big toe to relieve pain caused by severe arthritis.
Big toe joint fusion surgery overview
Arthritis of the big toe, also called hallux rigidus, can cause pain, swelling and stiffness at the base of the toe. This can make walking, exercising and wearing certain shoes uncomfortable. Fusion surgery removes the damaged joint surfaces and joins the bones together. The joint will no longer bend, but the aim is to provide lasting pain relief and make walking more comfortable.
How is surgery carried out?
The operation is usually carried out as day-case surgery under a general anaesthetic, often with an injection to help manage pain afterwards.
Your surgeon makes a cut over the joint, removes the damaged surfaces and positions the toe carefully. The bones are held together with screws, a plate or both while they heal into one solid bone.
Are there any risks?
Possible risks include:
- Infection or problems with wound healing
- Damage to a nearby nerve, causing numbness
- A blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT)
- The bones not joining fully (non-union)
- Metalwork becoming uncomfortable
- Ongoing pain or the toe healing in an unsatisfactory position
Your specialist will explain your individual risks before surgery.
Recovery from big toe joint fusion surgery
Rest and wound healing
Keep the bandage dry and wear your post-operative shoe as advised. Limit walking and raise your foot regularly to reduce pain and swelling.
Protected walking
Your wound will be checked and the bandage may be changed or removed. Continue using the protective shoe until your specialist confirms that the bones are healing well.
Returning to normal footwear
An X-ray will check the fusion. If healing is progressing well, you can gradually return to your own supportive shoes and increase everyday activity.
Working with foot and ankle professionals and teams
Our foot and ankle specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their feet and ankles. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Foot and Ankle treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Big toe joint fusion surgery FAQs
You can consider driving once you are back in a normal shoe and can perform an emergency stop comfortably and safely. Recovery may take longer if your right foot was operated on. Ask your specialist and check with your insurer before driving.
You may be able to return to desk-based work after around two to four weeks if you can keep your foot raised. If your work involves prolonged standing, walking or manual activity, you may need six to 12 weeks away.
You can gradually return to low-impact exercise once the bones have joined and your specialist is happy with your progress. Higher-impact activity will take longer, and some footwear or sports may feel different because the fused joint no longer bends.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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