The Big Toe Joint is susceptable to becoming arthritic due to a variety of causes. In certain circumstances a joint replacement can be done to help preserve the already present range of motion to the joint and remove the pain associated with the arthritis. The indication for this surgery does have its limitations and the outcomes have not been fully studied when compared to other surgical options. These include a Cheilectomy and a Fusion of the toe joint.
Often times it requires a thorough clinical and x-ray evaluation and a very thorough explaination of the limitations of this procedure. The outcomes are generally good to excellent but if this fails a fusion of the great toe joint is often required.