Resection arthroplasty is a surgery where the surgeon removes part of your joint to relieve your symptoms. The space left after the procedure fills in with scar tissue over time.
A first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint resection arthroplasty specifically treat severe arthritis of the big toe stopping the pain by preventing the surfaces of the big joint of the big toe from rubbing together.
Am I a Candidate for Foot Arthroplasty?
The main symptoms that patients with severe first MTP joint arthritis experience are pain and loss of motion at the joint between the big toe and the foot. Your foot and ankle surgeon will examine you and take X-rays to determine the extent of the condition.
For the safety of the patient, those with infection or blood vessel disease should not be considered for this procedure. Young age and poor skin around the joint or large deformity are sometimes barriers to surgery. Diabetics should consult their doctor before this surgery. If you have any additional questions or concerns, contact our South Florida foot doctor at 954-906-9272 and make an appointment today.
Foot Arthroplasty Procedure
The procedure starts with your surgeon making an incision over the first MTP joint carried down to the joint. In order to expose the diseased joint, the joint capsule is opened after the incision.
The surgeon then proceeds to remove the joint surfaces along with a small amount of bone creating a space. To stabilize the space left, tissues around the area are sewn together. The final step of the procedure involves closing the joint capsule and skin stitches. The space created may fill in with scar tissue over time.
After the foot arthroplasty surgery, a soft dressing of gauze and tape is placed over the toe and foot.
If you feel you would benefit from a foot arthroplasty procedure don’t hesitate to contact our office today for a consultation. Schedule an appointment online today.
Post-Operative Care
Followed by early motion to minimize stiffness on the toe, the first MTP joint should be immobilized. Physical therapy may be recommended (in most cases) to increase motion and strengthen the first MTP joint. In order to reduce swelling, patients are recommended to keep their foot elevated as much as possible. Depending on the condition of the skin and the patient’s overall recovery, stitches are removed after 10 to 15 days. Once the stitches are removed, patients are encouraged to wear a hard-sole shoe.
References
1. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society – First MTP Joint Resection Arthroplasty (Keller Procedure) – http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/treatments/Pages/First-MTP-Joint-Resection-Arthroplasty-(Keller-Procedure).aspx