Cheilectomy is the clinical name for big toebone spursurgery.
Cheilectomy is considered a joint-sparing treatment because it reduces pain and stiffness while preserving motion of the toe joint.
What Is Cheilectomy?
Dr. Neal Blitz
This helps to relieve pain and create space for the toe joint to move.
In addition, something called micro-fracture may be performed.
In this, holes are drilled into the bone where the cartilage is missing.
This creates extra blood flow and allows a chance for a scar-like tissue or cartilage to form.
This outpatient foot surgery is performed by anorthopedic surgeonor apodiatrist.
It is done underlocal anesthesiaas either an open surgery or as a minimally invasive procedure with a smaller incision.
Sometimes cheilectomy is done along with another surgery.
Contraindications
This surgery isn’t right for everyone.
Potential Risks
Big toe bone spur surgery is generally safe and uncomplicated.
However, there are risks to be aware of.
Generally, with a minimally invasive procedure, you should expect a smaller scar and faster recovery.
However, complications are more common with a minimally invasive procedure than with an open one.
Bone spurs generally develop on top of the big toe joint and sometimes on the sides.
These bone spurs can develop due to damage, inflammation, or wear and tear of the joint.
Some foot conditionslike bunions or bone fracturesmay look and feel like bone spurs.
The difference can be identified with a physical examination of your foot and an X-ray.
Location
You will have your foot operation in an operating room or surgical suite.
What to Wear
it’s possible for you to wear comfortable clothes and shoes to your appointment.
If you are not sure about if you should stop a particular medication, be sure to ask.
Pre-Op Lifestyle Changes
Most people don’t need to make any lifestyle changes prior to surgery.
Your procedure should take approximately one hour.
You might also need to put on a gown.
You might have your blood pressure and temperature checked.
Your medical team will take you to the operating room or surgical suite.
During the Surgery
Your surgical team will put a drape over your leg, exposing your foot.
Your foot will then be cleansed with an antiseptic.
You will then have local anesthesia injected into your skin with a needle.
This may pinch or tingle for a few seconds as the needle and anesthetic medication are inserted.
The needle will be removed, and your foot may feel numb within a few minutes.
Bone spurs are cut with an orthopedic chisel or a power saw.
Your surgeon may place surgical bone wax on raw bone surfaces to thwart bone spurs from reforming.
Then your skin will be closed with sutures and the area will be cleaned and covered with bandages.
Your anesthetic medication should wear off within a few hours.
You should be able to walk on the day of surgery.
You will need a follow-up appointment about two weeks after your surgery.
Your practitioner will examine your foot and remove your sutures at this appointment.
It might take a few days for you to adapt to your improved toe and foot mobility.
You should stay off your foot in the days after your cheilectomy.
Thereafter, you’ve got the option to walk using special shoes recommended by your healthcare provider.
These will have wooden or other hard soles that support your feet and don’t squeeze your toes.
At that point, you should not have any limitations.
Wound Care
Take care of your wound by keeping it dry and clean.
(If your dressing is water-resistant, bathing will not be a concern.
If not, ask about how best to wash yourself while you are healing.)
Change dressings as directed by your medical team.
After you recover, you will have a small visible scar in the area of your surgical incision.
Pain Relief and Swelling
You should have resolution of any post-operative foot pain within a few days.
Generally, over-the-counter pain relievers likeTylenol (acetaminophen)or Advil (ibuprofen) should provide relief.
The swelling should decrease rather than increase throughout this time.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Overall, having cheilectomy provides relief of pain and improved range of motion.
Shoe styles you once wore may need changing if they are too narrow.
Generally, this is considered a minor surgery with good recovery and a low risk of complications.
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