Institute of Hand and Foot Surgery

Metatarsophalangeal joints are affected by inflammatory processes (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis). As a result, displacement and dislocation of small joints may occur, causing pain.

There are several types of operations; one of them is removal of the metatarsal head, which relieves discomfort and allows free walking. Bunions are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe resulting from a congenital deformity called hallux valgus, which causes the big toe to shift toward the adjacent toes. When symptoms are present — pain and difficulty walking — an osteotomy is performed to straighten the big toe and metatarsal bones. After surgery, special footwear is required for 4–6 weeks. Similar nodules on the foot may develop due to joint inflammation and degeneration (osteophytes in hallux rigidus). These formations are surgically excised. Hammer toes are a deformity where toes curl into a claw shape or become fully flexed.

Surgical Procedures:

• Removal of the deformed joint between phalanges. Following arthroplasty, the structure remains mobile;
• Arthrodesis — fusion of phalanges together. Surgery duration is approximately one hour;
• Dorsal foot surgery — metatarsal surgery;
• Ankle arthritis. Causes include degenerative changes (osteoarthritis) and inflammatory changes (rheumatoid arthritis). Cartilage destruction, thickening of adjacent bone, osteophyte formation, pain, swelling, and sometimes deformity occur.

Surgical Methods:

• Arthroplasty — ankle fusion of the foot and shin bones, making the joint fixed and immobile but pain-free;
• Ankle joint replacement with an artificial joint.