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failed MP joint replacement surgery

Discussion in 'Ask your questions here' started by Unregistered, Aug 13, 2009.

  1. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest


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    I had a total joint replacement for hallux rigidus in 2003 that is now failing. The metal in the toe is apparently lose and has led to significant bone loss in the proximal phalange. The hardware in the toe will have to be removed. But there won't be enough bone left to put another metal prosthesis in. The hardware in the metatarsal seems fine at this time. I am athletic and I love to dance (recreational). I don't want to give up my active life (I can't even imagine it, to be frank), so a fusion looks very unpalatable. I came across some references to new surgeries that involve full joint replacements with autonomous bone grafts. Could my short toe be grafted with my own bone and some sort of joint surface created so that I could maintain a functioning MPJ?

    Here's another question that has been bugging me: Why do podiatrists insist that a joint fusion is better than a toe amputation? I mentioned this to my podiatrist and he said that I would have to go to South America to have an amputation done. Why? I have read that people who have amputated toes learn to balance and they can walk, run, and dance. I think that that is more believable than the claim that you can do those things when you've had a joint fusion. An amputation seems much more functional than a fusion. Have you ever heard of having an amputation for end-stage MPJ arthritis?

    My podiatrist hasn't mentioned the allograph replacement, nor has he answered my many other questions. I feel like I am supposed to just give up on an active life and succumb to a fusion. I am seeking a second opinion in a few weeks.

    Any information about this would be so appreciated.
     
  2. FootDoc

    FootDoc New Member

    DISCLAIMER:
    THE FOLLOWING IS OFFERED GRATIS AS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY, AND, AS SUCH, MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONER AND/OR HIS/HER PROBLEM. IT IS CLEARLY NOT BASED ON ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE AND/OR EXAMINATION OF THE QUESTIONER OR HIS/HER MEDICAL HISTORY, AND IT CAN NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS DEFINITIVE MEDICAL OPINION OR ADVICE. ONLY THROUGH HANDS- ON PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE ACTUAL PATIENT CAN ACCURATE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS BE ESTABLISHED AND SPECIFIC ADVICE BE GIVEN. NO DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS CREATED OR ESTABLISHED OR MAY BE INFERRED. THE QUESTIONER AND/OR READER IS INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN DOCTOR BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, AND TO ACT ONLY UPON HIS/HER OWN DOCTOR’S ORDERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. BY THE READING OF MY POSTING WHICH FOLLOWS, THE READER STIPULATES AND CONFIRMS THAT HE/SHE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THIS DISCLAIMER AND HOLDS HARMLESS THIS WRITER. IF THIS IS NOT FULLY AGREEABLE TO YOU, THE READER, AND/OR YOU HAVE NOT ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18 YEARS, YOU HEREBY ARE ADMONISHED TO READ NO FURTHER.
    ***********************************************************
    In most all cases, the selection of procedure when there is more than one possible is dependent on the facts and nuances of the case and the evaluation of the patient and his or her needs. None of those facts are available to me so I am in no position to opine in a meaningful way. The only advice I can give is that an amputation is forever and a fusion can be modified, even with an amputation if truly desirable. In my opinion, it would be generally preferable to try the least radical choices first, especially where the more radical is a one-way street.
     
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