Is arthroplasty recommended to treat a broken little toe?
Patient: I am considering arthroplasty on my right pinky toe. It has been broken several times and of course has arthritis also. The pain is constant and the toe is thick, has turned to the outside and it makes it difficult to wear anything other than wide/soft shoes. I walk a great at least 3 miles a day, play golf and am active. Is it likely that surgery will correct it enough that I will be able to wear normal shoes and resume physical activities? Doctor: Hi there. It looks like due to multiple fractures sustained by your previous toes previously it has not united into its proper position. You can opt for various corrective surgeries around the little toe at the level of the metatarsal bone or at the level of the joint to help correct the alignment and help you with wearing a shoe, and improve your walking. Arthroplasty involves removal of bone and will limit any future bony procedures that may be needed in case. The type of procedure required is mainly based on how your x ray appears and where exactly is the deformity. In order to reduce your pain, consider wearing footwear with soft soles and certain microcellulised rubber(MCR) footwear which has the property of reducing the excess pressure over the prominent bbony region. Make your decision regarding going ahead with any surgery based on your discussion with your doctor.