Great Toe Hemi-arthroplasty implant for First Joint

[Tonice]

Hi, In June 2007 I had surgery on my right great toe.  An implant was put into my right great toe due to arthirtis.  It was called a First Metarsophalangeal Joint Hemiaroplasty with the Arthrosurface HemiCap Implant.  I was told that in a few months I would be dancing at my daughter's wedding.  That was never to be b/c of the severe pain in the big toe.   It is now March 2008 and I still have bad pain in that toe.  I cannot walk for exercise.  It doesn't matter if I have sneakers or low heeled shoes on.  The doctor said I would be able to wear my heels again - no way.

The toe gets stiff & hurts in a pair of shoes or sneaks but when I take the shoe off - it is stiff & stuck and to move it - it really is extremely painful.

Does anyone know if this is normal to still feel this way?  I was better off without the implant, in my opinion.  Any advise is greatly needed.
Thanks,
Tonice

[cmbcrosby_200]

I had partial hem implant arthroplasty  with spurs removed. 3 weeks after my surgery then got me using a dynasties which made it worse. I am at 7 weeks in terrible pain. I wake up in the middle of the night in terrible throb bing pain. The Dr says the x-rays look good, and doesn't know why I am in so much pain. Last visit she put me on prednisone which didn't help.any suggestions

[twilli67]

I considering having my implant removed after having it for a year.  It's terrible.  Are you much happier with the fusion

[FC100]

I do not recommend this surgery. I am 40 years old and in very good health (besides the one toe). I had this surgery 7 months ago by a very respected podiatrist. I was very optimistic about possibly wearing regular shoes and walking for exercise, even jogging again.  The surgery itself was fine - I was home within 5 hours with a heavily bandaged foot. I started PT within a few days and dealt with the pain. The pain was far greater than I was expecting even with meds but I believed the benefits of the surgery would far out weigh the pain. I was in major discomfort for at least 3 weeks with swelling but I did PT twice a week during the full time. I felt for a few months that things were improving but then the pain increased again and I now also have pain under my toe.  I am so disappointed and feel I should never have had the surgery. The pain is at times worse now then it was before surgery.

[Angel2061]

I understand your going to have your implant removed, what are you having done once it is removed. Both my big toe implants have failed. I am in constant pain. I am deciding on what to do next.

[Angel2061]

Could you tell me who your doctor was and what state he is in that did the second surgery. I had both my big toe joints replaced over a year ago with the hemi implant. I regret it terribly. I have more pain now than before. I am in constant pain, have a hard time walking and wearing shoes.  All my toes hurt now and have pain underneath the balls of my feet.  I did get a second opinion and the podiatrist is recommending fusion.  After reading reviews I don't know if I want to do that.  I just know something needs to be done because I am in constant pain. I would like to get another opinion before I decide.  I just wish I would have done more research before the surgery.

[Cfern]

This happened to me..first year after the implant surgery was great...developed pain in the ball of my foot and I was sent to PT..their exercises (toe raise) gave me capsulitis in my other foot.  Two years and my second toe has shifted toward the big toe, with the third on its way.......I just has an weil osteotomy on my two toes With hopes of putting the balance back in my forefoot...I wish I never had the bunion surgery to begin with....can't even take my dog for a walk...never mind get to the gym.

[Kellemeer]

Was very interested to see your post as I do agility and arthritis in my great toe is making it impossible.  Have you returned to trialling?  Still happy epithet the implant?