Why is this procedure done?
A cheilectomy is surgery to remove a bone spur from your big toe or ankle. Most of the time, two bones meet together and cartilage covers the ends. This lets them glide smoothly as the joint moves. With a bone spur, there is a small bony growth that blocks motion of the joint and causes pain. This surgery removes the bone spur and cleans out the joint space. Then your joint can move freely once again. ‚
What will the results be?
You will have less pain and you may have better movement of the joint. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are completely asleep.
- Your doctor will make a cut over the bone spur. The bone spur is removed and the joint space is cleaned out. Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- The procedure may take 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the recovery room for a few hours. The staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- Your doctor may teach you how to do range of motion exercises once you get home.
- Your doctor may limit how much weight you can put on your foot after surgery. It is important to follow these instructions in order to heal properly.
- Most often, you will be able to go home later that same day.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels
- Numbness
- Pain that continues
Where can I learn more?
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ‚
http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/treatments/Pages/Ankle-Cheilectomy.aspx ‚
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ‚
http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/treatments/Pages/First-MTP-Cheilectomy.aspx ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-08-19 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Adult
- Neuromuscular and Skeletal
- Therapy (Occupational, Physical, Speech, etc)
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚