Cheilectomy: Surgery, Recovery, and Risks
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 31, 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is a cheilectomy?
Cheilectomy is surgery that removes bone spurs and extra bone from the top of the big toe joint so the toe can bend. It treats mild to moderate hallux rigidus when nonsurgical care has not helped. Most people go home the same day, wear a special shoe while healing and return to work in about one to two months. [1]
What the research says
Cheilectomy improves big toe motion by about half and sharply cuts pain. A meta-analysis of 16 studies found big toe motion improved by about 51% (from 41° to 62°) and pain scores fell by about 73%. Complications occurred in 11% of patients, and 7.4% needed a revision surgery. (Arceri et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024)
Small-incision surgery had fewer complications but more repeat operations. A review comparing 442 patients who had minimally invasive cheilectomy with 720 who had open surgery found similar function. Complications were 8.2% vs 14.7%, but revision surgery was 9.3% vs 5.0%. (Cristofaro et al., Foot & Ankle Specialist, 2025)
Adding a toe-bone cut did not clearly improve results. In three comparative studies with 282 patients, cheilectomy alone and cheilectomy plus Moberg osteotomy both improved symptoms, with no consistent difference in outcomes, complications or reoperations. (Lim et al., The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 2026)
Key takeaways
Cheilectomy (pronounced "ky-LEK-tuh-me") removes bone spurs from the top of the big toe joint.
It treats hallux rigidus, a type of osteoarthritis in the big toe.
It is usually offered for mild to moderate disease after shoes, medicines and injections fail.
Surgery can be open (one larger cut) or minimally invasive (several small cuts).
Most people go home the same day and return to work in about one to two months.
Some people still have pain and may need a second surgery, such as joint fusion.
Cheilectomy at a glance
Question | Short answer |
What it removes | Bone spurs and extra bone on top of the big toe joint |
Condition treated | Hallux rigidus (stiff big toe) |
Best suited for | Mild to moderate hallux rigidus after nonsurgical care fails |
Types | Open or minimally invasive |
Hospital stay | Usually none — outpatient, home the same day |
After surgery | Special support shoe for a few weeks |
Back to work | About 1–2 months for most people |
Main goals | Less pain, more flexibility in the big toe |
What does a cheilectomy treat?
A cheilectomy treats hallux rigidus, a form of osteoarthritis in the joint at the base of the big toe. This joint is called the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. [1]
In hallux rigidus, painful bone spurs (osteophytes) can grow on top of the joint. They form a bump under the skin.
That bump rubs against shoes. It also blocks the toe from bending, which makes walking and moving harder.
An earlier, milder stage of the same problem is called hallux limitus. You can learn more about the wider condition in this guide to stiff big toe.
Who is a good candidate for cheilectomy?
A good candidate for cheilectomy has mild to moderate hallux rigidus that has not improved with nonsurgical treatment. [1]
Nonsurgical options usually come first:
Nonsurgical treatment | How it helps |
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | Ease pain and swelling |
Corticosteroid injections | Calm inflammation in the joint |
Orthotics and stiff-soled shoes | Limit painful movement in the joint |
Avoiding certain activities, such as running | Reduce stress on the toe |
If pain and stiffness continue despite these steps, a provider may suggest cheilectomy.
How is cheilectomy different from bunion surgery?
Cheilectomy and bunion surgery both remove extra bone, but the bone sits in a different place. [1]
Cheilectomy | Bunion surgery (bunionectomy) | |
Condition | Hallux rigidus | Bunion (hallux valgus) |
Where the bony bump is | On top of the big toe joint | On the outside (side) of the big toe joint |
Main problem | Stiffness and pain when bending the toe | Pain and limited movement from the side bump |
What happens before cheilectomy?
Before cheilectomy, a healthcare provider examines your foot and checks how far your big toe can move. [1]
You may have X-rays or other imaging tests. These show the joint and the size and position of any bone spurs.
How is a cheilectomy performed?
A cheilectomy is performed through an incision on the top (dorsal side) of the foot, where the surgeon removes the bone spurs and extra bone. [1]
Removing this bone does two things. It relieves pain from the bump, and it creates space so the toe can bend further.
Surgeons can operate on one foot or on both feet at the same time. Surgery on both feet together is called a bilateral cheilectomy.
What is the difference between open and minimally invasive cheilectomy?
The main difference between open and minimally invasive cheilectomy is the size and number of incisions. [1]
Open cheilectomy | Minimally invasive cheilectomy | |
Incision | One larger cut | Several smaller cuts |
How bone is removed | Surgeon works through the open incision | A small rotating tool (burr) shaves the spur through the small cuts |
Healing | Healing time varies | You may heal faster |
Research comparing the two shows similar function. Smaller incisions were linked to fewer complications but more repeat surgeries (see What the research says above). [3]
What are the benefits of cheilectomy?
The main benefits of cheilectomy are less big toe pain and better flexibility in the joint. [1]
Across 16 studies, big toe motion improved by about half and pain scores dropped by nearly three-quarters after surgery. [2]
What are the risks and complications of cheilectomy?
The risks of cheilectomy include infection, scarring and ongoing pain in the big toe. [1]
Possible complication | What it means |
Infection | Can happen after any surgery |
Scarring | Can form at the incision site |
Continued pain when moving the toe | Symptoms do not fully go away |
Worsening hallux rigidus | The arthritis can keep progressing |
Pain in the ball of the foot | Discomfort under the front of the foot |
Need for more surgery | A second operation may be needed |
If pain continues, a second procedure may be considered:
Further repair of hallux rigidus
Joint fusion (arthrodesis), which joins the bones of the joint together
Moberg osteotomy, a cut in the toe bone that relieves pressure on damaged cartilage
How long does cheilectomy recovery take?
Cheilectomy recovery time varies from person to person, and swelling can last from a few weeks to a few months. [1]
Here is what a typical recovery looks like:
Surgery day: Cheilectomy is usually outpatient, so you go home the same day.
First few weeks: You wear a special support shoe while your foot heals.
Pain control: Your provider may recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Weeks to months: Swelling slowly goes down.
When can you return to work after cheilectomy?
Most people return to work about one to two months after cheilectomy. [1]
It may take longer if you have a lot of pain or swelling, or if your job keeps you on your feet. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it is safe to go back.
When should you call a doctor after cheilectomy?
You should call your healthcare provider after cheilectomy if the skin around the incision becomes red or very swollen. [1]
These changes need prompt checking by your care team.
Conclusion
Cheilectomy is a focused surgery for a stiff, painful big toe caused by hallux rigidus. By removing bone spurs from the top of the joint, it eases pain and gives the toe more room to move.
It works best for mild to moderate disease after shoes, medicines and injections have not helped. Recovery is usually quick to start, with a same-day discharge, a few weeks in a support shoe and a return to work in about one to two months. Some people still need a second surgery, so it is worth discussing your expected results with your surgeon.
Your next step: Save or print this guide and bring it to your next appointment. Ask your foot specialist which type of cheilectomy suits you, how long you will need the support shoe and what results to expect. For the bigger picture on joint problems in the feet, read our guide to foot and ankle arthritis.
FAQ
How do you pronounce cheilectomy?
Cheilectomy is pronounced "ky-LEK-tuh-me." [1]
Is cheilectomy an outpatient surgery?
Yes. Cheilectomy is usually outpatient, so most people go home the same day. [1]
Can cheilectomy be done on both feet at once?
Yes. Surgery on both feet at the same time is called a bilateral cheilectomy. [1]
What helps with pain after cheilectomy?
Your healthcare provider may recommend a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. [1]
Is minimally invasive cheilectomy better than open surgery?
Both methods relieve symptoms. Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller cuts and may heal faster, but research links it to more repeat surgeries than open surgery. [1][3]
Can hallux rigidus get worse after cheilectomy?
Yes. Worsening hallux rigidus is a possible complication, and some people later need joint fusion (arthrodesis). [1]
Is cheilectomy the same as bunion surgery?
No. Cheilectomy removes spurs from the top of the big toe joint, while bunion surgery treats a bump on the side of the joint. [1]
What is hallux rigidus?
Hallux rigidus is arthritis in the joint at the base of the big toe. It causes pain and stiffness, and bone spurs can form on top of the joint.
How long does it take to recover from cheilectomy?
Recovery varies from person to person. Swelling can last a few weeks to a few months, and most people return to work in about one to two months.
Can I walk after cheilectomy?
Many people can walk soon after surgery, often in a special stiff-soled shoe. Your surgeon will tell you how much weight to put on your foot and for how long.
Related reading
References
Cleveland Clinic. Cheilectomy: Surgery, Procedure Details & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated August 24, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24130-cheilectomy
Arceri A, Di Paola G, Mazzotti A, et al. Reviewing Evidence and Patient Outcomes of Cheilectomy for Hallux Rigidus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2024;13(23):7299. PMID 39685757. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237299
Cristofaro C, Mercier M, Lameire DL, et al. Outcomes Following Minimally Invasive vs Open Cheilectomy for Hallux Rigidus: A Systematic Review. Foot & Ankle Specialist. 2025. Epub ahead of print July 2, 2025. PMID 40600262. https://doi.org/10.1177/19386400251345538
Lim B, Lim G, Kon C. Does an adjunct Moberg osteotomy improve outcomes in patients undergoing cheilectomy for hallux rigidus? A systematic review. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. 2026. Epub ahead of print August 20, 2026. PMID 42624426. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2026.08.015
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe). OrthoInfo. Accessed October 30, 2026. https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases--conditions/stiff-big-toe-hallux-rigidus/
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk with a qualified healthcare provider about your symptoms and treatment options.
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