Hello, I have had several surgeries on both of my big toes and recently had both toes fused. I've suffered with arthritis for about 15+ years, so I had bone on bone in both big toes. Doctors recommended that I have hemi toe implants put in, so I did. I had the left one done, then the right one in the same year. After months of physical therapy, I figured that the pain and stiffness was going to be a way of life. Finally, I went to see another surgeon and he said that they were put in 'too tight' and he could redo them and I'd feel great. OK....went in for the first toe, then 5 months later had the second big toe done...More physical therapy, toes froze up and I was a mess again. Third doctor (Dr. Oloff/SFGiants Podiatrist)said that he could remove hardware, do bone graft and fuse the toe. Surgery was on Feb 13 (Friday the 13th). 2 1/2 hours later surgery was over and I went home shortly afterwards. 5 months of recovery, cast changes every 2 weeks, xrays, etc and I"m very happy with the results. Three weeks ago, I had the right toe done with the same procedure. The pain isn't too bad. The toes have been 'frozen' for years because of the scar tissue, so having them fused is basically the same, without the constant bone on bone pain. I actually had NO choice but to have them fused and I'm determined to get my life back, exercise more and I won't have to avoid places that required me to walk any long distance (shopping centers, beach, etc). I have a good attitude, which is so important with the recovery.