Hallux rigidus is arthritis of the base of the big toe (or hallux). The surgical options include cheilectomy (removing the excess bone) or fusion of the painful joint. Dr Michel Maestro presented his preliminary results on the use of a pyrocarbon sphere to essentially act as a spacer between the two painful surfaces. The goal of the sphere is to relieve pain while retaining motion at the joint. Very early results - but a technique that may gain momentum in the coming years!

A useful link is attached.