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In 1987 I slipped on my wet laundry room floor and jammed my right great toe into the cement wall. Although I had immediate medical attention, the joint became arthritic, and it never stopped hurting in spite of repeated courses of physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications.
As it became arthritic it lost range of motion, and the joint enlarged so that I needed a wider shoe size. I went from a 2A to a medium. I developed sacroiliac joint pain/spasms and hip pain.
I am a mother who has put children first. I am Director of Nursing who has put patients, staff and organization first. For far too long I had put off looking for the necessary and proper treatment of my damaged toe joint. When I consulted with local orthopedic physicians, believing that they could make me better, I learned the truth.
The truth was that my arthritis of twenty years had left me with a toe joint that was almost fused together. As a result, I had sacroiliac and hip problems directly related to my almost fused toe joint.
The orthopedic physician wanted to complete the fusion of my toe to my foot. I wanted to be returned to as near a state of normalcy as possible. I wanted to walk, swim, golf, dance and be me, the flexible me again.
I was given the name of Dr. Richard Koenig, the inventor of a wonderful toe joint replacement. (Dr. Koenig developed his joint design in conjunction with the company that made the replacement shoulder my husband has had for over 2 years. They also make knees, hips, elbows and other various parts.) Dr. Koenig and I set up a consult appointment at which time he reviewed all of my concerns. We scheduled surgery following x-ray studies.
Surgery was as an outpatient. I was off work for one week, as I recall. After a few weeks post-op, I no longer had sacroiliac or hip pain. I attribute this to the improvement in my gait.
In this marketplace today, healthcare expense is usually the responsibility of third party payers. Although it is insurance companies which pay the bills, it is the patient’s duty to self to be treated with the most modern joint replacement by the most skillful medical professional to eliminate pain, to restore function, to get you back on your feet. You’ll be glad that you found Dr. Richard Koenig, I know I am.

Sue B., Hospital Administrator

I am 74 yrs. old and was having trouble with my big toe going under my other toes on my right foot. I could not wear dress shoes. My first foot surgery did not entirely fix my problem, (the Surgeon called it a Chevrolet.) Years later I consulted with Dr. Koenig. Now that the Doctor has done such a great job (I call it a Cadillac), my big toe is straight and the joint bends, easily. I can’t wait to put on my dancing shoes.

Charles C., retired USN Chief Petty Officer

I am 68, own my own business and am on my feet 10 hours a day. After previous unsuccessful joint removal surgery for arthritis in my big toe joints, I often tripped and lost my balance. Dr. Koenig re-operated my right great toe joint (the worst of the two.) The operation was extremely easy to tolerate and within 3 weeks, I was back at work. With the aid of Dr. Koenig’s specially designed post-operative shoes, I was pain-free. I now look forward to having the left foot operated with Dr. Koenig’s implant, so I will no longer trip and stumble and loose my balance.

Joyce B., Art Gallery Co-Owner

Dear Dr. Koenig, I want to thank you for the gift of mobility again. I have been a surfer all my life and before my toe surgery, I was so restricted that walking was an effort - let alone surfing. Now my pain is totally gone and I feel I can do anything athletic again. I am grateful that you have taken the technology to a level that didn’t exist before. It’s like magic. I would recommend this surgery to anyone in a similar situation.

Mike M., 58 y/o Surf Shop Owner

I would like to thank Dr. Richard Koenig for his care, his skill and his kindness when he performed surgery on my right big toe . for years I suffered with an arthritic joint in my right foot. Dr. Koenig replaced this joint with his implant. The procedure was done under local anesthesia, at an outpatient care center. My down time was minimal, the surgery performed was painless, and in less than a week I was walking on my right foot without any discomfort I would recommend Dr. Koenig to any patient who is having pain due to arthritic joint in their feet, having difficulty walking due to painful joints, or have pain when they put on their shoes.

Ellen H.

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