Definition: A cheilectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove bone spurs from the base of the big toe in the foot. Patients with a condition called hallux rigidis, or arthritis of the big toe, have pain and stiffness in the big toe.
The word cheilectomy comes from the Greek word Cheilos, meaning "lip." A cheilectomy removes the bone spurs, or lip of bone, that forms as a result of arthritis of the joint. By removing the bone spurs, patients have less stiffness of the big toe.
Pronunciation: "K-eye-leck-toe-me"
Common Misspellings: chilectomy, kailectomy
