A toe fusion is performed by removing the cartilage from both sides of the joint and perforating the ends of the both bones to expose the underlying bleeding bone. This procedure simulates a fracture for which the body has a built-in program for healing.
In order to get the two bones to heal to each other, metal plates, screws or pins are used to bring the two bleeding ends of the bones in contact with each other. This way when the bone healing program runs its course, the two bones will connect together and become one bone.