First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis - Do joint configuration and preparation technique matter?

First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis with Complete Resection of the Subchondral Bone Plate

First metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis is associated with high union rates but there is a wide range of union incidence reported. Whether the subchondral plate is completely resected, is not reported by individual studies and without meticulous care, there is often residual subchondral plate. The primary aim was to report our union rate following first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis with complete resection of the subchondral plate, locking plate fixation and immediate protected weight bearing. A retrospective case study of 2 surgeons was performed from August 2016 to June 2023. Our study was unique in that all patients had complete resection of the subchondral plate to trabecular bone. One hundred seventeen feet were identified for analysis, in 112 patients following exclusion criteria. Patients were excluded if they had less than 3 months follow-up, revisional surgery or charcot. Demographic data and indications for the procedure were reported. A single construct locking plate with an interfragmentary compression screw through the plate was used in 37 feet and a locking plate with separate interfragmentary compression screw was used in 80 feet. We reported a nonunion incidence of 0.9% (n=1) with a delayed union incidence of 0.9% (n=1) and a broken hardware incidence of 0.9% (n=1). Complete resection of subchondral plate with early weight bearing and locking plate fixation had a high union rate for first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis. Our results compare favorably with union rates in the literature, where there is often residual subchondral plate.

Analysis of the Costs and Complications of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Comparing Locked and Non-locked Plate Fixation Constructs

BACKGROUND

The ideal fixation method for the first metatarsophalangeal joint (first MTP) remains uncertain. This study compares nonunion and revision surgery rates of first MTP arthrodesis between nonlocking semitubular plates and precontoured locking plates.

METHODS

Demographics, fixation technique, and complications of all patients who underwent primary first MTP arthrodesis between 2013 and 2018 were determined from radiographs and clinical records. Cost data were from a 1-year subset of isolated first MTP fusion surgeries. The primary outcome measures of this study were the nonunion and complication rates, with associated costs of patients undergoing first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis with either a noncontoured semitubular plate or a precontoured locking plate.

RESULTS

The study included 189 patients, with a mean follow-up of 18.7 months. The overall nonunion rate was 10.1%, with no difference between the locking and nonlocking plates. The prevalence of a painful implant was also similar. Surgeries using locking plates cost an average of $1,500 more than those using nonlocked plates.

CONCLUSIONS

Because there was no difference in revision between locking and nonlocking plate fixation for primary first MTP arthrodesis, routine use of the more expensive locking plates may not be justified.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III (Retrospective cohort study).

"In Situ" Joint Preparation Technique for First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Comparative Review of 388 Cases

"Cup-shaped power reamers" and "flat cuts" (FC) are common joint preparation techniques in first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis. However, the third option of an "in situ" (IS) technique has rarely been studied. This study aims to compare the clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) of the IS technique for various MTP pathologies with other MTP joint preparation techniques. A single-center retrospective review was performed for patients who underwent primary MTP joint arthrodesis between 2015 and 2019. In total, 388 cases were included in the study. We found higher nonunion rates in the IS group (11.1% vs 4.6%, p = .016). However, the revision rates were similar between the groups (7.1% vs 6.5%, p = .809). Multivariate analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus was associated with significantly higher overall complication rates (p < .001). The FC technique was associated with transfer metatarsalgia (p = .015) and a more first ray shortening (p < .001). Visual analog scale, PROMIS-10 physical, and PROMIS-CAT physical scores significantly improved in IS and FC groups (p < .001, p = .002, p = .001, respectively). The improvement was comparable between the joint preparation techniques (p = .806). In conclusion, the IS joint preparation technique is simple and effective for first MTP joint arthrodesis. In our series, the IS technique had a higher radiographic nonunion rate that did not correlate with a higher revision rate, and otherwise similar complication profile to the FC technique while providing similar PROMs. The IS technique resulted in significantly less first ray shortening when compared to the FC technique.

High complication rates following revision first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis: a retrospective analysis of 79 cases

BACKGROUND

The most common indications for revision of first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis are symptomatic failures of prior arthrodesis, failed hallux valgus correction, and failed MTPJ arthroplasty implants. However, the outcomes of revision MTPJ arthrodesis have rarely been studied. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes of revision MTPJ arthrodesis following different primary procedures.

METHODS

A retrospective review of revision MTPJ arthrodesis cases between January 2015 and December 2019 was performed. The radiographic results, patient-reported outcomes, and rates of complications, subsequent revisions, and nonunions, were analyzed and compared preoperatively and postoperatively. A multivariate analysis was utilized to determine risk factors for complications and reoperations.

RESULTS

This study yielded a total of 79 cases of revision MTPJ arthrodesis. The mean follow-up time was 365 days (SD ± 295). The overall complication rate was 40.5%, of which the overall nonunion rate was 19.0%. Seven cases (8.9%) required further revision surgery. The multivariate analysis revealed that Diabetes mellitus was associated with significantly higher overall complication rates (p = 0.016), and nonunion was associated with "in-situ" joint preparation techniques (p = 0.042). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) significantly improved postoperatively (p < 0.001); However, PROMIS-10 physical health and PROMIS-10 mental health did not change significantly during the study period.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of MTPJ surgery failures is a clinical challenge in orthopedic surgery. In our study, revision of first MTPJ surgery resulted in higher nonunion rates and overall complication rates compared to typical outcomes from primary MTPJ arthrodesis. Diabetes, Tobacco use, and "in-situ" joint preparation technique were found to be independent risk factors for complications and reoperations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III-Retrospective Cohort Study.

Biomechanical Study Concerning the Types of Resection in Arthrodesis of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint

This work concerns a biomechanical study aiming to ascertain the optimal type of joint resection when performing a joint arthrodesis. A 3-dimensional digital model of the first metatarsophalangeal joint including the entire first metatarsal bone and proximal phalanx using CT scans of the forefoot was created. Using this computer model, 4 types of resections; ball-and-socket, flat-on-flat, wedge 90°, and wedge 100° were simulated. Parameters measured using this model were the force necessary to separate the 2 fused surfaces, the surface area of the resected surfaces and the shortening of the first ray. By measuring the reactive force necessary to separate the phalanx from the first metatarsal, the 90° wedge resection was found to be the most stable, with comparable results in the case of the 100° wedge resection. Wedge resections are also more favorable when comparing the shortening of the first ray. Wedge resections, though being more technically difficult to perform prove to be the most stable for metatarsophalangeal joint-1 arthrodesis using this model.

Immediate Weightbearing After First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis With Screw and Locking Plate Fixation: A Short-Term Review

Historically, the postoperative protocol for patients undergoing first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis has included 6 weeks of non-weightbearing, followed by protected weightbearing in a below-the-knee cast boot or postoperative shoe. This prolonged period of non-weightbearing predisposes the patient to disuse atrophy, osteopenia, deep vein thrombosis risk, and, overall, a prolonged time to recovery. The present study reports a retrospective review of a patient cohort that underwent first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion with immediate full weightbearing postoperatively. Thirty consecutive first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodeses were performed during the study period. Five patients were excluded secondary to insufficient postoperative follow-up data or a lack of adequate radiographic evaluation at regular postoperative intervals. Conical reamers were used for joint preparation. Internal fixation, consisting of a single cannulated interfragmentary compression screw and a dorsal locking plate, was used in all patients. The results showed that patients achieved clinical healing at an average of 5.92 weeks and showed radiographic fusion at an average of 6.83 weeks. The patients in the present study had an overall union rate of 96%. Complications included 1 nonunion, 1 superficial wound infection, 1 wound dehiscence, 1 case of symptomatic hardware, and 2 patients with symptomatic hallux interphalangeal joint arthralgia. The mean visual analog pain score preoperatively was 6.64 (range 4 to 8) and postoperatively was 0.6 (range 0 to 4). In conclusion, we found that immediate full weightbearing after first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion in the context of interfragmentary compression and locked plating techniques is a safe, predictable postoperative protocol that allows for a successful fusion interval and an early return to regular activity.

Manipulation under anaesthesia and steroid injection for pain and stiffness after surgery to the first metatarsophalangeal joint

AIM

To determine the effectiveness of manipulation under anaesthesia and local steroid injection to treat stiffness of the first metatarsophalangeal joint following surgery for hallux rigidus or hallux valgus.

METHODS

Patients were identified who had undergone surgery for hallux rigidus or hallux valgus and subsequently were treated with manipulation and steroid injection for stiffness of their joint. Patient records were reviewed to determine the range of movement of the joint pre-operatively, immediately following the procedure and at subsequent follow up. Manchester-Oxford foot questionnaires (MOXFQ) were sent to patients to evaluate symptoms post-operatively.

RESULTS

In total 35 patients were analysed, which included a total of 38 foot operations. Twenty seven had prior surgery for hallux rigidus and 11 for hallux valgus correction. The total range of movement of the joint improved following manipulation by an overall mean of 44.7° (p<0.0001). At subsequent follow up, the total range of movement of the joint was still improved by 22.2° (p<0.0001) overall. The mean post-operative MOXFQ score was 24.8 but no correlation was found between MOXFQ scores and range of movement.

CONCLUSIONS

Manipulation under anaesthesia and local steroid injection is an effective way of treating stiffness following first ray surgery. Treatment results in an improved range of movement of the joint and patients report good function post-operatively.

Do Postoperative Hallux Angles Correlate With Outcome in MP1 Fusion? Our Experience With 71 Cases

PURPOSE

To determine if the postoperative alignment of the hallux influences the final clinical outcome of hallux metatarsophalangeal joint (first MTPJ) arthrodesis.

METHODS

A total of 71 consecutive cases (hallux rigidus) were studied in stages 3 and 4. They were operated through arthrodesis between 2008 and 2014. The follow-up mean was 7.3 years. The AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) test was performed preintervention and per annum. In radiology, both the hallux valgus angle and the dorsiflexion angle of the first MTPJ were studied. Furthermore, clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the type of implant used.

RESULTS

Preoperative AOFAS score was 27.5, rising to 91.3 after the intervention ( P < .01). The improvement test average was 63.6. There were 17 local complications (23%), 7 of them were considered to be major complications (9%), 6 of which needed reoperation (8.5%). The dorsiflexion angle postoperative mean was 21.7°. The hallux valgus angle postoperative mean was 10.9°. No correlations between both angles, and improved AOFAS score or complications ( P > .4 and P > .5, respectively), were found. Patients who had a dorsiflexion angle higher than 20° had greater improvement in the AOFAS score compared with those who had angles lower than 20° (64.5 vs 59.6 points). Nevertheless, this result was not statistically significant ( P = .059). No differences in AOFAS score improvement regarding arthrodesis plate ( P > .1) were found.

CONCLUSION

First MTPJ arthrodesis is a good alternative for patients in advanced hallux rigidus stages when conservative treatment fails. We could not confirm if a better postoperative alignment may influence in clinical outcomes. However, better results are obtained with dorsiflexion angle greater than 20° than with those with less than 20°. Likewise, any differences between the 2 arthrodesis plates have been able to confirm.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Retrospective cohort study.

Treatment of hallux valgus deformity

Hallux valgus deformity is a very common pathological condition which commonly produces painful disability. It is characterised as a combined deformity with a malpositioning of the first metatarsophalangeal joint caused by a lateral deviation of the great toe and a medial deviation of the first metatarsal bone.

Taking the patient’s history and a thorough physical examination are important steps. Anteroposterior and lateral weight-bearing radiographs of the entire foot are crucial for adequate assessment in the treatment of hallux valgus.

Non-operative treatment of the hallux valgus cannot correct the deformity. However, insoles and physiotherapy in combination with good footwear can help to control the symptoms.

There are many operative techniques for hallux valgus correction. The decision on which surgical technique is used depends on the degree of deformity, the extent of degenerative changes of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the shape and size of the metatarsal bone and phalangeal deviation. The role of stability of the first tarsometatarsal joint is controversial.

Surgical techniques include the modified McBride procedure, distal metatarsal osteotomies, metatarsal shaft osteotomies, the Akin osteotomy, proximal metatarsal osteotomies, the modified Lapidus fusion and the hallux joint fusion. Recently, minimally invasive percutaneous techniques have gained importance and are currently being evaluated more scientifically.

Hallux valgus correction is followed by corrective dressings of the great toe post-operatively. Depending on the procedure, partial or full weight-bearing in a post-operative shoe or cast immobilisation is advised. Post-operative radiographs are taken in regular intervals until osseous healing is achieved.

Cite this article: Fraissler L, Konrads C, Hoberg M, Rudert M, Walcher M. Treatment of hallux valgus deformity. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:295-302. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000005.

Minimally Invasive Forefoot Surgery in France

Study groups have been formed in France to advance the use of minimally invasive surgery. These techniques are becoming more frequently used and the technique nuances are continuing to evolve. The objective of this article was to advance the awareness of the current trends in minimally invasive surgery for common diseases of the forefoot. The percutaneous surgery at the forefoot is less developed at this time, but also will be discussed.