Surgery of the forepart of the foot in rheumatoid arthritis

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital hallux varus deformity associated with pericentric inversion of chromosome 9

Congenital hallux varus is a rare deformity of the great toe characterized by adduction of the hallux and medial displacement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Prenatal diagnosis of congenital hallux varus is presented herein. A 32-year-old woman was referred to our unit due to significant deviation of the fetal right great toe at 22(+2) weeks of pregnancy. Ultrasound examination revealed a thick and short great toe, which was significantly angulated medially on the right side. Amniocentesis was performed and the result was reported as inv(9) (p11;q12). After delivery, the clinical examination confirmed the prenatal diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported prenatal diagnosis of an isolated congenital hallux varus. Congenital hallux varus can be diagnosed easily in the prenatal period by 2-D and 4-D ultrasonography. Prenatal karyotyping should be taken into consideration, especially in the presence of associated anomalies, such as polydactyly and clubfoot.

Gradual Correction of Traumatic Hallux Varus With Metatarsal Hemicallotasis

Traumatic hallux varus associated with osseous deformity, especially in the case of a decreased distal metatarsal articular angle, is an extremely challenging, but rewarding, deformity to treat. To the best of our knowledge, no previous reports have referred to surgical correction of traumatic hallux varus using first metatarsal hemicallotasis. We report the case of a 54-year-old male with traumatic hallux varus associated with medial subluxation of the second metatarsophalangeal joint and second metatarsocuneiform joint arthrosis. The patient was successfully treated with metatarsal hemicallotasis with medial soft tissue release, a proximal second metatarsal shortening osteotomy, and second metatarsocuneiform joint arthrodesis. After 1 year and 6 months, the correction had been maintained in a suitable position, no discomfort or pain was present, and the patient was completely satisfied with the surgical results. Metatarsal hemicallotasis can safely determine the angle of correction and minimize the risk of avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head even in deformed halluces with previous traumatic injuries and/or surgical treatment. This technique should be indicated only for hallux varus with a decreased distal metatarsal articular angle, an angular-type metatarsal head, and good metatarsophalangeal joint congruence.

Flexible hinge silicone implant with or without titanium grommets for arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint

PURPOSE

To review outcomes of 37 patients who underwent arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint using flexible hinge silicone implants with or without titanium grommets.

METHODS

36 women and one man (63 feet) underwent arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using Swanson flexible hinge silicone toe implants with or without titanium grommets. 20 women (35 feet) aged 31 to 72 (mean, 52) years with Steinbrocker grade II (n=4), grade III (n=6), and grade IV (n=10) RA of the feet were treated with the implant without grommets, whereas 16 women and one man (28 feet) aged 48 to 73 (mean, 60) years with Steinbrocker grade III (n=4) and grade IV (n=13) RA of the feet were treated with the implant with grommets. Pain levels were self-rated. Degenerative changes and the presence of osteophytes or deformity were recorded, as were breakage or deformation of the implants, radiolucencies around the implant, implant loosening, silicone-induced synovitis, and sclerosis around the implant.

RESULTS

All patients reported pain relief from severe to mild or moderate. Respectively for the feet with and without grommets, the rates of implant deformation were 25% and 63% (p=0.031), whereas the rates of moderate-to-severe radiolucencies (>2 mm) were 4% and 34% (p=0.004). Sclerosis developed around the implant in all feet.

CONCLUSION

Titanium grommets appear to protect the implant and improve clinical outcomes.

Rheumatoid forefoot deformity: pathophysiology, evaluation and operative treatment options

Despite recent advances in pharmacological management of rheumatoid arthritis, forefoot deformity, with its symptoms, remains a common problem, often requiring operative treatment. Typical deformities in these patients comprise hallux valgus and deformity of the lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints and toes. With regard to the lesser rays the standard operative procedure, advocated for the disabling forefoot pain in these patients, remains metatarsal head resection. It should be considered that with increasing success of pharmacological treatment the degree of forefoot deformity in these patients is becoming less and that resection of the lesser MTP joints is becoming more and more superfluous. This supports a trend towards metatarsal head-preserving surgery. The optimal treatment of the hallux deformity remains unclear. Fusion of the first MTP joint is, generally, recommended. This article will discuss the current surgical options in rheumatoid forefoot pathology.

Replacement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with a Swanson implant accompanied by open-wedge osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone for hallux valgus in rheumatoid arthritis

Hallux valgus is very common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and mostly accompanied by varus deformity of the first metatarsal bone, which is often corrected in surgeries for hallux valgus in nonarthritic condition, but rarely in RA. We performed the replacement of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint with a Swanson hinge toe implant accompanied with open-wedge osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone, aiming at reconstruction of a functioning first MTP joint without recurrence of hallux valgus. Fifteen feet of 11 patients with RA were studied with a mean follow-up period of 45.1 months. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale improved significantly from 39 points preoperatively to 81.7 at the last follow-up. The hallux valgus angle (HVA), angle between the first and second metatarsal bones (M1/2), and that between the first and fifth (M1/5), measured on standing anteroposterior radiographs, decreased significantly from 49.8 degrees, 16.7 degrees, and 34.4 degrees preoperatively to 10.9 degrees, 8.7 degrees, and 22.2 degrees at the last follow-up, respectively. Union of the corrected first metatarsal bone was recognized in all cases and no such problems as infection, dislocation, or implant fracture were observed. These data suggest that replacement of the first MTP joint with a Swanson implant accompanied with open-wedge osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone can be a useful option for hallux valgus in RA.

A review of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the foot and ankle

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that often affects the foot and ankle. Approximately 20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis present initially with foot and ankle symptoms, and most patients will eventually develop foot and ankle symptoms. Although early intervention includes conservative measures, operative treatment often is needed to adequately treat rheumatoid patients. Treatment of foot and ankle problems in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is directed to maintaining ambulatory capacity. This article reviews the clinical presentation, evaluation, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the foot and ankle.

Non-constrained titanium-polyethylene total endoprosthesis in the treatment of hallux rigidus. A prospective clinical 2-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To evaluate the outcome in a prospective 2-year follow-up study of a non-constrained titanium-polyethylene total endoprosthesis (ReFlexion) in the treatment of hallux rigidus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ten patients with painful hallux rigidus were treated with a non-constrained titanium-polyethylene total endoprosthesis (ReFlexion). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring was used preoperatively and at follow-up.

RESULTS

At 2-year follow-up, the AOFAS scoring shbwed 5 instances of excellent, 1 of good, 2 of fair, and 2 of poor outcome. Eight patient were subjectively satisfied and 2 dissatisfied. Five of the patients were painless, 4 had mild, occasional pain, and 1 had moderate, daily pain in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The mean VAS was 7.6 (SD 2.0) preoperatively and 1.1 (SD 1.4) at 2-year follow-up (p < 0.001). Extension increased by a mean of 25 (13-38) degrees and flexion by a mean of 15 (2-35) degrees (p < 0.001). Eight patients had no activity limitations, while 1 had mild and 1 moderate limitations. Alignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint was good in 7 cases, but some degree of valgus malalignment was seen in 2 and symptomatic malalignment in 1. Complications included one subluxation of a prosthesis, one recurrence of severe valgus alignment and one superficial wound infection. Radiological loosening of one cementless phalangeal component was seen at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The non-constrained titanium-polyethylene total arthroplasty gave satisfactory 2-year outcome in 60% of the patients. It is an alternative treatment for hallux rigidus in low demand patients. We do not recommended it for athletes and young people, because high forces acting on the prosthesis may cause a failure.

Surgical treatment of hallux valgus deformity in rheumatoid arthritis: clinical and radiographic evaluation of modified Lapidus technique

The authors evaluated a modified Lapidus technique for 21 rheumatoid hallux valgus deformities. The technique corrects the deformity by performing arthrodesis of the first tarsometatarsal joint and preservation of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The authors clinically studied patients' subjective improvement of pain and footwear comfort, as well as their satisfaction with the outcome of the surgery. The study also analyzed radiographic changes of the hallux valgus angle (HVA) and two intermetatarsal angles, one between the first and the second (M1/2) and the other between the first and the fifth (M1/5). They were measured before the surgery, 3 weeks after the surgery, and at the last follow-up. Pain relief was great or moderate in 17 feet and footwear comfort was improved in 16 feet. Fifteen patients were satisfied or satisfied with some reservations. The average HVA significantly decreased from 44.1 degrees preoperatively to 10.6 postoperatively and significantly increased again to 29.1 at the last follow-up. The average M1/2 and M1/5 significantly decreased postoperatively (from 13 to 8.3 and from 32.2 to 21.1, respectively), and the reduction of M1/2 remained at the last follow-up (8.7), while M1/5 significantly increased again (28.3). This modified Lapidus technique is a useful method for rheumatoid hallux valgus deformity, which can preserve the first MTP joint.

Use of grommets for flexible hinge implant arthroplasty of the great toe

A double stemmed flexible hinge implant was designed in 1974 for use with the Mayo type resection arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Press-fit titanium grommets were developed in 1985 to protect the implant midsection from sharp bony edges and shearing forces that can lead to implant abrasion or fracture, and particulate synovitis. The study of 90 first metatarsophalangeal joint implant arthroplasties performed with encircling press fit titanium grommets showed favorable bone response around the implant stems and the bone to grommet interface, with absence of complications relating to particulate reactivity, implant or grommet fracture. These findings suggest that the grommets effectively protect the implant to bone interface, improve implant durability, and prevent particulate synovitis.

Long-term results of forefoot arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Disabling forefoot deformity of rheumatoid origin frequently requires surgical intervention. Twenty-three patients (36 feet) who underwent excision of the metatarsal heads in our unit between 1980 and 1987 were assessed clinically and radiologically (n = 12) and by questionnaire (n = 11) at an average 10.5 years (range: 4 to 15) following surgery. Although the procedure was initially successful at the time of review, the result was classified as unsatisfactory because of restriction of walking ability due to pain in the forefoot area in 56% of patients. Recurrence of the deformity--more frequently involving the great toe--had occurred in 72% of patients, and painful callosities were present in 61%. In the patients examined clinically and radiologically, unsatisfactory results were due mainly to mal-alignment of the great toe and extensor tendon tightness. Hindfoot deformity also significantly contributed to pain in the forefoot area. Diminished arthroplasty space, irregular resection cascade, and development of bony spikes were frequently associated with recurrence and callosities. The result of forefoot arthroplasty deteriorates with time. Failure to maintain a plantigrade great toe, intrinsic weakness, and hindfoot deformity were the main factors contributing to an unsatisfactory result.

Surgical treatment for mild deformities of the rheumatoid forefoot by partial phalangectomy and syndactylization

Thirteen patients (14 feet) were treated for mild rheumatoid forefoot deformities with lesser toe partial proximal phalangectomies and partial syndactylizations. Eleven patients (85%) were reviewed at an average of 8 years postoperatively. The results were completely satisfactory in four patients, satisfactory with minor reservations in three patients, satisfactory with major reservations in one patient, and unsatisfactory in three patients. The major cause of reservations and lack of satisfaction was metatarsalgia. Seven patients (64%) reported that their activities were limited by intermittent metatarsalgia. Four patients (36%) considered the cosmetic appearance of the forefoot to be unsatisfactory. All but one patient required some form of shoewear modification. Based on this study, we believe the indications for this procedure are limited. These include rheumatoid patients with mild forefoot deformities without significant metatarsalgia or ongoing disease who have failed nonoperative treatment. Relative contraindications to this operation appear to include the recent onset of rheumatoid arthritis, active disease, significant metatarsalgia, and strong cosmetic concerns regarding outcome. In borderline clinical decisions that involve whether or not to leave or excise the lesser metatarsal heads, they probably should be excised to decrease late metatarsalgia.

The use of a grommet bone liner for flexible hinge implant arthroplasty of the great toe

Press-fit titanium grommets were developed to shield flexible hinged silicone implants used for arthroplasty of the radiocarpal, metacarpophalangeal, and metatarsophalangeal joints. Since 1985, 179 titanium circumferential grommets were used in 90 first metatarsophalangeal joints with excellent, pain-free, functional results and favorable bone response around the implant stems and at the bone-grommet interface. There were no complications due to particulate reactivity, implant fracture, or grommet fracture. The use of circumferential titanium grommets appears to be a safe and effective method to improve the long-term durability of flexible hinge implant arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

Relationship of metatarsophalangeal joint fusion on the intermetatarsal angle

To evaluate the effect of fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint on the first intermetatarsal angle, a series of 62 consecutive first metatarsophalangeal fusions was reviewed. Of these, 47 had sufficient data to be included in this study. The results of this study showed that the change in the first intermetatarsal angle following a first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis is directly proportional to the preoperative first intermetatarsal angle. Therefore, when a first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis is performed on a patient with a wide intermetatarsal angle, a concomitant proximal first metatarsal osteotomy is usually not indicated.

Forefoot surgery in rheumatoid arthritis: subjective assessment of outcome

Forefoot surgical outcomes were evaluated in 26 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A total of 45 procedures were reviewed with emphasis on first ray intervention. Disease duration and aggressiveness of preceding medical therapy were combined to establish a disease severity index. Patients operated were predominantly in the midrange of disease severity. Subjective data on the relief of pain, callus, and deformity were favorable but this benefit was not long lasting inasmuch as patients were most satisfied in the period immediately following surgery and less so as time elapsed from intervention. Fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint seemed better than resection alone, indicating that stability should be the primary goal for surgical intervention of the rheumatoid forefoot.

Metatarsal osteotomy in rheumatoid arthritis

Thirty-eight feet in 28 patients with rheumatoid forefoot deformity were operated on with a proximal valgus osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone to reduce splaying of the forefoot. Each patient also underwent additional surgical procedures for associated conditions of the forefoot. The mean follow-up period was 3.7 years. Both the entire forefoot and the medial border of the foot were substantially improved in all but 2 cases. Residual symptoms were slightly more pronounced in the anterior footpad and the lesser toes (5 cases). A proximal valgus osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone, performed in combination with other surgical procedures, affords a good correction of the rheumatoid foot deformity with long-term improvement.