A retrospective review of immediate weightbearing after first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis.

Abstract

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis is a proven technique as a salvage procedure for many foot pathologies. Many studies have looked at joint preparation techniques, position of the fusion, and construct stability. In this retrospective study, the authors report the overall fusion rate after first MTP joint fusion with full immediate postoperative weightbearing. Forty-five first MTP arthrodeses were performed during the study period. Eight fusions were excluded, leaving 37 fusions for review. The overall fusion rate was 91.1%. The mean time to fusion was 69.0 +/- 37.6 days. Complications included 2 delayed unions (1 screw, 1 plate), 3 nonunions (1 screw, 2 plates), and 2 hardware removals (1 screw, 1 plate). Fixation stability is important to allow immediate postoperative weightbearing. A fusion rate of 91.1% was seen in a diversity of patients after first MTP fusion with immediate weightbearing.