Double compression technique for first MTP joint fusion: A cadaveric analysis of valgus plate fixation.

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis can be fixed using either a dorsal plate or crossed screws. However, there is considerable difference in the cost of these implants, and it is not known if there is sufficient difference in outcome that might justify this cost difference. Our aim was to compare the functional results and patient satisfaction rates after first MTP joint arthrodesis in a group of patients using the same surgical technique except for the fixation devices. A prospective cohort of 27 patients who underwent first MTP joint fusion by the same surgeon using 2 crossed screws or a single screw with a dorsal plate was recruited over a 3-year period. Demographic information, patient satisfaction rates, complications, and union rates were evaluated. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) scoring systems were used pre- and postoperatively to compare the functional outcomes. Thirty consecutive procedures (screws, n = 15; plate, n = 15) were performed. Age (55.8 ± 11.1 vs 63.3 ± 12.4 years for screws and plate respectively; P = .091) and female gender percentages (80% and 73%, P = .666) were similar between groups. The overall union rate was 93% with no differences between groups. AOFAS and VAS scores improved significantly postoperatively for each technique, and no differences were found between the two in the improvement in AOFAS (42.4 ± 8.0 vs 44.3 ± 8.2, screws and plate respectively; P = .520) and VAS scores (66.0 ± 5.4 vs 69.0 ± 6.9;P = .195). The implant cost for screws was $40 and for dorsal plate, $328. First MTP joint fusion using either screws or plate fixation results in an improvement in AOFAS and VAS scores. Functional improvement and patient satisfaction did not differ between the 2 techniques, despite a considerable difference in cost between the two methods of fixation. Level III, prospective comparative study.

Background: First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis can be fixed using either a dorsal plate or crossed screws. However, there is considerable difference in the cost of these implants, and it is not known if there is sufficient difference in outcome that might justify this cost difference. Our aim was to compare the functional results and patient satisfaction rates after first MTP joint arthrodesis in a group of patients using the same surgical technique except for the fixation devices. Methods: A prospective cohort of 27 patients who underwent first MTP joint fusion by the same surgeon using 2 crossed screws or a single screw with a dorsal plate was recruited over a 3-year period. Demographic information, patient satisfaction rates, complications, and union rates were evaluated. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) scoring systems were used pre- and postoperatively to compare the functional outcomes. Thirty consecutive procedures (screws, n = 15; plate, n = 15) were performed. Age (55.8 ± 11.1 vs 63.3 ± 12.4 years for screws and plate respectively; P = .091) and female gender percentages (80% and 73%, P = .666) were similar between groups. Results: The overall union rate was 93% with no differences between groups. AOFAS and VAS scores improved significantly postoperatively for each technique, and no differences were found between the two in the improvement in AOFAS (42.4 ± 8.0 vs 44.3 ± 8.2, screws and plate respectively; P = .520) and VAS scores (66.0 ± 5.4 vs 69.0 ± 6.9; P = .195). The implant cost for screws was $40 and for dorsal plate, $328. Conclusions: First MTP joint fusion using either screws or plate fixation results in an improvement in AOFAS and VAS scores. Functional improvement and patient satisfaction did not differ between the 2 techniques, despite a considerable difference in cost between the two methods of fixation. Level of Evidence: Level III, prospective comparative study.

Various techniques have been described for first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to determine if cup and cone preparation by a single surgeon with an interfragmentary screw and dorsal plate fixation provides a comparable union rate in hallux valgus versus hallux rigidus. Our study included all patients who underwent first MTP joint fusions using cup and cone preparation with an interfragmentary compression screw and dorsal plate fixation from 2010 to 2015. We compared union rates in 65 patients with hallux rigidus with 47 who had hallux valgus. One of 65 hallux rigidus cases developed non-union and underwent revision surgery. One of 47 patients in the hallux valgus group developed a painless non-union. All other patients achieved union based on post operative radiographs. Our rate of painful non-union was 1.5% for hallux rigidus and 0% for hallux valgus, which is lower than recent published literature of 7% for hallux valgus and 3.7% for hallux rigidus. We found no difference between the two groups suggesting this method may provide stronger fixation and may be preferable when dealing with hallux valgus. First metatarsophalangeal joint fusion in patients with severe hallux valgus and hallux rigidus, using spherical reamers, compression screw and dorsal plate fixation is equally successful at achieving clinical and radiographic fusion in both hallux valgus and hallux rigidus.

Immediate Weightbearing of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion Comparing Buried Crossed Kirschner Wires Versus Crossing Screws: Does Incorporating the Sesamoids Into the Fusion Contribute to Higher Incidence of Bony Union?

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes and fusion rates of 4 different methods of first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis. We performed a retrospective analysis of first MTPJ fusion using Bold® and Acutrak® compression screws, universal 1/3 tubular plate and Hallu®-S non-locking plate in 6 hospitals in Dublin over 4years. A cohort of 300 patients (351 feet) was operated on by 3 feet and ankle fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeons (PK, MMS, JVMcK) over 4years. Mean age was 62.4years. There were 261 females and 39 males. One hundred three patients had a fusion of first MTPJ using two Acutrak® screws and 90 with two Bold® screws. Sixty-five were fused with the Hallu-S® plate and 42 with the universal 1/3 tubular plate. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at 6weeks, 3months and 12months. Functional outcome scores performed using Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ). Failure rate in those fused with the Hallu®-S plate was 0%, Acutrak® screws 2.4%, Bold® screws 9.5% and universal 1/3 tubular plate 12.5% (p > 0.12). All treatment groups demonstrated significantly reduced MOXFQ scores (p value < 0.05). In this retrospective study for first MTPJ fusion, a low profile, pre-contoured plate in combination with a screw mode had the best results with no failure rates and improved MOXFQ scores. IV, retrospective study.

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis study investigated the quality and clinical outcomes of the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (BOFAS) registry first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis pathway.MethodsA prospective cohort study using data derived from the BOFAS registry. Adults aged ≥ 18 years with a record of undergoing first MTPJ arthrodesis in the UK from 29/08/2014 to 31/10/2019. The pre‐ and post‐treatment pathway was evaluated by analysing Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) at baseline, 6 months and 12 months intervals. Consistency of data capture and completeness were explored using means, SD, medians and IQR for continuous variables and frequencies for categorical variables.ResultsThe mean age of the study population (n = 459) was 64.1 (± 12.1) years and 98.9% of the study cohort were female. Completeness of data collection was low for some items (e.g., medication 46%, surgical procedures 52%). Baseline completion of PROMs was moderate with 52.5% of participants providing MOXFQ (Manchester–Oxford Foot Questionnaire) pain and walking/standing scores at baseline. However, follow‐up response rates declined substantially to 27.2% at 6 months and 15.7% at 12 months. Improvement in PROMs by 12 months following surgery was statistically and clinically significant (p < 0.001), with median scores of 10 [IQR: 0–20] for MOXFQ pain, 5.5 [0–21] for walking/standing, 0 [0–19] for social interaction, 5 [1–31] for NRS pain and 0.8 [0.7–1.0] for EQ‐5D‐5L.ConclusionThe analysis highlights the clinical benefits of first metatarsophalangeal joint (first MTPJ) fusion surgery, with improvements in pain intensity, walking/standing ability, social interaction and quality of life. The BOFAS registry serves as a valuable tool for collecting patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) data, providing important insights into treatment effectiveness and participant well‐being. Strengthening the data collection capabilities of the BOFAS registry could further enhance our understanding of the benefits of first MTPJ fusion and inform future treatment strategies.

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis is a common procedure for treatment of arthritis of the first MTP joint. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of a series of patients of multiple surgeons undergoing first MTP joint arthrodesis, emphasizing the functional gains with respect to daily activity that can be expected after this procedure. A retrospective review of 53 patients who underwent successful isolated first MTP joint arthrodesis with either a plate and screw or independent screw construct was performed at our institution over a 6-year period. Successful fusion was defined as no lucency at the first MTP joint and bridging of 2 or more cortices on the anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique radiographic views at final follow-up. Demographic information and radiographs were evaluated for all patients. Preoperative and postoperative Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Short Form Health Status Survey (SF) 36/12 functional outcome scores, as well as responses from an activity- and footwear-specific questionnaire, were evaluated and compared between the 2 fixation methods. Fifty-three patients (56 feet) had radiographs showing successful fusions after being treated for advanced degenerative arthritis of the first MTP joint with arthrodesis. Average time to union was 5.4 months. There was a significant reduction in difficulty in performing daily activities, with all subscales of the FAOS and the SF-12v2 significantly improving postoperatively (P < .05). The majority of patients stated that their foot looked and felt better and were satisfied with the procedure. Five patients experienced painful hardware, which required removal. First MTP joint arthrodesis was successful in improving patient-reported outcomes, particularly the ability to perform daily activities. Most patients had little to no functional limitation and were satisfied with their outcome. The greatest functional improvements were seen in patients' ability to walk distances and perform low-impact sport activity. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Category:Bunion; Midfoot/ForefootIntroduction/Purpose:First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis is a commonly performed procedure for patients with various disorders of the first ray including hallux rigidus, severe hallux valgus, failed 1st MTPJ replacement, and failed hallux valgus correction. Outcomes are generally favorable and similar outcomes have been shown in the young and elderly. It is well documented that medical comorbidities have deleterious effects on outcomes in foot and ankle surgery. Obesity - in particular - has been broadly studied among the foot and ankle literature and has been associated with increased complications. Presently, there is a paucity of studies examining obesity's effect on outcomes of 1st MTPJ arthrodesis. This study's purpose was to evaluate outcomes following 1st MTPJ arthrodesis in obese vs non-obese patients.Methods:A retrospective cohort study of 94 patients undergoing first MTPJ fusion over the age of 18 with a diagnosis of hallux valgus or hallux rigidus was performed. Surgical and postoperative outcomes, Visual Analog Pain scale (VAS), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) surveys were examined and stratified into 2 patient groups: BMI < 30 and 3 30, with sub-analyses conducted between Obesity class I (30-34.9) and Obesity class II (35-39.9) patients. Continueous, normally distributed data were compared with independent sample t-tests, while comparisons of categorical data were made using chi-squared tests. Alpha and beta were assumed to be 0.05 and 0.8, respectively.Results:Average overall VAS and SF-36 physical component scores improved significantly at 6 months (P< 0.0001, 0.006) and 1- year postoperative visits (P <0.0001, 0.007) following 1st MTP fusion in the cohort as a whole. No differences in VAS or SF-36 scores were found between the obese (BMI > 30) or non-obese cohorts. Amongst BMI classified subgroups, significantly greater changes in preoperative to 6-month and 1-year postoperative VAS pain were observed in the Obesity class I patients vs. Obsesity class II or greater (P=0.043, 0.022).Conclusion:Our study showed first MTPJ fusion reliably improves pain and physical quality-of-life in arthritic obese and non- obese patients without differences in nonunion, complications, or patient-reported measures. Additionally, we observed that obese patients experienced comparable improvements in VAS pain and SF-36 physical function scores as their non-obese peers. Our findings asset that first MTPJ fusion is an effective procedure for correction of MPTJ pathology in the obese.

The results of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis as a specific treatment for failed hallux valgus correction has not been previously reported. We evaluated the results of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis as a treatment for failed hallux valgus surgery. The records of the senior author (MJC) were reviewed to identify patients treated for symptomatic failed hallux valgus procedures with arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint over a 20-year period. Twenty-nine patients (33 feet) were available for followup examination. The patients completed a visual analog pain score, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale, and a patient satisfaction scale at the final followup. Radiographs were obtained of both feet. The average followup was 8 (1 to 22) years. The average pain score improved from 7 to 3 points. The mean AOFAS score was 73 points at followup. Patient satisfaction was excellent for 13 feet (39%), good in 11 (33%), fair in eight (24%), and poor in one (3%). The mean hallux valgus angle was 16 degrees, with an intermetatarsal angle of 8 degrees. There were three asymptomatic and one symptomatic nonunions. Twenty-two feet (67%) had corrective procedures performed on the lesser toes at the time of the first MTP joint arthrodesis. First MTP joint arthrodesis is a reliable option for revision after failure of surgical treatment of hallux valgus. This procedure can be used to treat a number of failure modes following initial hallux valgus surgery including recurrence, hallux varus, cock-up deformity, degenerative arthritis of the MTP joint, and associated transfer lesions beneath the lesser metatarsals. First MTP joint arthrodesis can be used after failed proximal and distal osteotomies, arthrodesis of the metatarsocuneiform joint, McBride procedure, exostectomy, and resection arthroplasty. Revision procedures have poorer clinical outcomes than successful primary hallux valgus procedures.

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint fusion is a widely accepted surgical intervention for treating severe arthritis, deformities, and instability of the first MTP joint. This paper provides a review of a single surgeon's experience with continuous compression implants (CCI), which offer a notable advantage by providing uniform compression across a larger surface area of the fusion site compared to plate and screw constructs. This design potentially reduces soft tissue irritation and, consequently, the need for subsequent implant removal. It also saves on cost and has the potential to reduce the length of surgery. A retrospective review was conducted on 27 patients (n=36 feet) who underwent primary first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) fusion using continuous compression implants (CCI) between March 2020 and April 2024 at Bradford Royal Infirmary. Patient data were collected from the surgeon's logbook and medical records. The outcomes analyzed included the fusion rate and complications. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0, with p<0.05 considered significant. The mean age of the cohort was 60.24 years (range 41-90), with 88.88% female. The ratio of left to right was 70%. The mean follow-up duration was 27 months (range 6-48 months).Complete fusion of the first MTPJ was achieved in 34 out of 36 feet (94.4%). Nonunion occurred in one patient, while delayed union was observed in another. Clinically, 35 out of 36 patients (97.3%) reported satisfaction with the procedure, with one patient requiring metalwork removal and revision due to loosening. Early results show that the rate of fusion achieved by using the CCI for the first MTPJ arthrodesis in our series was comparable to that of other devices quoted in the literature.

First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with two orthogonal two hole plates

The risk of symptomatic degeneration at the interphalangeal (IP) joint after arthrodesis of the hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint remains undetermined and is a common question from patients considering the procedure. This study investigated the rate of subsequent hallux IP joint fusion after first MTP joint arthrodesis. Patients who underwent hallux MTP joint arthrodesis were identified from a large national commercial insurance database (PearlDiver) by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code. Patients who underwent first IP fusion were also identified. To ensure continued enrollment of patients, the subset of patients with verified insurance claims in the database for all of the subsequent 10 years were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier curve for survivorship free of subsequent IP fusion was generated covering 10 years from the index operation. Of 15,771 patients with MPT joint arthrodesis active on the database to 10 years, 166 had IPJ fusion after MPT joint fusion. The risk of undergoing IP fusion within 10 years after a previous first MTP fusion was 1.052% (95% CI 0.9%-1.1%). The mean time between the 2 procedures was 4.0 years. Because CPT codes in the database were reported without laterality, a small subset of patients may have undergone subsequent contralateral IP fusion. Therefore, this result should be regarded as an upper limit of the estimated rate. The rate of subsequent hallux IP joint fusion of around 1% within 10 years after a first MTP joint fusion in this large database population highlights the durability of the clinical result of first MTP joint fusion and should reassure patients and surgeons considering the procedure.

This commentary is on the original article by van de Velde et al. on pages 624–628 of this issue.

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

The standard treatment for a non-union of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint fusion has been to revise the fusion. Revision fusion is technically more demanding, often involving bone grafting, more substantial fixation and prolonged period of immobilization postoperatively. We present data to suggest that removal of hardware and debridement alone is an alternative treatment option. A case note review identified patients with a symptomatic non-union after hallux metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) fusion. It is our practice to offer these patients revision fusion or removal of hardware and debridement. For the seven patients that chose hardware removal and were left with a pseudarthrosis, a matched control group was selected from patients who had had successful fusions. Three outcome scores were used. Hallux valgus and dorsiflexion angles were recorded. One hundred thirty-nine hallux MTPJ arthrodeses were carried out. Fourteen non-unions were identified. The rate of non-union in males and following previous hallux MTPJ surgery was 19% and 24%, respectively. In females undergoing a primary MTPJ fusion, the rate was 2.4%. Twelve non-union patients were reviewed at 27 months (mean). Eleven patients had elected to undergo removal of hardware and debridement. Four patients with pseudarthrosis were unhappy with the results and proceeded to either revision fusion or MTPJ replacement. Seven non-union patients, who had removal of hardware alone, had outcome scores marginally worse compared to those with successful fusions. Removal of hardware alone is a reasonable option to offer as a relatively minor procedure following a failed arthrodesis of the first MTPJ. This must be accepted on the proviso that in this study four out of 11 (36%) patients proceeded to a revision first MTPJ fusion or first MTPJ replacement. We also found that the rate of non-union in primary first MTPJ fusion was significantly higher in males and those patients who had undergone previous surgery.