Hallux rigidus: current concepts in surgical treatment

Abstract

Hallux rigidus is a common affliction of the forefoot. As with most degenerative conditions, its progressive nature makes the relief offered by conservative management temporary in most patients. A variety of operative procedures have been described with varying success. Presently, first metatarsophalangeal cheilectomy and arthrodesis are the mainstay of treatment for early and advanced stages of the disease, respectively. Treatment of advanced stages of disease remains controversial because of the restrictions on activity and foot wear that arthrodesis imposes. Consequently, interest in developing motion-sparing endoprosthesis and interpositional arthroplasty techniques as alternatives have recently increased. This paper reviews recent progress made with these techniques.