Painful Hallux Rigidus Research Articles

Morton’s Extension on Hallux Rigidus Pathology

Study design, case-control study: Background, Morton’s extension (ME) is a kind of orthotic that has been used as a conservative treatment of painful hallux rigidus (HR) osteoarthritis, but only their effects on first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) mobility and position in healthy subjects have been studied, but not on its applied pulled tension forces neither in subjects with HR. Objectives: This study sought to understand how ME’s orthotics with three different thicknesses could influence the kinematic first MPJ by measuring hallux dorsiflexion using Jack’s test and a digital algometer with a rigid strip anchored to the iron hook’s extremity and comparing subjects with healthy first MPJ mobility to those with HR. We aimed to clarify whether tension values were different between healthy and HR subjects. Methods: Fifty-eight subjects were selected, of whom thirty were included in the case group according to HR criteria and twenty-eight were included in the control group. A digital algometer (FPX®® 25, Wagner Instruments®®, Greenwich, CT, USA) was used to assess the pulled tension values (kgf) of the first MPJ during Jack’s test. Results: The pulled tension values were highly reliable (ICC > 0.963). There were no statistically significant differences between the pulled tension values for the different ME conditions in the case (p = 0.969) or control (p = 0.718) groups. However, as it’s expected, there were statistically significant differences comparing all pulled tension values between case and control group subjects (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Different ME’s thicknesses had no influence on the pulled effort applied during the dorsiflexion Jack’s test between the healthy and HR groups; therefore, it can be prescribed without joint-care danger. In addition, it is proven that there is greater resistance to performing Jack’s test in the HR group than in the healthy group, regardless of ME’s orthotics. Furthermore, it is shown that the digital algometer device is a valid tool to detect the first MPJ restriction and is more reliable than other tests.

Percutaneous First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion.

The first metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint fusion is a very useful procedure in forefoot surgery and is still the gold standard for the treatment of severe and painful hallux rigidus. Normal walking and running are possible after MTP1 fusion, the first ray mobility being essentially in the interphalangeal (IP) joint with a compensatory hypermobility in dorsal flexion. Percutaneous MTP1 fusion is a simple procedure providing comparable results to fusions performed with open techniques. Postoperative cares are simplified with an immediate full weight bearing on rigid flat shoes and quick return to normal walking. Bone preparation is an important step and requires an experience in percutaneous forefoot surgery. Arthrodesis positioning and fixation with this percutaneous procedure are simple with possibility of clinical and radiological control. The indications for percutaneous MTP1 fusion are very large and only severe bone loss or osteoporosis represent the limits for this technique.

Autogenous Capsular Interpositional Arthroplasty Surgery for Painful Hallux Rigidus: Assessing Changes in Range of Motion and Postoperative Foot Health

The autogenous capsular interpositional arthroplasty procedure can be a motion-sparing alternative to arthrodesis for the treatment of recalcitrant hallux rigidus deformity. Previous studies have reported positive results; however, many had small samples or lacked comparable preoperative measures. The present study used a prospective cohort study to assess the benefit of this technique for increasing range of motion, and comparative data to assess the reduction of pain and improvements in perceived foot health status for a consecutively drawn sample of patients. Thirty-four patients (44 feet) reviewed using a long-arm goniometer at a mean of 3.75 years after surgery experienced a significant increase in dorsiflexion (preoperative mean 11.09° ± 10.13°; postoperative mean 26.64° ± 10.07°; p < .001); plantar flexion remained unchanged. Additionally, 15 of 17 patients for whom the hallux abductus angle was initially greater than the normal range was within the normal range postoperatively. The postoperative patient perceptions of foot pain were significantly better than those from a comparable sample of patients presenting for a surgical opinion (t[69] = 6.80), just as were the perceptions of foot function, foot health, and footwear comfort (p < .001 for all). The postoperative perceptions of foot pain were comparable with the postoperative results from a range of previously published studies. These results have shown, with improvements in range of motion and reduction in pain, that autogenous capsular interpositional arthroplasty is a useful, motion-sparing technique in the treatment of painful hallux rigidus and should be considered for classification as a clinical practice guideline.

MOJE Ceramic Metatarsophalangeal Arthroplasty: Disappointing Clinical Results at Two to Eight Years

Among the surgical treatment options for osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) are a number of different designs of total arthroplasty, including the MOJE, a ceramic press fit arthroplasty. We present a 2- to 8-year followup of 31 procedures. Thirty-two MOJE arthroplasties were undertaken for painful hallux rigidus in 30 patients (nine male, 21 female) over 6 years (mean age 61.9; range, 37 to 76). At followup patients' symptoms, levels of function and radiographs were scored using SF-36, modified Kitaoka and AOFAS systems. Followup rate was 97%, with mean followup time 58 months (range, 28 to 97). Mean scores were: Kitaoka 53.8 (15 to 75), AOFAS 61.3/100 (range, 18 to 100), SF-36 physical combined 48.6 (27.6 to 58.7) SF-36 mental score 52.2 (19.5 to 62.2). Sixteen showed radiological evidence of component loosening (either lucency, subsidence or both) and one radiograph revealed component fracture. Eight implants have been revised. In patients who had not undergone subsequent fusion, 15 had less than 36 degrees of movement, nine had 36 to 45 degrees, four were in the 46 to 60 range, and only one had more than 60 degrees. There were no infections. Although previous studies have suggested favorable initial outcomes with the MOJE prosthesis, all have focused only on the early results. In our series, the reoperation rate of 26% at up to 8 years is worryingly high, especially given that 16 (52%) showed loosening. Although there appears to be a cohort of patients who have satisfactory outcomes with the MOJE, we would suggest the continued use of this implant.

The long-term patient focused outcomes of the Keller's arthroplasty for the treatment of hallux rigidus

BackgroundThe Keller arthroplasty has been used to treat painful conditions of the first MTP joint for over 100 years. More recently the procedure has fallen out of favour, due to a high incidence of transfer metatarsalgia and poor function of the first MTP joint post-operatively. ObjectiveThis study sought to review the place for Keller arthroplasty in the management of hallux rigidus by considering outcomes from the patient's perspective. MethodsFrom 1997 to 2005, 104 patients (131 feet) underwent a Keller excisional arthroplasty for the treatment of hallux rigidus. All subjects were classed as grade III on the Hattrup and Johnson scale of joint classification and had a primary complaint of painful hallux rigidus. The American orthopaedic foot and ankle scale was applied pre-operatively and post-operatively.Thirty-two participants (42 feet) were available for a final review (6 male feet and 34 female feet). The range of follow up was 36–154 months with a mean average follow up of 92 months (7.6 years). The age range at the time of surgery was 42–78 years with a mean average age of 62 years at surgery and 69 years and eight months at review. ResultsSeventy-six percent of participants were completely satisfied, 21.5% satisfied with reservations and 2.5% were dissatisfied. High levels of satisfaction were recorded for pain relief, activity levels and overall patient satisfaction. Ninety-five percent of participants reported their symptoms were improved at long-term follow up compared to pre operatively; however 9.5% of the group complained of transfer metatarsalgia. Nineteen percent of participants, all female, were not happy with the cosmetic appearance of their foot. The mean pre-operative AOFAS clinical rating scale scores was 38. At final follow up the mean score was 89. ConclusionThe Keller excisional arthroplasty is a simple reliable procedure for the treatment of severe hallux rigidus. Furthermore, it is effective in achieving pain-free movement of the first MTP joint, but carries a risk of creating transfer metatarsalgia. For nearly 20% of participants post-operative cosmetic appearance was disappointing.

Long-Term Results Following Keller Resection Arthroplasty for Hallux Rigidus

We assessed the long-term results following Keller resection arthroplasty for the treatment of hallux rigidus. We then compared them with alternative surgical methods like cheilectomy, arthrodesis and joint replacement. Eighty-seven cases of Keller resection arthroplasty for hallux rigidus were reviewed with mean followup of 23 years. Their mean age at time of surgery was 50 years. Analysis included personal clinical evaluation with the AOFAS Hallux Score, quality-of-life assessment using the SF-36, radiographic assessment, pedobarographic evaluation and analysis of the patients' charts to detect any postoperative complications. At the time of followup only five (5%) feet had undergone revision surgery. For all other cases we calculated a mean AOFAS score of 83 points. Sixty-nine of 73 unrevised patients (94%) would opt for this operation again under the same circumstances. SF-36 parameters showed age related normal values. Pedobarographic assessment revealed only moderate weightbearing alterations. Our long-term results compare favorably with published results following arthrodesis, cheilectomy or joint replacement for the treatment of painful hallux rigidus. Clinical results and subjective assessments were very good and complication rates were low compared to competing methods. Keller resection arthroplasty remains a valuable surgical option for the treatment of advanced stages of hallux rigidus with high patient satisfaction, moderate weightbearing alterations and comparable low complication rate in our experience.

Distal Oblique First Metatarsal Osteotomy in Grade 3 Hallux Rigidus: A Long-Term Followup

While some studies have demonstrated that metatarsus primus elevatus in hallux rigidus is an uncommon secondary change rather than a causative factor, we believe it is, in fact, more common. We advocate surgical treatment if the first ray is elevated beyond normal range, thereby acting as a decompression realignment osteotomy. We analyzed patients operated between June 1994 and December 1996. Oblique distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal was performed in 20 patients. A retrospective review of clinical and radiological outcomes was performed including an AOFAS score and patient satisfaction scale. The postoperative ROM was evaluated with lateral radiographs in maximum plantar/dorsiflexion. The average followup was 11.1 (range, 8.7 to 13.6) years. One case of metatarsalgia was the only postoperative complication. The average AOFAS score increased from 44 (range, 14 to 68) to 82 (range, 80 to 100). Good to excellent results were achieved in 19 patients. The mean passive dorsiflexion of the first MTP joint improved from 8 degrees (range, 5 degrees to 10 degrees) to 44 degrees (range, 15 degrees to 55 degrees). No patient underwent subsequent surgery. The oblique osteotomy is a safe and reliable procedure for treatment of painful hallux rigidus. In our experience, it yields good and excellent results with high patient satisfaction and low complication rates.

Sodium Hyaluronate in the Treatment of Hallux Rigidus. A Single-Blind, Randomized Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intra-articular sodium hyaluronate (Ostenil)mini) compared to intra-articular triamcinolone acetonide (Trigon depot) in the treatment of painful hallux rigidus. Thirty-seven patients (ages 40 to 80 years) with painful early stage hallux rigidus were enrolled in the study. One group received an intra-articular injection with 1.0 ml sodium hyaluronate (SH); the other received an intra-articular injection of 1.0 ml triamcinolone acetonide (TA). Patients were evaluated on days 0, 14, 28, 56 and 84. Effectiveness was measured using the following parameters: joint pain at rest or on palpation (VAS), with passive motion, and gait pain; AOFAS hallux metatarsophalangeal score; use of analgesics and global assessment of the treatment by the patient and investigator. Safety was evaluated by the outcome of tolerance to treatment and observation of adverse events. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test and Friedman test. Thirty-seven patients (40 feet) were evaluated. Pain at rest or with palpation and pain on passive mobilization decreased significantly in both treatment groups in comparison to baseline (p<0.01), but no significant between-group differences were observed (p>0.05). Gait pain improved substantially in the sodium hyaluronate group with significant differences compared to the triamcinolone group at days 28 and 56 (p<0.05). The AOFAS total score improved significantly in the SH group compared to the TA group (p<0.05). This was mainly due to improvements in the pain subscale. No between-group differences were seen regarding the use of analgesics. Global assessment of treatment by patients was good in both groups, and there was a significant between-group difference favoring SH when areas under the curves (AUC) were calculated (p < 0.05). Tolerance was good in both groups. Adverse events occurred in three patients. Intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate are effective and safe in decreasing hallux rigidus pain. The AOFAS scores in the SH group were significantly better than in the TA group.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

Swanson's silastic implants in great toes.

This is a review of 77 partial replacement and interposition arthroplasties in which Silastic implants were used. The operations were carried out between 1971 and 1977 on the metatarsophalangeal joints of the great toes of 62 patients. Twenty-six of the operations were for painful hallux rigidus and 51 for hallux valgus. The patients were reviewed 12 to 92 months after operation, the average follow-up being 60 months. The analysis of results indicated that while the procedure may be suitable for hallux rigidus its use for hallux valgus is not fully satisfactory in the long run.