Joint-preserving surgery in rheumatoid forefoot: preliminary study with more-than-two-year follow-up

The authors propose a joint-preserving surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformities as an alternative to the "classic" surgical approach to the rheumatoid forefoot. The main principle is joint preservation by shortening osteotomies of all the metatarsals performed at the primary location of the rheumatoid forefoot lesions, namely the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints and metatarsal heads. A scarf osteotomy is normally performed on the first ray. A Weil osteotomy is performed on the lesser metatarsals. Excellent correction of the hallux valgus deformity in the rheumatoid forefoot can be achieved with a scarf osteotomy in 92% of cases without the need for MTP joint arthrodesis. Similarly, 86% of the lateral metatarsal heads can be preserved using Weil osteotomies.     

Arthrodesis compared to Mayo resection of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in total rheumatoid forefoot reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Painful forefoot deformity from rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with resection of the lesser metatarsal heads combined with either resection or arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized study we compared arthrodesis of first MTP joint with Mayo resection as part of total forefoot reconstruction in patients with painful forefoot deformity from rheumatoid arthritis. The lesser metatarsal heads were resected and extensor tenotomy was done in all patients. Thirty-one patients were randomized to either the arthrodesis or resection group. RESULTS: After a mean followup of 36 (26 to 52) months, the median subjective satisfaction score was 96 points out of 100 in the resection group and 92 points in the arthrodesis group. Significant improvements in pain, handicap, and activity according to Foot Function Index (FFI) were found in both groups (p <0.001 except for handicap in resection group and activity in fusion group were p=0.02). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in these measures, nor in the patients' willingness to have the procedure again. There were no recurrences of prominences or tenderness under the forefoot in either group and no recurrence of severe hallux valgus in the resection group. The arthrodeses healed in 93%. There was no higher risk for clinically relevant IP joint symptoms after arthrodesis. The operating time was significantly longer in the arthrodesis group but this was not linked to a higher wound infection rate. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that Mayo resection may still be a good choice for the first MTP joint in total forefoot reconstruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.     

Scarf and Weil osteotomies for correction of rheumatoid forefoot deformities: A review of 20 cases

The forefoot is commonly affected in rheumatoid arthritis. Little has been written of the results of metatarsophalangeal joint preservation in rheumatoid arthritis. We describe the results of the Scarf and Weil osteotomy for correction of forefoot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Between 1996 and 1999, 17 patients (20 feet) underwent a Scarf osteotomy for their hallux valgus deformity and in 17 feet a Weil osteotomy of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints. Radiographic examination was performed preoperatively and at a mean follow up of 65 months. A questionnaire was used at a minimum follow up of 6 years. The hallux valgus angle improved from 41° to 28° at follow up. The majority of the patients (79%) were satisfied with the result during follow-up. We found no wound infections, neuralgia or osteonecrosis of the first metatarsal. In three patients, a fusion of the first MTP joint was performed at follow up.In conclusion, the Scarf and Weil osteotomy is a useful method for MTP joint preserving surgery in rheumatoid forefoot deformities without severe impairment of the MTP joints.     

Hallux metatarsophalangeal arthroplasty in the rheumatoid forefoot

Surgical options for treatment of the hallux valgus deformity in the rheumatoid forefoot are numerous, but long-term results of many of these procedures have been less than satisfactory. Controversy exists as to whether excision or fusion is preferred for the treatment of the hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The role of replacement arthroplasty needs to be evaluated. The available surgical options for treatment of the arthritic first MTP joint in rheumatoid arthritis include arthrodesis, excision of the metatarsal head with or without interposition of the soft tissues, excision of the proximal phalanx, and silicone hinge replacement. This article discusses the various types of arthroplasty of the first MTP joint and the reported outcomes in the rheumatoid forefoot.     

Sagittal Alignment of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint after Arthrodesis for Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformity

The present study assessed the midterm results of reconstruction for rheumatoid forefoot deformity with arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, scarf osteotomy, resection arthroplasty of the metatarsal head of the lesser toes, and surgical repair of hammertoe deformity (arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint). Special focus was placed on the sagittal alignment of the first metatarsophalangeal joint after arthrodesis. We retrospectively evaluated the postoperative clinical outcomes and radiographic findings for 16 consecutive female patients (20 feet) with symptomatic rheumatoid forefoot deformities. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.9 (range 4 to 13) years. All first MTP joints and first metatarsal bones were fused successfully. The mean value of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and Japanese Society for Foot Surgery clinical scores significantly improved overall, except for 2 patients (10%), who complained of first toe pain at the final follow-up visit owing to sagittal misalignment of the fused first MTP joint. Sagittal alignment of the first metatarsal varies greatly because of the rheumatoid midfoot and hindfoot deformities. Therefore, inclination of the first metatarsal should be considered when determining the first MTP joint sagittal fusion angle.     

Rheumatoid Forefoot Reconstruction in Nonrheumatic Patients: Lesser Metatarsal Head Resection versus Osteotomy

In the literature, first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with lesser metatarsal head resection seems to be a reliable procedure in rheumatoid foot deformity. Maybe this procedure could be proposed in nonrheumatoid severe forefoot deformity (hallux valgus angle >40° and lesser metatarsophalangeal dislocation). The aim of this study was to compare radiological and clinical outcomes between lesser metatarsal head resection and lesser metatarsal head osteotomy in nonrheumatoid patients. Thirty-nine patients (56 feet) suffering from well-defined nonrheumatoid severe forefoot deformity were retrospectively enrolled in our institution between 2009 and 2015. Metatarsal head resection and metatarsal head osteotomy represented 13 patients (20 feet) and 26 patients (36 feet), respectively. In this observational study, a rheumatoid population (21 patients) was included as the control. The clinical outcome measures consisted of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, Foot and Ankle Ability Measurement, and Short Form-36. The radiological outcomes were: intermetatarsal angle, hallux valgus angle, and metatarsophalangeal alignment. Mean follow-up was 24 months. Satisfaction rate was, respectively, 92% for resection, 91% for osteotomy procedure, and 80% for surgery in rheumatoid patients. Short Form-36 global score was, respectively, 80.7 (52.5-96.4), 76 (57.7-93), and 68.3 (22.6-86). No functional outcome difference was found between resection and osteotomy procedures, except that the metatarsal head resection group had poorer results in sports activities than the osteotomy group. Complications were similar between osteotomy and resection (p > .05). The radiological outcomes were improved significantly from preoperative to postoperative. First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with lesser metatarsal head resection in nonrheumatoid severe forefoot deformity might be a good therapeutic option.     

Lesser toe deformities

Lesser toe deformities are caused by alterations in normal anatomy that create an imbalance between the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Causes include improper shoe wear, trauma, genetics, inflammatory arthritis, and neuromuscular and metabolic diseases. Typical deformities include mallet toe, hammer toe, claw toe, curly toe, and crossover toe. Abnormalities associated with the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints include hallux valgus of the first MTP joint and instability of the lesser MTP joints, especially the second toe. Midfoot and hindfoot deformities (eg, cavus foot, varus hindfoot, valgus hindfoot with forefoot pronation) may be present, as well. Nonsurgical management focuses on relieving pressure and correcting deformity with various appliances. Surgical management is reserved for patients who fail nonsurgical treatment. Options include soft-tissue correction (eg, tendon transfer) as well as bony procedures (eg, joint resection, fusion, metatarsal shortening), or a combination of techniques.     

第1跖列稳定术联合第2-5跖骨头切除术治疗晚期类风湿关节炎前足畸形

目的:介绍第1跖列稳定联合第2-5跖骨头切除术治疗晚期类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)前足畸形的手术方式并对中短期临床疗效进行评价。方法:2006年10月至2010年8月收治的晚期RA前足畸形97例患者进行回顾性分析。其中,男9例,女88例;单足65例,双足32例;年龄36～67岁,平均54岁;病程6～32年,平均17年。所有病例存在严重的拇外翻同时合并第1跖跗关节不稳,第2-5跖趾关节脱位及僵硬。采用第1跖列稳定联合第2-5跖趾关节成形术对其进行治疗。通过影像学资料测量拇外翻角(Hallux valgus angle,HVA),跖骨间角(intermetatarsal angle,IMA),并采用JSSF(Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot)评分对临床疗效进行评估。结果:97例患者中失访5例(7足),平均随访37个月(6～52个月),其中1例术后1年因急性心肌梗死死亡。术前JSSF评分(33.2±8.2)分,末次随访时改善至(67.3±3.1)分(P<0.01);HVA由术前(50.0±11.8)°纠正至术后(21.2±3.2)°(P<0.01);IMA由术前(15.5±3.6)°纠正至术后(9.7±6.6)°(P<0.01)。发生跖趾关节骨不连4足;术后8～11月摄片发现第1楔骨内高密度改变3足;出现拇内侧切口延迟愈合9足;跖趾关节内固定感染2足;跖跗关节内固定感染1足;第2-5跖趾关节术后16足畸形复发。结论:晚期RA患者的前足病变涉及范围广,畸形严重。采用第1跖趾关节融合联合Lapidus术式重建第1跖列的外形及稳定性,跖骨头切除术纠正第2-5跖趾关节畸形的方式重建前足疗效可靠。该术式适用于重度拇外翻合并IMA增大及第1跖跗关节不稳,同时存在第2-5跖趾关节僵硬性半脱位的患者。     

Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus correction. Local anatomy, surgical technique, and combination with other forefoot procedures

At first, scarf osteotomy can be technically demanding. The aim of the author has been to develop an efficient technique, make it easier and more accurate, and to achieve immediate reproducibility of results. Neither the skin incision nor the length of the osteotomy result in postoperative edema, whereas the strong fixation enables very early functional recovery. Complications are rare and avoidable. The sum of the scarf's advantages results in a reliable surgical procedure. The scarf osteotomy is extremely versatile, because it allows a wide range of fragment displacement. This is why the scarf is not a single osteotomy but several. This means its indications are broad, from mild to the most advanced deformities, including arthritic, juvenile, iatrogenic, and even rheumatoid hallux valgus. The contraindications of scarf osteotomy are a very large hallux valgus deformity with a very thin first metatarsal; extremely deformed MPT joint, and hallux valgus combined with a severe pes planus and hypermobility of the first metatarsal (the Lapidus procedure is preferable at this stage). Finally, we should remember the two following points: 1. Whatever the indication, the scarf first metatarsal osteotomy is only one of the four steps necessary for correcting hallux valgus deformity: a) MTP lateral release, b) Scarf osteotomy, c) medial capsulorraphy, and d) great toe proximal osteotomy. 2. The scarf is just one element of the different procedures, including the Weil lesser ray osteotomy, which allow precise forefoot management according to each static disorder. These techniques have very significantly extended the indications for most static disorders where corrective surgery preserves the joints and their mobility.     

Joint preserving surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformities improves pain and corrects deformity at midterm follow-up

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that commonly affects the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. Conventional surgical treatment involves joint-sacrificing surgery to relieve pain and correct deformity.ObjectivesWe retrospectively reviewed 49 patients with rheumatoid forefoot deformities who underwent 66 joint preserving procedures with Scarf osteotomy of the first metatarsal and Weil's shortening osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals.MethodThere were 5 males and 44 females with mean age 56.1 years and mean follow-up 51 months. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically with hallux valgus angle (HVA) and inter-metatarsal angle (IMA).ResultsMean AOFAS score improved from 39.8 preoperatively to 88.7 at final follow-up. Subjectively patients reported their outcome as excellent in 49 feet (74%), good in 9 feet, fair in 7 feet and poor in 1 foot. Five feet had residual stiffness and 11 residual pain. Mean HVA and IMA decreased from 32° to 14° and from 15° to 11° respectively.ConclusionIn intermediate to severe stages of the disease, joint preserving surgery by Scarf osteotomy of the first MTP joint and Weil osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals may be performed as an alternative to joint-sacrificing procedures and should be considered as a complement to the various surgical treatments of the rheumatoid forefoot.     

The Effect of First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis on Transverse Plane Deviation of the Second Toe: A Retrospective Radiographic Study

The purpose of this retrospective, radiographic study was to examine the effect of first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis on the transverse plane deviation of the second metatarsophalangeal joint. Sixty-nine patients (76 feet) were separated into 3 groups based on preoperative diagnosis: group 1, hallux valgus; group 2, hallux rigidus; and group 3, rheumatoid forefoot deformity with concomitant lesser metatarsal head resection. Intermetatarsal, hallux abduction, and second metatarsophalangeal angles were measured on preoperative and follow-up anteroposterior radiographs. Multivariate analysis found a significant postoperative change (P < .001) in both the intermetatarsal and hallux abduction angles for all groups, but no significant change in the second metatarsophalangeal angle for any group. There was also no significant difference in the number of patients with medial versus lateral second toe deviation in each group. The addition of a second ray procedure, such as a digital arthrodesis or second metatarsal decompression osteotomy, in groups 1 and 2 did not correlate to the amount of change in second metatarsophalangeal deviation. However, there was a significant correlation (r = .330; P = .004) between the amount of change in the hallux abduction angle and the amount of change in the second metatarsophalangeal angle. A lack of change in the second metatarsophalangeal angle in patients with hallux valgus and hallux rigidus suggests that the creation of a stable medial buttress may protect the lesser digits. However, in patients with rheumatoid, this lack of change denotes a postoperative recurrence of lateral deviation of the second toe despite lesser metatarsal head resection and stabilization of the hallux.     

第1跖趾关节融合术后前足评分与足底压力的分析

[目的]分析第1跖趾关节融合术后对前足功能影响,以及对推进期足底压力的影响.[方法]15例患者共18足,行第1跖趾关节融合术后2年以上,根据AOFAS评分系统,对第1跖趾关节功能评分,并与正常对照组进行足底压力测试.测量前足底推进期的(足母)趾下、第1～5跖骨下共6处的峰值压强、峰值压力、压强-时间积、压力-时间积四个参数.[结果]融合术后AOFAS第1跖趾关节评分满意,术后组的(足母)趾下四项参数均明显小于正常人组.与时间相关的参数在(足母)趾下,以及第2、4、5跖骨头下小于正常人组,并具有明显差异.第1跖骨头下的峰值压强与峰值压力与对照组没有统计学差异.[结论]第1跖趾关节融合术后患者在推进期,前足跖骨头的足底压力分布与正常人基本相同.术后前足功能改善.术后(足母)趾下压力减少,但是对前足压力分布没有影响.     

Long-term results of the modified Hoffman procedure in the rheumatoid forefoot

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the forefoot, causing metatarsalgia, hallux valgus, and deformities of the lesser toes. Various types of surgical correction have been described, including resection of the lesser-toe metatarsal heads coupled with arthrodesis of the great toe, resection arthroplasty of the proximal phalanx or metatarsal head, and metatarsal osteotomy. We report the results at an average of five and a half years following thirty-seven consecutive forefoot arthroplasties performed in twenty patients by one surgeon using a technique involving resection of all five metatarsal heads. METHODS: All patients were treated with the same technique of resection of all five metatarsal heads through three dorsal incisions. All surviving patients were asked to return for follow-up, which included subjective assessment (with use of visual analogue pain scores, AOFAS [American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society] foot scores, and SF-12 [Short Form-12] mental and physical disability scores), physical examination, and radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: All results were satisfactory to excellent in the short term (six weeks postoperatively), and no patient sought additional surgical treatment for the feet. A superficial infection subsequently developed in two feet, and two feet had delayed wound-healing. At an average of 64.9 months postoperatively, the average AOFAS forefoot score was 64.5 points and the average hallux valgus angle was 22.3 degrees . There were no reoperations. CONCLUSIONS: Resection of all five metatarsal heads in patients with metatarsalgia and hallux valgus associated with rheumatoid arthritis can be a safe procedure that provides reasonable, if rarely complete, relief of symptoms.     

Rheumatoid forefoot reconstruction: 1st metatarsophalangeal fusion and excision arthroplasty of lesser metatarsal heads

This is a retrospective review of 66 feet (mean follow-up of 3 years) in 43 patients with painful severe rheumatoid forefoot deformities. All were treated by arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint through a dorsomedial incision and excision of the lesser metatarsal heads through a separate plantar approach. The mean post-operative AOFAS scores were 65.94 (range: 32 to 82). The mean post-operative Foot Function Index (FFI) was 0.47 (range: 0.23 to 0.63). Eighty five percent (57/67 feet) reported excellent or good pain relief, improved cosmetic appearance, and improved footwear comfort. The mean hallux valgus angles improved from 39 degrees to 16 degrees and the intermetatarsal angle from 16 degrees to 8 degrees. Five feet had nonunion of the 1st MTP joint arthrodesis. There were five re-operations for non-union of the 1st MTP joint arthrodesis. The success of the operation as evidenced by this study depends upon attention to metatarsal length harmonisation, stabilisation of the 1st MTP joint and thereby even distribution of loading of the forefoot. The poor results in this study were as a result of a failure to secure the stability of the 1st MTP joint.     

Arthrodesis procedures for salvage of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) fusion has been recommended as a means to salvage various great toe deformities. These deformities include failed hallux valgus procedures, failed silicon implants, previous infection, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic conditions, hallux rigidus, severe hallux valgus deformities, and neuromuscular disorders. A variety of complications, such as hallux varus, first MTP joint instability, infection, recurrent hallux valgus, and avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head can develop from hallux valgus deformity treatment procedures.     

Rheumatoid forefoot reconstruction. A long-term follow-up study

BACKGROUNDS: The purpose of the present study was to assess the results of reconstruction of the rheumatoid forefoot with arthrodesis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe, resection arthroplasty of the metatarsal heads of the lesser toes, and open repair of hammer-toe deformity (arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint) of the lesser toes when this deformity was present. METHODS: A retrospective study of forty-three consecutive patients (fifty-eight feet) with severe rheumatoid forefoot deformities was performed. Six patients (six feet) died before the most recent follow-up, and five patients (five feet) were excluded because a subtotal procedure had been performed. No patient was lost to follow-up. Thus, the study included thirty-two patients (forty-seven feet) in whom reconstruction of a rheumatoid forefoot had been performed by the author. RESULTS: All first metatarsophalangeal joints had successfully fused at an average of seventy-four months (range, thirty-seven to 108 months) postoperatively. The average postoperative hallux valgus angle was 20 degrees and the average postoperative angle subtended by the axes of the proximal phalanx and the metatarsal of the second ray (the MTP-2 angle) was 14 degrees, demonstrating that a stable first ray protected the lateral rays from later subluxation. One hundred and thirty-two (70 percent) of the 188 lesser metatarsophalangeal joints were dislocated preoperatively, compared with thirteen (7 percent) postoperatively. The result of the procedure (as rated subjectively by the patient) was excellent for twenty-three feet, good for twenty-two, and fair for two. There were no poor results. The average postoperative score according to the system of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society was 69 points. Postoperative pain was rated as absent in eighteen feet, mild in twenty-five, moderate in four, and severe in none. Fifteen feet were not associated with any functional limitations, twenty-eight were associated with limitation of recreational activities, and four were associated with limitation of daily activities. At the time of the most recent follow-up, no special shoe requirements were reported. Fourteen feet (30 percent) had a reoperation for the removal of hardware from the first metatarsophalangeal joint, a procedure on the interphalangeal joint of the great toe, or additional procedures on the lesser toes or lesser metatarsophalangeal joints. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, resection arthroplasty of the lesser metatarsal heads, and repair of fixed hammer-toe deformities with intramedullary Kirschnerwire fixation resulted in a stable repair with a high percentage of successful results at an average of six years after the procedures.     

Correction of clawed hallux deformity: comparison of the Jones procedure and FHL transfer in a cadaver model

BACKGROUND: A clawed hallux is defined as extension of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint combined with flexion of the interphalangeal (IP) joint. Two operative procedures, the modified Jones procedure and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer, are indicated for correction. The purpose of this study were to evaluate the overall effectiveness of these two procedures in correcting both the clawed hallux deformity and its mechanical consequences and to compare their effect on postoperative plantar pressures. METHODS: The modified Jones procedure and FHL transfer were done on cadaver specimens that were tested before and after surgery in a specialized foot-loading frame. We quantified the angular correction of the MTP and the IP joints, as well as the plantar pressures under the head of the first metatarsal and the hallux. RESULTS: Both surgeries were equally effective in correcting the angular deformity at the MTP and IP joints (p = 0.037 and 0.0020, respectively). A significant reduction in the plantar pressure (p = 0.015) beneath the first metatarsal was observed with both the modified Jones procedure and the FHL transfer. Overall, there was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative pressures beneath the hallux (p = 0.5); however, for the FHL overpull group there was significantly less pressure beneath the hallux after surgery (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The two surgeries produced similar results, but the FHL transfer does not require fusion of the hallux, which is considered an undesirable co-morbidity of the modified Jones procedure.     

Correction of rheumatic forefoot. The value of a combined arthrodesis of the first toe and resection of metatarsal heads 2-5

INTRODUCTION: Resection of the metatarsal heads is an established procedure for the therapy of rheumatic forefoot deformations. However, a recurrence of lateral deviation of the lesser toes and painful plantar keratosis remain a challenging problem for the treatment of these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate our results in cases of rheumatoid forefoot deformities. We performed a resection of the metatarsal heads 2-5 in combination with an arthrodesis of the first toe and resection of keratosis by the plantar approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients (20 feet) were followed-up clinically and radiologically using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Miehlke-, and Larsen scores. RESULTS: Average follow-up time was 3.5 years (range: 1.5-7.5 years). An average AOFAS score of 81/90 was found for the hallux and 90/100 for the lesser toes. A total of 18 feet were rated as pain free, while two feet showed some residual pain. Every case showed an harmonic cascade of the resection. All patients stated that the operation had improved their quality of life and that they would consent to undergoing it again. CONCLUSION: Our results after arthrodesis of MP-1 and resection of the metatarsal heads 2-5 using the plantar approach were good compared to the data published in the literature.     

Result of arthrodesis of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint using bone graft for restoration of length

We treated 24 patients (18 women, six men; average age, 46.4 years; (range, 28 to 66 years) with fusion of the hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint using bone graft for the restoration of the length of the first ray. This procedure was performed after bone loss subsequent to previous surgeries for the correction of hallux valgus and hallux rigidus with: silastic arthroplasty (11), bunionectomy and distal metatarsal osteotomy (six), Keller resection arthroplasty (five), and total joint replacement (two). The indication for performing the arthrodesis with bone graft was a short first metatarsal, and associated metatarsalgia of the lesser metatarsals in addition to a painful MTP joint with or without deformity. This bone loss was associated with avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal (nine patients) and with osteomyelitis (seven patients). Of the 24 patients, 14 underwent additional concurrent surgery for correction of hammer toes (10), excision of a Morton's neuroma (two), and lesser metatarsal osteotomy (two). All patients were examined clinically and radiographically at a mean interval of 62.7 months after surgery (range, 26 to 108 months). The patients were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux and MTP 100-point outcome scale. Arthrodesis occurred in 19/24 patients (79.1%) at a mean of 13.3 weeks (range, 11 to 16 weeks), and the first ray was lengthened by a mean of 13 mm (range, 0 to 29 mm). Of the five nonunions, two were asymptomatic, and three were subsequently revised successfully, with arthrodesis occurring at a mean of 10.7 weeks. Complications included one deep infection requiring intravenous antibiotics for treatment of osteomyelitis and two minor superficial wound infections. The mean AOFAS score improved from 39 points (range, 22 to 60 points) to 79 points (range, 64 to 90 points). All patients were satisfied with the final outcome of treatment and stated that they would undergo the surgical procedure again. We concluded that arthrodesis of the hallux MTP joint with bone graft to restore bone loss and length of the first ray may be a worthwhile procedure despite the technical difficulty and the high rate of nonunion.     

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.