Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: a retrospective analysis of plate versus screw fixation

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a commonly accepted technique to treat various afflictions of the hallux. Many techniques have been described to fixate the arthrodesis. However, no superior fixation technique has been identified in regard to nonunion. We performed a retrospective analysis of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodeses in our clinic from January 2000 to April 2010, focusing on plate and screw fixation. Our aim was to identify the best fixation construct in regard to fusion rates and radiologic nonunion. We identified 72 arthrodeses performed using 1 oblique (n = 24) or 2 crossed (n = 21) lag screws or a plate (n = 13) or a plate augmented with plantar lag screw fixation (n = 14). Our analysis showed that plate fixation alone results in significantly fewer nonunions than single screw fixation. A comparison of the other fixation types showed no significant differences with regard to nonunion. Although our analysis showed that plate fixation alone is superior to single screw fixation, no definitive conclusion can be drawn owing to methodologic shortcomings. We believe a randomized controlled trial with larger sample sizes is necessary to find the clinically superior fixation technique.     

In vivo comparison of screw versus plate and screw fixation for first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis: does augmentation of internal compression screw fixation using a semi-tubular plate shorten time to clinical and radiologic fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ)?

A retrospective analysis of first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion in 26 consecutive patients (34 feet), treated between April 1998 and February 2002, comparing single compression screw versus a compression screw supplemented with a dorsal quarter tubular plate, was undertaken. The study aimed to assess whether or not plate augmentation of the single interfragmental compression screw lead to an earlier fusion. There were 18 women and 8 men with a mean age of 54.6 +/- 11.02 years and a mean follow-up of 2.9 +/- 1.1 years. Successful fusion was determined clinically and radiologically by means of identifying transarticular trabeculation. The overall incidence of fusion was 97.06% (33/34 fusions). Observed complications included 4 cases of superficial wound infection, each of which resolved with antibiotic therapy; 3 cases of paraesthesia involving the dorsomedial aspect of the big toe; and 2 cases of transfer metatarsalgia. Statistical analyses did not reveal any significant associations between the type of fixation and time to fusion, patient satisfaction, and complications. In regard to the methods of osteosynthesis compared in this investigation, the choice of first metatarsophalangeal fusion fixation can be determined based on surgeon's preference. ACFAS Level of Clinical Evidence: 2c.     

A comparison of parallel and diverging screw angles in the stability of locked plate constructs

We investigated the static and cyclical strength of parallel and angulated locking plate screws using rigid polyurethane foam (0.32 g/cm(3)) and bovine cancellous bone blocks. Custom-made stainless steel plates with two conically threaded screw holes with different angulations (parallel, 10° and 20° divergent) and 5 mm self-tapping locking screws underwent pull-out and cyclical pull and bending tests. The bovine cancellous blocks were only subjected to static pull-out testing. We also performed finite element analysis for the static pull-out test of the parallel and 20° configurations. In both the foam model and the bovine cancellous bone we found the significantly highest pull-out force for the parallel constructs. In the finite element analysis there was a 47% more damage in the 20° divergent constructs than in the parallel configuration. Under cyclical loading, the mean number of cycles to failure was significantly higher for the parallel group, followed by the 10° and 20° divergent configurations. In our laboratory setting we clearly showed the biomechanical disadvantage of a diverging locking screw angle under static and cyclical loading.     

First metatarsophalangeal fusion using joint specific dorsal plate with interfragmentary screw augmentation: Clinical and radiological outcomes

Background

This study reports the outcome of a plating system for arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MTPJ) that incorporates a lag compression screw within a low profile titanium plate with a predetermined contour. This is the first report of the outcomes of this implant from a non-affiliated centre.

Biomechanical comparison of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodeses using triple-threaded headless screws versus partially threaded lag screws

BackgroundTriple-threaded, cannulated headless screws of varying thread diameters and pitch are designed to maintain thread length across the arthrodesis plane, provide joint compression, and reduce countersinking. This study tested the biomechanical fixation strength of conventional partially threaded lag screws compared to triple-threaded headless screws in first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis.MethodsFirst metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis using a crossed screw technique was performed on 11 paired, preserved cadaver first rays with two 4.0-mm triple-threaded, cannulated headless screws or two 4.0-mm partially threaded, cannulated lag screws. The constructs were tested to failure through dorsally directed cantilever bending.ResultsThe triple-threaded, cannulated headless screws displayed significantly greater bending stiffness (p = 0.017) and failure load (p = 0.040) during load-to-failure testing compared to the partially threaded, cannulated lag screws.ConclusionsTriple-threaded, cannulated headless screws may be a viable alternative to partially threaded lag screws in first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis.     

第1 跖趾关节融合术治疗中重度足拇外翻合并第1 跖趾关节炎

目的 探讨第1 跖趾关节融合术治疗中重度足拇外翻合并第1 跖趾关节炎的临床疗效.方法 2016 年6 月至2018 年9 月北京中医药大学第三附属医院采用第 1 跖趾关节融合术治疗中重度足拇外翻合并第 1 跖趾关节炎患者26 例.手术前后于足负重位X线片上测量足拇外翻角(HVA)和第1 、2 跖骨间角(IMA),采用疼...     

Biomechanical comparison of two fixation methods for first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical stability of two methods of fixation for arthrodesis of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint: 1. a technique using an intramedullary screw and 2. a standard technique using crossed interfragmentary compression screws. METHODOLOGY: The metatarsophalangeal joint was mechanically evaluated in cantilever bending using a servohydraulic testing machine. Differences in stiffness and strength parameters between the two techniques were checked for significance (P<0.05) using a paired t-test. RESULTS: Fixation provided by the intramedullary screw was stiffer and stronger than that from crossed compression screws. CONCLUSIONS: The stronger and stiffer intramedullary screw technique offers mechanical advantages over the crossed interfragmentary screw technique.     

Implant arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: a 12-year retrospective study

A study was conducted of the long-term results on Silastic implant arthroplasties of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in 88 feet. Silastic implants were evaluated on the basis of patient satisfaction, function, and radiographic findings. The period of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 12 years, with an average follow-up of 6.3 years for hemi-joint implants and 2.1 years for total joint implants. The results showed that a majority of patients with hallux valgus and hallux limitus had good results with either hemi-implant or total implant. The most common complication found was hallux extensus.     

Long term retrospective analysis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with two crossed screws

A retrospective analysis of arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was done to assess procedure's long term results in 32 patients with 42 operated feet. The mean follow up period was 77 months (range 4–104 months). In 30 feet, fixation was achieved employing 2 crossed screws. Forty feet had clinically stable and painless joint. Radiologically, 34 feet (27 feet with 2crossed screws) had fused bone to bone. Overall, hallux valgus angle was reduced from mean of 27.2 to 17.6 and intermetatarsal angle from a mean of 10.8 to 9.2.     

Biomechanical comparison of distal femoral fracture fixation: Analysis of non-locked,locked, and far-cortical locked constructs

To assess whether far-cortical locking (FCL) screws alter the fracture site strain environment and allow shorter bridge plate constructs for supracondylar femoral fractures, we tested the fracture site displacement under force of synthetic left femora with a 5-cm metaphyseal fracture gap, modeling comminution. Five models of nine constructs were tested (three types of diaphyseal screws [nonlocking, locking, and FCL] and two plate lengths [13 holes and 5 holes]). Long plate models using three or four diaphyseal screws (working length 13.5 or 7.5 cm, respectively) were compared with short plates with three diaphyseal screws (working length 7.5 cm). Models were loaded axially and torsionally; 100 cycles in random order. Primary outcome measures were axial and torsional fracture site stiffness. FCL screws decreased rotational stiffness 19% (P < .01) compared with baseline nonlocking screws in the same plate and working length construct, mirroring the effect (20% decrease in stiffness, P < .01) of nearly doubling the nonlocking construct working length (7.5-13.5 cm). Similarly, FCL screws decreased axial stiffness 23% (P < .01) in the same baseline comparison. Fracture site displacement under loading comparable to a long working length nonlocked plate construct was achieved using a shorter FCL plate construct. By closely replicating the biomechanical properties of a long plate construct, a fracture site strain environment considered favorable in promoting fracture healing might still be achievable using a shorter plate length. Clinical Significance: It might be possible to optimize fracture site strain environment and displacement under loading using shorter FCL plate constructs. Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 00:00–00, 2020.     

Salvage arthrodesis for failed first metatarsophalangeal joint arthroplasty: A network meta-analysis

BackgroundWe aim to provide an evidence-based literature review of salvage arthrodesis for failed first metatarsophalangeal joint arthroplasty with a network meta-analysis.MethodsA search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases was conducted in December 2016 which identified 12 relevant articles out of 340 articles assessing the efficacy of salvage arthrodesis for failed joint arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The 12 studies were assigned a level of evidence (I–V) and interventions were graded a level of recommendation (A–C, I) in support of or against the treatment modality.ResultsThere is fair evidence (grade B) to support salvage arthrodesis with structural bone graft. There is poor evidence (grade C) for salvage arthrodesis without bone graft. There was no good evidence (grade A) to recommend either intervention. Meta-analysis showed that salvage arthrodesis resulted in improved functional outcome over time.ConclusionsSalvage arthrodesis showed good bone union rates and patient satisfaction.Level of Clinical Evidence: III – Systematic Review of Level III studies.     

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: a review of the literature and long-term retrospective analysis

A retrospective analysis of arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was done to determine the procedure's long-term subjective and objective results. The authors reviewed the long-term results of arthrodesis in 25 patients with 32 operated feet. The average age was 54.8 years (range 22 to 72 years), and the average length of follow-up was 31.9 months (range 12 to 84 months). The patients were questioned regarding pain, activity, cosmesis, and willingness to have the operation performed again. The subjective results were good or excellent in 26 feet (81% success rate). The primary postoperative complaints were pain in the interphalangeal joint (four feet), and a callosity or pain under the first metatarsal head (four feet). Radiographic examination revealed that the procedure provided a good reduction of the hallux valgus angle (preoperative average 33.7 degrees; postoperative average 17.4 degrees) and intermetatarsal angle (preoperative average 16.2 degrees; postoperative average 12.0 degrees). The authors believe that this procedure is a reliable, effective treatment whenever stability is required at the first metatarsophalangeal joint.