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.