Dorsal cheilectomy of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in the treatment of hallux rigidus

Hallux rigidus is a spectrum of osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Clinical assessment of the extent of joint involvement and the radiographic findings will lead the surgeon to the appropriate surgical procedure. An isolated dorsal cheilectomy does appear to give good functional results and pain relief in a selected patient population at the early stage of the disease process. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate the longer term outcomes of the cheilectomy procedure, as well as combined procedures such as the cheilectomy and Moberg osteotomy.