Lapidus bunionectomy: arthrodesis of the first metatarsocunieform joint

Validity and Reliability of a New Radiological Method to Estimate Medial Column Internal Rotation in Hallux Valgus Using Foot Weight-Bearing X-Ray

BACKGROUND

Medial column internal rotation in hallux valgus (HV) can be measured using weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT). Anteroposterior weight-bearing foot radiographs' (WBXR) ability to estimate medial column internal rotation in HV was evaluated comparing these measurements with those obtained from WBCT.

METHODS

Three observers evaluated WBCT and WBXR of 33 HV feet twice. Medial column internal rotation was measured with WBCT and classified into 3 levels according to WBXR findings. Intra- and interobserver reliability were obtained for WBXR and WBCT, in addition to WBXR-WBCT correlation.

RESULTS

WBXR and WBCT intraobserver agreement was substantial and near perfect, respectively (κ 0.79 and 0.84). Their interobserver agreement was excellent (intraclass correlation 0.85 and 0.9, respectively). The WBXR-WBCT correlation was substantial (κ 0.68). WBXR diagnostic accuracy to predict the WBCT results was 85%.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed method for medial column internal rotation measurement using WBXR is reliable and has a substantial agreement with WBCT measurements.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Role of lateral soft tissues release in percutaneous hallux valgus correction: A medium term retrospective study

BACKGROUND

In the field of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for the treatment of hallux valgus (HV), different techniques have begun to emerge in the literature concerning the distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone, the synthesis or not of the metatarsal head, the possible association with lateral soft tissues release (LSTR) and osteotomy of the base of the first phalanx.

AIM

To evaluate the role of LSTR on percutaneous HV correction, evaluating functional and radiographical results.

METHODS

From January 2012 to May 2016 a total of 396 patients with mild to moderate symptomatic HV treated with the MIS technique were included in this retrospective study. The technique provides no internal fixation (WOS). Patients were divided into the LSTR group and no LSTR group (LSTR N). This surgical procedure (LSTR) was reserved for insufficient HV angle (HVA) correction during fluoroscopic control. Patients were evaluated at each follow-up by two other authors after appropriate training by senior authors (first practitioners). Clinical evaluation was performed before surgery, 6 mo after surgery, and 48 mo follow-up. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate pain and function, and complications were recorded. In addition, the incidence of relapses and the degree of joint range of motion (ROM) with the association with the LSTR (capsule, adductor tendon, phalanx-sesamoid ligament, and the deep transverse metatarsal ligament) were evaluated. Radiological parameters included HVA and intermetatarsal angle (IMA). Patient satisfaction was assessed. Student t-test and Fisher exact test were used to assess statistical analysis.

RESULTS

From our study it is clear that no differences in term of HVA, VAS, IMA correction, rate of complications, and AOFAS score were found between groups, while a significant improvement of the same variables was found in each group between pre and postoperative values. A significant improvement in ROM at 6 mo (P = 0.018) and 48 mo (P = 0.02) of follow-up was found in LSTR N group. Complications were rare in both groups.

CONCLUSION

LSTR procedure on percutaneous HV correction seems to increase postoperative joint stiffness with a comparable incidence of relapse and a low incidence of complications.

Indications and possible limitations using medio-plantar plate systems in tarsometatarsal 1 fusions - A cadaveric study

BACKGROUND

The tarsometatarsal 1 arthrodesis is an adequate treatment for moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity and instability of the first ray. Plantar plating arthrodesis has been shown to provide better mechanical stability and fewer postoperative complications than screw fixation or medial plating. The medio-plantar plate is a new plate design for Lapidus arthrodesis. It could combine the biomechanical advantages of the plantar plate and the anatomical overview of a medial plate. However, the implanted material can cause irritation of the tibialis anterior, which in some cases may require removal of the material. The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of tendon irritation following medio-plantar first tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis using cadaveric specimens.

METHODS

The study involved the simulated surgical procedure of medio-plantar plate arthrodesis on 30 lower extremities. After the plates were fixed, a thorough examination of the feet was conducted to assess any tendon irritation and to determine a recommendation for placement of the medio-plantar plate based on the Olewnik classification.

RESULTS

Irritation of the tibialis anterior tendon components with the medio-plantar plate depends mainly on the anatomic norm variant, classified according to Olewnik et al. A medio-plantar plate is particularly recommended in TA tendon Olewnik type 3 and type 5. The positioning of a medio-plantar plate in Olewnik type 1 and type 2 tendons depends on the anatomic fit of the medio-plantar plate and the bony configuration of the TMT 1 joint. A large portion of the TA tendon must be detached, so a different plate design may be preferred in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TMT 1 arthrodesis with medio-plantar plating of the first tarsometatarsal joint should be performed considering the anatomic TA tendon variations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, Expert Opinion includes Case Reports and Technique Tips.

First Tarsometatarsal Joint Fusion in Foot-A Biomechanical Human Anatomical Specimen Analysis with Use of Low-Profile Nitinol Staples Acting as Continuous Compression Implants

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate under dynamic loading the potential biomechanical benefit of simulated first tarsometatarsal (TMT-1) fusion with low-profile superelastic nitinol staples used as continuous compression implants (CCIs) in two different configurations in comparison to crossed screws and locked plating in a human anatomical model. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two paired human anatomical lower legs were randomized to four groups for TMT-1 treatment via: (1) crossed-screws fixation with two 4.0 mm fully threaded lag screws; (2) plate-and-screw fixation with a 4.0 mm standard fully threaded cortex screw, inserted axially in lag fashion, and a 6-hole TMT-1 Variable-Angle (VA) Fusion Plate 2.4/2.7; (3) CCI fixation with two two-leg staples placed orthogonally to each other; (4) CCI fixation with one two-leg staple and one four-leg staple placed orthogonally to each other. Each specimen was biomechanically tested simulating forefoot weightbearing on the toes and metatarsals. The testing was performed at 35-37 °C under progressively increasing cyclic axial loading until construct failure, accompanied by motion tracking capturing movements in the joints. Results: Combined adduction and dorsiflexion movement of the TMT-1 joint in unloaded foot condition was associated with no significant differences among all pairs of groups (p ≥ 0.128). In contrast, the amplitude of this movement between unloaded and loaded foot conditions within each cycle was significantly bigger for the two CCI fixation techniques compared to both crossed-screws and plate-and-screw techniques (p ≤ 0.041). No significant differences were detected between the two CCI fixation techniques, as well as between the crossed-screws and plate-and-screw techniques (p ≥ 0.493) for this parameter of interest. Furthermore, displacements at the dorsal and plantar aspects of the TMT-1 joint in unloaded foot condition, together with their amplitudes, did not differ significantly among all pairs of groups (p ≥ 0.224). Conclusions: The low-profile superelastic nitinol staples demonstrate comparable biomechanical performance to established crossed-screws and plate-and-screw techniques applied for fusion of the first tarsometatarsal joint.

Biomechanical Comparison of Medio-Plantar and Plantar Plate Fixation for First Tarsometatarsal Joint Arthrodesis

Plantar plate positioning has been demonstrated as biomechanically superior. However, some operators remain resentful about the morbidity of the surgical approach. To provide improved plate fixation for first tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis with respect to the tibialis anterior tendon, a medio-plantar plate was developed. The purpose of this biomechanical study was to compare its construct stability to that of a plantar plate construct. Twelve pairs of fresh frozen human specimens were used in a matched pair test. Each pair was fixed with a 4 mm compression screw and either a plantar locking plate or a medio-plantar locking plate. A cantilever beam test was performed in dorsiflexion. Before and after cyclic loading (5000 cycles; 40 N), bending stiffness and relative movements at the joint space were monitored in a quasi-static test including optical motion tracking. Maximum load and bending moment to failure were investigated in a load-to-failure ramp test. The bending stiffness of both groups did not significantly differ before (plantar 49.9 N/mm ± 19.2; medio-plantar 53.9 N/mm ± 25.4, p = 0.43) or after (plantar 24.4 N/mm ± 9.7; medio-plantar 35.3 N/mm ± 22.0, p = 0.08) cyclic loading but decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.01) after cyclic loading. Relative movement increased significantly during cyclic testing in both groups (p < 0.01) but did not differ significantly between the groups before (p = 0.29) or after (p = 0.16) cyclic loading. Neither load nor bending moment to failure were significantly different (plantar 225 N ± 78, 10.8 Nm; medio-plantar 210 N ± 86, 10.1 Nm, p = 0.61). Both plate constructs provided equivalent construct stability, both being well suited for Lapidus arthrodesis.

Identifying Risk Factors for Nonunion of the Modified Lapidus Procedure for the Correction of Hallux Valgus

There is a paucity of literature characterizing risk factors for nonunion associated with the modified Lapidus procedure for correction of hallux valgus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with nonunion for Lapidus bunionectomies. Patients who underwent modified Lapidus procedure from 2009 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient's age, sex, body mass index, prior bunionectomy, history of tobacco use, presence of diabetes mellitus or hypothyroidism, and fixation method were recorded along with pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters. A multiple logistic regression analysis was implemented to estimate the odds of nonunion. Of the 222 patients who met inclusion criteria, nonunion with modified Lapidus procedure was observed in 20 patients (9.01%). Odds of nonunion with modified Lapidus procedure were greater for patients who had undergone previous bunionectomy (odds ratio [OR] = 3.957, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.021-15.338), as body mass index increased (OR = 1.091, 95% CI: 1.018-1.170), and as preoperative HV angle increased (OR = 1.108, 95% CI: 1.020-1.203). Odds of nonunion were lower for patients as preoperative intermetatarsal angle increased (OR = 0.739, 95% CI: 0.580-0.941). No significant increased odds of nonunion were found between fixation methods.

The Cotton Osteotomy as an Adjunct Procedure in Hallux Valgus and Hallux Limitus Surgery

The Cotton osteotomy, as described in 1936 by Frederic Cotton, consisted of a medial cuneiform opening base wedge osteotomy. This Cotton osteotomy served to restore the "triangle of support" of the foot. In his address to the New England Surgical Society, he described this osteotomy as being multipurpose; it can be used for plantarflexion in hallux valgus surgery and has use in hallux rigidus conditions. Since its inception, the procedure has become a popular adjunct to aid in the restoration of the medial column deformity present in pes planus. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the use of the procedure to aid in the correction of deformities involving metatarsus primus elevatus, specifically, hallux valgus and hallux limitus. The advantage of the use of this procedure as opposed to others is that it allows for the preservation and/or restoration of first ray length and the preservation of motion at the medial column. In retrospective review, the authors evaluated seven cases with a 1-year follow-up. In this series of cases, the Cotton osteotomy was performed as an adjunct to common hallux valgus procedures or hallux limitus corrections. Radiographic review was also performed evaluating for initial evidence of radiographic bone-graft healing and patient weightbearing. Although not without its own limitations, the Cotton osteotomy offers several advantages with minimal complications, proving to be a valuable underused resource in the foot and ankle surgeon's toolkit.

Cirurgia minimamente invasiva em chevron e osteotomia percutânea de Bosch no tratamento de hálux valgo. Resultados em médio prazo. Estudo radiológico comparativo*

Objective  The purpose of the present study is to compare the radiological results of angular correction and its maintenance in the medium term between two minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of hallux valgus (minimally invasive chevron surgery vs. Bosch technique).

Methods  A comparative prospective analysis of patients undergoing surgery for symptomatic hallux valgus deformity was performed. We compared two minimally invasive techniques in homogeneous groups of population. Two groups of 62 and 63 feet respectively, were constituted. We compared first ray angular corrections and consolidation as well as the correction power of both osteotomies and their maintenance over time. The postoperative complications and surgical time in both study groups were also evaluated. The minimum follow-up was 2 years.

Results  There were differences between both groups in the intermetatarsal angle at 24 months postsurgery. There were no differences between both groups regarding metatarsophalangeal angle, and distal metatarsal articular angle. There were no intraoperative complications in either group. The surgical time between both groups had statistically significant differences.

Conclusions  Both screw-stabilized, Bosch surgery and minimally invasive chevron (hybrid when associated with percutaneous Akin osteotomy) present adequate correction of moderate hallux valgus. However, patients treated with Bosch percutaneous surgery had a greater correction power of the intermetatarsal angle in the medium term, as well as a shorter surgical time, when compared with those who were treated with chevron osteotomy. Both techniques had a similar evolution over time regarding loss of correction and postoperative complications.

Plate Alone Versus Plate and Lag Screw for Lapidus Arthrodesis: A Biomechanical Comparison of Compression

Background. Arthrodesis of the first tarsal metatarsal joint can be accomplished in many ways. The compressive force attained between various constructs remains unclear. This study compares compression achieved through a locking/compression Lapidus plate both with and without the addition of a lag screw. Methods: A dorsal medial Lapidus/locking compression plate (Total Compression Plate System, OrthoPro, Salt Lake City, UT, now Wright Medical) was applied to one cadaveric limb, while the same plate with the addition of a 4.0-mm cannulated lag screw was applied to the contralateral limb for a total of 5 matched pairs of cadaveric specimens. Compressive force was recorded over time and compared between the constructs using a compression sensor (8" FlexiForce Resistive Force Sensor, Phidgets Inc, Calgary, Alberta, Canada). Results: Compression was maintained for 45.4 minutes in the plate only construct, and 317 minutes with the addition of the lag screw (P = .010). The mean time to 50% peak compression for the plate only construct was 4.90 minutes compared with 15.11 minutes for plate with lag screw construct (P = .012). Conclusion: The addition of a lag screw is recommended for extending the length of compression and possibly reducing nonweightbearing time and the risk of nonunion. Levels of Evidence: Level V.

Biomechanics of common fixation devices for first tarsometatarsal joint fusion-a comparative study with synthetic bones

BACKGROUND

Hallux valgus disease is a common deformity of the forefoot. There are currently more than 100 surgical approaches for operative treatment. Because hypermobility of the first tarsometatarsal joint is considered to be causal for hallux valgus disease, fusion of the tarsometatarsal joint is an upcoming surgical procedure. Despite the development of new and increasingly stable fixation devices like different locking plates, malunion rates have been reported in 5 to 15% of cases.

METHODS

Biomechanical comparison of three commonly used fixation devices (a dorsal locking plate, a plantar locking plate, and an intramedullary fixation device) was performed by weight-bearing simulation tests on synthetic bones. Initial compression force and stiffness during simulation of postoperative weight-bearing were analysed.

RESULTS

Fixation of the first tarsometatarsal joint with the plantar plate combination demonstrated a higher stiffness compared to fixation with the intramedullary implant or the medial locking plate. The intramedullary device provided the highest initial compression force. Failure was detected in the following ranking: (1) the angle-stable intramedullary fixation device, (2) the medial located plate, and (3) the plantar locking plate.

CONCLUSION

The intramedullary device demonstrated the highest initial compression force of the three tested implants. The plantar locking plate showed the best overall stability during weight-bearing simulation. Further clinical research is necessary to analyse if the intramedullary fixation device needs a longer period of non-weight-bearing to reach a better non-union rate compared to the plantar locking plate.

Functional and radiographic outcomes of hallux valgus correction by mini-invasive surgery with Reverdin-Isham and Akin percutaneous osteotomies: a longitudinal prospective study with a 48-month follow-up

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) represents one of the most innovative surgical treatments of hallux valgus (HV). However, long-term outcomes still remain a matter of discussion within the orthopaedic community. The purpose of this longitudinal prospective study was to evaluate radiographic and functional outcomes in patients with mild-to-severe HV who underwent Reverdin-Isham and Akin percutaneous osteotomy, following exostosectomy and lateral release.

METHODS

Eighty patients with mild-to-severe symptomatic HV were treated by MIS. Clinical evaluation was assessed preoperatively, as well as at 3 and 12 months after surgery and at final follow-up of 48 months, using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux grading system. Patient satisfaction and complications were recorded. Computer-assisted measurement of antero-posterior radiographs was taken preoperatively, as well as at 3 and 12 months after surgery and at 48-month follow-up, analysing the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) and the tibial sesamoid position. Also, the bridging bone/callus formation was evaluated at the different radiographic follow-ups, while the articular surface congruency and the metatarsal index were calculated only preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the visual analogue score (VAS). Statistical analysis was carried out using the paired t test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean AOFAS score was 87.15 points at the final follow-up of 48 months, and the VAS score was 8.35/10. The post-operative radiographic assessments showed a statistically significant improvement compared with preoperative values. The mean corrections of each angular value at the last follow-up were as follows: IMA 3.90°, HVA 12.50°, DMAA 4.72° and a tibial sesamoid position of 1.10. The articular surface was congruent in 77 (96.25%) cases and incongruent only in 3 (3.75%). The complete healing of the osteotomies was achieved in all series at 3-month follow-up. However, the results obtained in the correction of the severe HV deformities were less encouraging.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive surgery with Reverdin-Isham and Akin percutaneous osteotomy, in combination with previous exostosectomy and subsequent lateral soft-tissue release, is a safe, effective and reliable procedure for correction of mild-to-moderate HV. However, it requires a long learning curve because of the inherent difficulty of the mixed different surgical procedures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov PRS Protocol Registration and Results System: NCT02886221.

Intraosseous fixation compared to plantar plate fixation for first metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis: a cadaveric biomechanical analysis

BACKGROUND

Metatarsocuneiform (MTC) fusion is a treatment option for management of hallux valgus. We compared the biomechanical characteristics of an internal fixation device with plantar plate fixation.

METHODS

Seven matched pairs of feet from human cadavers were used to compare the intramedullary (IM) device plus compression screw to plantar plate combined with a compression screw. Specimen constructs were loaded in a cyclic 4-point bending test. We obtained initial/final stiffness, maximum load, and number of cycles to failure. Bone mineral density was measured with peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Performance was compared using time to event analysis with number of cycles as time variable, and a proportional hazard model including shared frailty model fitted with treatment and bone mineral density as covariates.

RESULTS

On average the plates failed after 7517 cycles and a maximum load of 167 N, while the IM-implants failed on average after 2946 cycles and a maximum load of 69 N. In all pairs the 1 treated with IM-implant failed earlier than the 1 treated with a plate (hazard ratio for IM-implant versus plate was 79.9 (95% confidence interval [6.1, 1052.2], P = .0009). The initial stiffness was 131 N/mm for the plantar plate and 43.3 N/mm for the IM implant. Initial stiffness (r = .955) and final stiffness (r = .952) were strongly related to the number of cycles to failure. Bone mineral density had no effect on the number of cycles to failure.

CONCLUSION

Plantar plate fixation created a stronger and stiffer construct than IM fixation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A stiffer construct can reduce the risk of nonunion and shorten the period of non-weight-bearing.

Plantar versus dorsomedial locked plating for Lapidus arthrodesis: a biomechanical comparison

BACKGROUND

Lapidus arthrodesis with a plate and a compression screw is an established procedure in hallux valgus surgery. The present study was performed to investigate the potential benefit of a compression screw combined with a plantarly applied angle-stable, anatomically precontoured plate or a dorsomedially applied angle-stable plate.

METHODS

In six pairs of human cadaver specimens, one specimen each was randomized to receive a dorsomedial H-shaped plate, while the other received a plantar plate. Bone mineral density was measured with peripheral quantitative computed tomography. The specimens were loaded quasi-statically, followed by cyclic loading. Finally, they were loaded to failure. In the static tests, stiffness and range of motion (ROM) data were obtained. In the cyclic tests, the constructs' displacement was studied. In the load-to-failure test, stiffness and maximum load to failure were measured.

RESULTS

The two groups did not differ significantly with regard to BMD (p = 0.25). Any significant differences observed were in favor of the plantar constructs, which had greater initial stiffness (p = 0.028) and final stiffness (p = 0.042), a smaller ROM (p = 0.028), and a greater load to failure (p = 0.043). There was no significant difference regarding displacement (p = 0.14).

CONCLUSION

In the static tests, the plantar angle-stable plate construct was superior to the dorsomedial angle-stable plate construct.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Plantar plating appears to offer biomechanical benefit. Clinical studies will be required to show whether this translates into earlier resumption of weightbearing and into lower rates of nonunion.

Mobility of the first ray: review article

Since its introduction by Morton in the early 20th century, first metatarsal instability has been debated as a contributing cause of many foot ailments. Given our evolutionary origins, some instability at the first ray seems inevitable. It makes sense that hypermobility could be the pathology leading to the development of various forefoot disorders. The problem is that it has been difficult to prove. Only in the last decade have there been any devices with which to quantify mobility, and each of the devices measures slightly different variables. However, each of these devices has been shown to be consistent and reliable. Excessive mobility of the first ray probably cannot be considered the only "suspect." With disorders such as hallux valgus and metatarsalgia, environment and footwear may play just as important a role as hypermobility. There are some conclusions, though, that can be safely drawn at this point. * We should define the measures of first ray mobility. One recent study has suggested the terms metatarsal elevation and metatarsal translation to describe two different aspects of the problem. * Simple clinical tools may be as useful as more cumbersome research tools for assessing first ray instability. * First ray mobility on average is increased in patients with hallux valgus. * First ray mobility is increased in some patients with transfer metatarsalgia. * Although some studies show increased elevation or mobility of the first ray in hallux rigidus, other studies do not. The burden is on the current generation of foot and ankle practitioners to resolve the debate of its predecessors. By first defining the measures of instability and then applying them to large populations, the role of hypermobility may be better defined. Then we can debate how best to "fix" the problem!

The use of the Lapidus procedure for recurrent hallux valgus

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the Lapidus procedure or it's modifications for treatment of recurrent hallux valgus (HV). Our hypothesis was that the Lapidus procedure would achieve good correction of recurrent HV and patients would be satisfied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 32 feet (30 patients) treated with the Lapidus procedure for recurrent HV with at least 1-year followup was performed. Evaluation included radiographs, examination, and chart review. Outcomes were assessed with a pain visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux score, SF-12, Revised Foot Function Index (RFFI), and a survey. Twenty-three of 30 patients (25 feet) met the criteria for inclusion in the study and were available for followup evaluation. The average followup was 31.6 months.

RESULTS

Arthrodesis was present in 24 out of 25 feet (96%). The time from initial HV correction to revision surgery was 91 months. The initial surgery performed was a distal osteotomy (15), proximal osteotomy (five), exostectomy (two), diaphyseal osteotomy (two), and proximal/distal osteotomy (one). Preoperative evaluation revealed 96% of patients had clinical hypermobility of the first TMT joint and 52% had radiographic findings of instability. The average postoperative AOFAS hallux score was 82.8, SF-12 score was 94.5, and RFFI was 101. The average preoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were 36.2, 13.6, 18.6 degrees, respectively, which corrected to an average of 15.2, 7.5, 11.7 degrees postoperatively (p < 0.001). The average shortening of the first ray was 2.9 mm. Average pain VAS was 2.4. Eighty-seven percent reported good to excellent results. Using a multivariable linear regression analysis, postoperative HVA along with change in length of the first ray were significant predictors of quality of life based on SF-12 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The Lapidus procedure corrected recurrent HV with a low nonunion rate and excellent radiographic correction and patients were satisfied with their outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, Retrospective Case Series

Lapidus arthrodesis with a single lag screw and a locking H-plate

The aim of this pilot study was to assess if using an interfragmental lag screw and a Darco(®) locking H-plate for the modified Lapidus arthrodesis in the treatment of hallux abducto valgus deformity (1) would allow for earlier weight bearing than previously described and (2) would indicate whether any changes would occur radiographically with the earlier weight bearing. Twenty-one metatarsocuneiform arthrodeses, in 18 patients, were retrospectively evaluated through chart review and postoperative radiographs. Original diagnoses included painful hallux abducto valgus and osteoarthritis of the first metatarsocuneiform joint. The mean age of the patients was 48 (range, 16 to 70) years. The mean follow-up duration was 38.5 (range, 29 to 60) months. The overall radiographic osseous union rate was 90.5% (19/21 feet), although there were 2 asymptomatic nonunions. There were no cases of fixation failure, and the surgical correction was preserved on follow-up radiographs. Overall, the mean time to full weight bearing was 4.7 (range, 3 to 7.5) weeks, and it was a mean of 8 (range, 7 to 10) weeks before the patient was back to wearing comfortable shoes. The authors concluded that metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis fixated with 1 interfragmentary lag screw and a Darco(®) locking H-plate provides sufficient stability to allow earlier weight bearing than has been previously described with other internal fixation constructs.

The unreliability of the intermetatarsal angle in choosing a hallux abducto valgus surgical procedure

Conventional thinking holds that high intermetatarsal and hallux abductus angles (>15° and >25°, respectively) are associated with a hypermobile first ray and require a Lapidus procedure to achieve satisfactory correction for the treatment of hallux valgus. However, normal first ray motion may be misinterpreted as hypermobility, and it is possible to take advantage of this motion to correct some portion of a large hallux abductovalgus deformity with distal procedures, such as the Austin or first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion. We retrospectively examined radiographs of 61 patients with first intermetatarsal and hallux abductus angles greater than 15° and greater than 25°, respectively, who had undergone hallux abductovalgus correction via Lapidus, Austin, or first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements of the intermetatarsal and hallux abductus angles were made. The results revealed no statistically significant differences in the amount of correction achieved by any of the 3 procedures in comparison with the others. We concluded that, given appropriate patient selection, an Austin or first MTPJ fusion could reliably correct large intermetatarsal and hallux abductus angles that, in the hands of many surgeons, are often treated by means of Lapidus arthrodesis.

First metatarsal-cuneiform arthrodesis for the treatment of first ray pathology: a technical guide

The first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis is a powerful procedure often utilized in the correction of first ray pathology. It is primarily used to correct moderate to severe hallux abducto valgus deformity. The authors present this review as a summation of the classic and recent literature while offering a detailed illustrated technique guide for the first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis.

Joint curettage arthrodesis technique in the foot: a histological analysis

Arthrodesis via joint contour preservation using the curettage method has become popular in foot and ankle surgery to avoid segmental shortening and the need to bone graft. Despite its popularity, the effect of joint curettage has never been histologically evaluated. Knowledge of the histological appearance after joint curettage would be helpful to the foot and ankle surgeon to better understand the function of joint surface preparation for arthrodesis. Five cadaver specimens were used to harvest the first metatarsocuneiform and subtalar joints for routine histological analysis after performing joint curettage technique. One specimen was used as a reference, whereas the remaining specimens were processed after joint surface preparation. Results show a residual layer of calcified cartilage overlying the subchondral plate interface on all osteochondral specimens after joint curettage. This suggests there is a natural histological barrier that may interfere with arthrodesis consolidation.

LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE

5.

The versatility of the Lapidus arthrodesis

Lapidus Arthrodesis is probably the most versatile procedure of the foot and ankle surgeon. The procedure was conceived initially for the surgical treatment of met primus adductus associated with hallux valgus, but has also been used for the treatment of a variety of other conditions including hallux limitus, revision bunion surgery, medial column stabilization, and others. Although the use of the Lapidus in bunion surgery is well supported in the literature, surgeons have been expanding its indications to manage a variety of disorders affecting the foot. As more surgeons continue to gain experience with the procedure, additional studies will emerge, further supporting its versatility in the realm of foot surgery.

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsocuneiform joint: a comparative cadaveric study of external and internal fixation

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsocuneiform joint for the treatment of severe hallux abductovalgus with or without hypermobility of the first ray has gained popularity in recent years. The purpose of the current study was to compare the strength of external fixation to internal fixation for arthrodesis of the first metatarsocuneiform joint in a cadaveric model. Ten pairs of fresh frozen lower extremity cadaver specimens were used, and randomly assigned to fixation at the first metatarsocuneiform joint with crossed cannulated screws or a monorail uniplanar external fixator. Test specimens were then loaded to failure, which was defined as 3 mm or more of displacement at the arthrodesis site. Because of complications encountered during testing, 4 pairs of specimens were excluded from the final results. In the remaining 12 specimens (6 pairs of cadaver limbs), the mean maximal load to failure was 2300.02 +/- 711.86 N for the external fixator and 1666.38 +/- 1072.75 N for the internal fixation construct, and although this difference was not statistically significant (P = .2557), it was likely to have been clinically significant since approximately 27.55% more force was required to disrupt the external fixation construct in comparison with the internal fixation construct. Given these findings, further research into the mechanical and clinical properties of internal and external fixation for first metatarsocuneiform joint arthrodesis is warranted.

LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE

5.

A review of surgical outcomes of the Lapidus procedure for treatment of hallux abductovalgus and degenerative joint disease of the first MCJ

BACKGROUND

The modified Lapidus procedure has been used to treat hallux abducto valgus and degenerative joint disease of the first metatarsocuneiform joint for many years. Historically, the Lapidus has been associated with poor satisfaction due to complications such as non-union. The aim of this study was to review the surgical outcomes of 18 patients using the validated Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). The four domains within the FHSQ were all investigated. Pre and post operative angular measurements were also reviewed.

RESULTS

The results of the FHSQ were positive for all four domains, with foot pain having the greatest change. Only two complications were recorded: one poor pain control and one post operative bleed and all 18 patients went to osseous union. Radiographically the mean intermetatarsal angle improved by 7.8 degrees and HAV angle by 22.9. A positive association was also demonstrated between validated 'Minimal Important Difference' (MID) scores.

CONCLUSION

The Lapidus is a valuable procedure that can have few complications and high levels of patient satisfaction.

Fixation of the chevron osteotomy with an absorbable copolymer pin for treatment of hallux valgus deformity

This study investigated the use of a bioabsorbable pin made of an oriented poly-L-lactic acid/polyglycolic acid (82:18 ratio) copolymer to fix distal chevron osteotomies in 15 patients (18 feet), with an average follow-up of 18 months. This material absorbs faster than poly-L-lactic acid and slower than poly-p-dioxanone, 2 bioabsorbable polymers that have a clinical history in fixation of distal chevron osteotomies. The average intermetatarsal angle significantly decreased from 11.9+/-1.7 degrees to 0.9+/-3.8 degrees (P < .001) while the average hallux valgus angle significantly decreased from 19.4+/-4.7 degrees to 6.2+/-6.4 degrees (P < .001). The preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score averaged 44.6+/-15.1, which increased significantly to 87.4+/-14.9 (P < .001) postoperatively. In 1 procedure, a giant cell granuloma developed that was treated with debridement. Overall, these results were comparable to those derived from the use of other methods of fixation used for bunionectomies.