Results of modified lapidus arthrodesis procedure using medial eminence as an interpositional autograft

Intraoperative Technical Tips to Improve Fusion Between the First and Second Metatarsals in the Original Lapidus Procedure

The modified Lapidus procedure (MLP), which consists of fusion between the first metatarsal (M1) and medial cuneiform, has been widely performed with satisfactory clinical outcomes, but it has a variable nonunion rate ranging between 4% and 10% and loss of correction in up to 5.8% of the cases. Excessive motion around the site of tarsometatarsal arthrodesis, specially at the intercuneiform joint, is probably the reason. The original Lapidus procedure (OLP), which includes fusion of the M1 to second metatarsal (M2), may be beneficial in preventing nonunion and recurrence. The objective of this study was to describe intraoperative technical tips in the OLP to improve M1 to M2 fusion, which may prevent complications. Since the Lapidus procedure continues to gain popularity, it is the authors opinion that the OLP requires special attention because it is a more technically demanding surgery compared to the MLP.Level of Evidence: Level V: Expert opinion.

Is first metatarsal shortening correlated with clinical and functional outcomes following the Lapidus procedure?

OBJECTIVE

To correlate first metatarsal (M1) shortening with transfer metatarsalgia, and clinical and functional outcomes in patients who underwent the Lapidus procedure (LP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 29 patients who were submitted to the LP for HV correction. The average follow-up was 20 months. M1 length was analyzed using the Relative First Metatarsal Length (RML) measurement. Intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and hallux valgus angle (HVA) were also measured. Clinical and functional analyses were based on the visual analogue scale (VAS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and Short-form 12 (SF-12) health survey. SF-12 is divided into physical (PCS-12) and mental health (MCS-12) composite scales. Transfer metatarsalgia was diagnosed by the clinical exam. Radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes were compared using paired Wilcoxon's and Student's t tests. Inter-observer reliability of RML measures was calculated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). The correlation between RML and the clinical and functional questionnaires was assessed with the Spearman's Rho test.

RESULTS

There was a significant M1 shortening of 2.3 mm (p < 0.05), with mean preoperative RML of 3 mm and mean post-operative of 5.3 mm. None of the patients evolved with transfer metatarsalgia. ICC of the RML measures presented excellent reliability. IMA and HVA showed improvements (p < 0.05). Clinical and functional improvements were observed in all questionnaires applied, except in the MCS-12. In the linear regression, RML was inversely correlated to LEFS (p < 0.05), which means that LEFS scores increased as RML measurements decreased.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that M1 shortening led to a decreased LEFS following the LP.

Technical Tip Kerfing for Lapidus Arthrodesis: Deformity Correction With Minimal Bone Resection

The Lapidus arthrodesis can be a powerful but technically challenging procedure. Common pitfalls include gapping at the arthrodesis site, shortening, and residual malalignment. Herein is described a simple and reproducible technique to obtain a congruent arthrodesis site with excellent deformity correction and minimal bone loss by the use of joint kerfing.

Analysis of Shortening and Elevation of the First Ray With Instrumented Triplane First Tarsometatarsal Arthrodesis

BACKGROUND

The Lapidus procedure using planar saw resection has often been criticized for complications related to excessive shortening and elevation of the first ray. The goal of this study was to assess the amount of shortening that occurs when using a cutting guide for controlled saw resection of the first tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint surfaces, along with assessment of deformity correction in all 3 anatomic planes.

METHODS

A prospective multicenter study with IRB approval included 35 hallux valgus subjects evaluated at baseline and 6 months following instrumented triplane first TMT arthrodesis without lesser metatarsal osteotomies.

RESULTS

The average first ray bone segment length loss was 3.1 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-3.7) in the anteroposterior (AP) radiographic assessment and 2.4 mm (95% CI 1.7-3.1) in the sagittal plane. The mean preoperative radiographic measurements were 1.7 degrees (dorsiflexion) for sagittal plane angle, 13.8 degrees for intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and 5.1 for tibial sesamoid position (TSP). Improvements were seen postoperatively for all measures with a mean difference of -0.2 degrees (95% CI -1.0 to 0.6) for sagittal plane angle, -9.2 degrees (95% CI -10.1 to -8.3 degrees) for IMA, and -3.5 (95% CI -4.0 to -3.1) for TSP. Five of the patients reported lesser metatarsal pain preoperatively, and no patients complained of lesser metatarsalgia at 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimal length loss of the first ray can be expected following instrumented triplane TMT arthrodesis while achieving full 3-dimensional deformity correction and reducing the risk of lesser metatarsalgia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prospective comparative study.

Radiographic Impact of Lapidus, Proximal Lateral Closing Wedge Osteotomy, and Suture Button Procedures on First Ray Length and Dorsiflexion for Hallux Valgus

BACKGROUND

Shortening and dorsiflexion of the first metatarsal are known potential side effects of metatarsal osteotomies for hallux valgus (HV) with the potential to cause transfer metatarsalgia. We compared the effect of the first tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis (Lapidus procedure), proximal lateral closing wedge osteotomy (PLCWO), and intermetatarsal suture button fixation procedures on the length and dorsiflexion of the first ray.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 105 feet in 99 patients with 30 weeks of follow-up. The average age was 54 years. Seventy-four feet had a Lapidus procedure, 12 had a PLCWO, and 19 had intermetatarsal suture button fixation. Digital radiographic measurements were made for the pre- and postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA), absolute and relative shortening of the first ray, and dorsiflexion.

RESULTS

Preoperative HVA and IMA did not differ between treatment groups (P > .05 for each). Similar corrections of HVA (30.5-13.5 degrees) were achieved between all groups (P > .05). The IMA was improved more in the Lapidus group (14.3-6.5 degrees) compared with the suture button fixation group (14.2-8.1 degrees) (P = .045). There were significant differences in the change in absolute first cuneiform-metatarsal length (FCML) between the Lapidus (-1.6 mm), PLCWO (-2.3 mm), and intermetatarsal suture button fixation (+1.9 mm) procedure (P = .004). There were also significant differences in relative first metatarsal shortening between the Lapidus (0.1 mm relative shortening), PLCWO (1.1 mm relative shortening), and intermetatarsal suture button fixation (1.3 mm lengthening) procedure (P < .001). The average dorsiflexion differed between the Lapidus (1.8 degrees) and suture button fixation (0.4 degrees) groups (P = .004).

CONCLUSION

Intermetatarsal suture button fixation relatively lengthened the first ray, the Lapidus procedure maintained length, and the PLCWO relatively and absolutely shortened it. Dorsiflexion may be higher with the Lapidus and osteotomy procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Evolution of Thinking of the Lapidus Procedure and Fixation

The evolution of Lapidus fixation has been strongly associated with the understanding of the anatomy and function of the first tarsometatarsal joint, the mechanism of hypermobility of the first tarsometatarsal joint, and cause of the hallux valgus deformity in 3 dimensions. Some methods, such as plantar plating, nitinol staples, and intramedullary fixation, have proven to be stronger biomechanically in cadaveric testing. Theoretically, stable fixation will reduce the rate of complications, in particular, that of nonunion and allow for early postoperative weight-bearing. Further clinical studies are needed to examine whether current biomechanical studies will translate to relevant clinical outcomes.

Can We Abandon Saw Wedge Resection in Lapidus Fusion? A Comparative Study of Joint Preparation Techniques Regarding Correction of Deformity, Union Rate, and Preservation of First Ray Length

The traditional joint preparation technique for Lapidus fusion involves wedge resection using a saw to achieve correction of intermetatarsal angular deformity. The main drawback of this approach is undesirable shortening of the first ray, which can predispose to second ray overload that may preclude the procedure for a subset of patients or may necessitate second metatarsal shortening osteotomy. The goal of this study was to determine whether a first ray length-preserving joint preparation technique (curette and bur) achieves equivalent correction of deformity and fusion rate without first ray shortening compared with the standard saw wedge resection technique. A retrospective review of consecutive cases from January 2007 to August 2014 identified 62 patients who underwent 65 Lapidus fusions for hallux valgus correction with crossed-screw fixation. All patients treated from 2007 to 2010 had saw wedge resection, whereas all patients treated from 2011 to 2014 had curette and bur joint preparation without use of a saw. The mean intermetatarsal angle correction was 9.06° (range 5° to 14.7°) in the saw wedge resection group and 8.11° (range 2.8° to 15.5°) in the curette and bur group, a difference that was not statistically significant. The mean amount of first ray shortening was -3.14 (range -6.1 to 0) mm in the saw wedge resection group and -0.86 (range -2.3 to 4.2) mm in the curette and bur group, a result that was statistically significant. Osseous union was confirmed radiographically at 10 weeks postoperatively in all cases. These findings suggest that first ray length can be preserved using a more conservative joint preparation technique regardless of preoperative deformity, without compromising correction of deformity or union rate.

The modified Lapidus fusion

Due to its proximal correction site and long lever arm, the Lapidus fusion, modified or not, is a powerful technique to correct hallux valgus deformities. The disadvantages are a high complication rate and a long postoperative rehabilitation period. It is only performed in 5% to 10% of all hallux valgus deformity corrections but remains, however, an important procedure, especially in moderate to severe deformities with intermetatarsal angles more than 14°, hypermobility of the first ray, arthritis of the first tarsometatarsal joint, and recurrent deformities. This article provides an overview of the procedure with special focus on the surgical technique.

Long-term results of the Hohmann and Lapidus procedure for the correction of hallux valgus: a prospective, randomised trial with eight- to 11-year follow-up involving 101 feet

As it remains unproven that hypermobility of the first tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ-1) is a significant factor in hallux valgus deformity, the necessity for including arthrodesis of TMTJ-1 as part of a surgical correction of a hallux valgus is questionable. In order to evaluate the role of this arthrodesis on the long-term outcome of hallux valgus surgery, a prospective, blinded, randomised study with long-term follow-up was performed, comparing the Lapidus procedure (which includes such an arthrodesis) with a simple Hohmann distal closing wedge metatarsal osteotomy. The study cohort comprised 101 feet in 87 patients: 50 feet were treated with a Hohmann procedure and 51 with a Lapidus procedure. Hypermobility of TMTJ-1 was assessed pre-operatively by clinical examination. After a mean of 9.25 years (7.25 to 11.42), 91 feet in 77 patients were available for follow-up. There was no difference in clinical or radiological outcome between the two procedures. Also, there was no difference in outcome between the two procedures in the subgroup clinically assessed as hypermobile. This study does not support the theory that a hallux valgus deformity in a patient with a clinically assessed hypermobile TMTJ-1 joint requires fusion of the first tarso-metatarsal joint.

Hypermobility of the first metatarsal bone in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated by Lapidus procedure

Background

Foot deformities and related problems of the forefoot are very common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The laxity of the medial cuneometatarsal joint and its synovitis are important factors in the development of forefoot deformity. The impaired joint causes the first metatarsal bone to become unstable in the frontal and sagittal planes. In this retrospective study we evaluated data of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent Lapidus procedure. We evaluated the role of the instability in a group of patients, focusing mainly on the clinical symptoms and X-ray signs of the instability.

Methods

The study group included 125 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The indications of the Lapidus procedure were a hallux valgus deformity greater than 15 degrees and varus deformity of the first metatarsal bone with the intermetatarsal angle greater than 15 degrees on anterio-posterior weight-bearing X-ray.

Results

Data of 143 Lapidus procedures of 125 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, who underwent surgery between 2004 and 2010 was evaluated. Signs and symptoms of the first metatarsal bone instability was found in 92 feet (64.3%) in our group. The AOFAS score was 48.6 before and 87.6 six months after the foot reconstruction. Nonunion of the medial cuneometatarsal joint arthrodesis on X-rays occurred in seven feet (4.9%).

Conclusion

The Lapidus procedure provides the possibility to correct the first metatarsal bone varus position and its instability, as well as providing the possibility to achieve a painless foot for walking. We recommend using the procedure as a preventive surgery in poorly symptomatic patients with rheumatoid arthritis in case of the first metatarsal bone hypermobility.