Early Results of Immediate Weightbearing Following First Tarsometatarsal Joint Arthrodesis With Plantar Locking Plate and Dorsal Compression Screw

Immediate Weightbearing after Modified Lapidus Arthrodesis Using a Medial Plate: A Retrospective Descriptive Cohort Study

The modified Lapidus procedure has emerged as a versatile solution for various pedal pathologies, particularly hallux abducto valgus. There have been numerous modifications over time regarding fixation techniques, joint preparation methods, graft utilization, and weightbearing protocols. However, concerns persist regarding prolonged nonweightbearing postoperatively, prompting the need for alternative approaches. This retrospective descriptive cohort analysis assessed the outcomes of 40 feet from 34 patients who underwent the modified Lapidus procedure with a medial plating system, aimed to evaluate immediate weightbearing outcomes on union rate, fixation-related complications, and functional outcomes. Among the 40 feet, findings showed a 95% (38/40) union rate within 6 months, with 2.5% (1/40) experiencing delayed union and 2.5% (1/40) facing fixation-related complications. There is a single case of malunion in the cohort. Additionally, statistically significant improvements were observed across all domains of the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire at p < .001. These findings suggest immediate weightbearing as a potential alternative to traditional nonweightbearing protocols. However, the study's retrospective nature and lack of a comparative group warrant cautious interpretation. Further research is essential to validate these findings and refine postoperative care protocols. By challenging conventional practices, this study underscores the complexity of optimizing patient outcomes in modified Lapidus procedure management. Tailored approaches and prospective investigations are imperative for establishing definitive guidelines and enhancing surgical techniques in this domain.

First cuneo-metatarsal arthrodesis (Modified Lapidus) with plantar plate for the treatment of hallux valgus: clinical and radiological outcomes at one year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

The modified Lapidus arthrodesis, involving the first cuneo-metatarsal joint, is a well-established surgical method and widely utilized for treating moderate to severe hallux valgus deformities with hypermobility in the first tarsometatarsal joint. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of union following the Lapidus procedure using a plantar plate and an immediate full weight-bearing protocol. Secondary objectives included examining radiological corrections and potential associated complications.

METHODS

A retrospective study included 66 patients (80 feet) who underwent a modified Lapidus procedure for the treatment of hallux valgus associated with hypermobility of the first ray, performed by a single senior surgeon at our institution between May 2013 and November 2019. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Patients were clinically assessed at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year. Radiological measurements were taken on weight-bearing dorsoplantar views preoperatively, at 3 months, and at 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Bone union was achieved in 79 cases (98.75%). There was one case of non-union, two wound complications (one infection and one dehiscence), two cases of symptomatic hardware requiring hardware removal, and one stress fracture associated with recurrence of hallux valgus that required revision. The mean hallux valgus angle (HVA) improved from 30.5 ° ±10.4 ° to 10.1 ° ±6.6 ° (p < .001), the mean intermetatarsal angle (IMA) improved from 13.4 ° ±3.6 ° to 5.6 ° ±2.9 (p < .001), The average sesamoid position improved from stage 5.9 ± 1.6 to stage 2.6 ± 1.2 (p < .001). The mean shortening of the first metatarsal was 3.6 mm ± 1.8. There was no significant difference between measurements at 3 and 12 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Modified Lapidus with a planter plate and compression screw is a reliable method of fixation with a high union rate, permit an immediate protected weight bearing and a low complications rate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; Retrospective study.

Surgical Reconstruction of Nonunion after Iatrogenic Scarf Osteotomy

We present the case of a young patient, 32 years old, with nonunion in the diaphysis of the first metatarsal after scarf osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus. After removal of the failed osteosynthesis material and preparation of the bone fragments, a calcaneal bone autograft, previously extracted from the patient, was placed in the nonunion area. The new physiological position of the first metatarsal in the three planes was checked intraoperatively, and autograft and fragment fixation was performed using a combination of a low-profile plate with six screws and two interfragmentary screws. The advantage of using an autogenous graft is that it provides corticocancellous bone and great osteogenic capacity with little antigenic capacity. This makes it an excellent option in many situations in foot and ankle surgery. Regarding the fixation method, we used the two most commonly used techniques for osteosynthesis of bone grafts in cases of bone nonunion, combining plates with locking screws and two interfragmentary screws. This provides greater stability of the bone fragments in the three planes and makes it possible to bring forward when the patient starts postsurgical loading.