Poor agreement between prospective and retrospective assessment of hallux surgery using the AOFAS Hallux Scale

Comparison of triplanar chevron osteotomy with chevron osteotomy in hallux valgus treatment for the prevention of transfer metatarsalgia

Hallux valgus (HV) is often accompanied by metatarsalgia. This study compared the radiological and clinical outcomes of new triplanar chevron osteotomy (TCO) and chevron osteotomy (CO) in the treatment of HV, especially for patients with plantar callosities and metatarsalgia. In this retrospective analysis, 90 patients (45 patients per group) with mild to moderate HV and plantar callosities were treated with TCO and CO from July 2020 to January 2022. In both procedures, the apex was located in the center of the head of the first metatarsal bone, and the CO was oriented towards the fourth MTPJ at a 60° angle. Plantar-oblique chevron osteotomy was defined as chevron osteotomy and a 20° plantar tilt; TCO was defined as plantar-oblique chevron osteotomy-based metatarsal osteotomy with a 10° tilt towards the metatarsal head. Primary outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative hallux valgus angle, 1 to 2 intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), first metatarsal length (FML), and second metatarsal head height X-ray images; clinical measurements, including visual analogue scale and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores; changes in callosity grade and area; and changes in the number of people with metatarsalgia. Secondary outcomes included complications, recurrence rates, and cosmetic appearance. The hallux valgus angle, IMA, and DMAA were significantly lower after surgery (P  < .001) in all patients. In the TCO group, the mean FML and second metatarsal head height increased significantly postoperatively (P < .001). The AOFAS and visual analogue scale scores improved postoperatively in both groups (P < .001). All patients experienced satisfactory pain relief and acceptable cosmesis. The plantar callosity areas were smaller postoperatively in both the TCO and CO groups, but the change in the area (Δarea) in the TCO group significantly differed from that in the CO group (P < .001). The number of postoperative patients with metatarsalgia and the plantar callosity grade were both significantly lower in the TCO group than in the CO group after osteotomy (P < .05). TCO prevents dorsal shift of the metatarsal head and preserves and even increases FML, thereby preventing future metatarsalgia in patients. Therefore, compared with CO, TCO has better orthopedic outcomes and is an effective method for treating mild to moderate HV and preventing transfer metatarsalgia.

Outcome after resection arthroplasty or shortening oblique osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals combined with arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint for severe rheumatoid forefoot deformities

PURPOSE

We investigated objective and patient-reported outcomes after resection arthroplasty or shortening oblique osteotomy (SOO) of the lesser metatarsals combined with arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint for severe rheumatoid forefoot deformities.

METHODS

17 feet from 14 women (mean age, 67.8 years) underwent resection arthroplasty of the lesser metatarsal heads (MTH resection group), while 13 feet from nine women and two men (mean age, 68.7 years) underwent SOO of the lesser metatarsals (MTH preservation group). Arthrodesis of the first MTP joint was performed in all cases. Mean follow-up in the MTH resection and preservation groups was 25.0 and 21.3 months, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluation included Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale and self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q) scores.

RESULTS

Mean total JSSF scale significantly improved from 53.4 to 76.4 in the MTH resection group (p < .001) and from 50.1 to 74.2 in the MTH preservation group (p = .002). Pain and pain-related and shoe-related SAFE-Q subscale scores significantly improved after surgery in both groups. In the MTH resection group, recurrence of painful callosities and claw toe deformity was observed in four and three feet, respectively. In the MTH preservation group, one patient experienced recurrence of painful callosities and one underwent revision surgery for IP joint dislocation.

CONCLUSION

Resection arthroplasty or SOO of the lesser metatarsals combined with arthrodesis of the first MTP joint achieved significant improvement with respect to pain relief, deformity correction, and footwear comfort.

Effectiveness of hallux valgus surgery on improving health-related quality of life: A follow up study

BACKGROUND

Hallux valgus (HV) negatively impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Patientreported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly used in clinical studies of the foot and ankle. We aimed to evaluate the effect of HV surgery on PROMs (i.e., pain scales, general HRQoL, and region-specific scales) and radiological angles. Additionally, we aimed to determine whether the effect on these outcomes depends on the type of surgery (including open and percutaneous techniques) and if it is influenced by potential confounding factors (i.e., age, HVA, 1-2 IMA, body mass index (BMI), and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA).

METHODS

This was a longitudinal prospective study. We collected the clinical data of all patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic HV deformity in the orthopedic department of the Virgen de la Luz Hospital of Cuenca (Spain).The clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal (HMI) scale, visual analogue scale (VAS), Manchester Oxford foot questionnaire (MOXFQ), short form health survey (SF-12) and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D).

RESULTS

A total of 72 patients (70 women, 97.2%) were included in the study 72 (72 feet).The AOFAS pre-post-surgery score changed from 42.16 (SD: 10.11) to 83.31 (SD: 6.23). Considering AOFAS domains, the pre-post change was from 14.17 (SD: 9.15) to 33.19 (SD: 4.69) for pain, from 27.22 (SD: 3.90) to 37.94 (SD: 2.78) for function, and from 0.78 (SD: 2.38) to 12.18 (SD: 3.45) for alignment. For other clinical outcomes was VAS score from 5.01(SD: 1.26) to 1.26 (SD: 0.96) and MOXFQ score from 61.44 (SD: 7.09) to 12.35 (SD: 4.85). SF-12 (physical) changed from 36.26 (SD: 5.32) to 47.06 (SD: 4.82), SF-12 (mental) from 38.23 (SD: 8.04) to 46.49 (SD: 4.16), and EQ5-D from 0.64 (SD: 0.008) to 0.90 (SD: 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirmed the improvements in the clinical and radiological outcomes after HV surgery, and provided some evidence of these improvements not depending on the type of surgery or on some potential confounding factors such as BMI, HVA, 1-2 IMA, and DMAA.

Impact of pes planus on clinical outcomes of hallux valgus surgery

BACKGROUND

Pes planus is associated with hallux valgus development. This study evaluated the impact of pes planus on clinical outcomes following hallux valgus surgery.

METHODS

191 patients underwent Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus. Pes planus angles including talonavicular coverage angle, lateral talus-first metatarsal angle (Meary's angle) and lateral talocalcaneal angle were measured. The cohort was stratified into control (0°-4.0°), mild (4.1°-14.9°), moderate (15.0°-30.0°) and severe (> 30.0°) pes planus groups according to Meary's angle. Clinical outcomes were compared at baseline, 6 months and 24 months.

RESULTS

There were 78 controls, 95 mild and 18 moderate cases of pes planus. Meary's angle was independently associated with preoperative hallux valgus angle. Pes planus angles were not associated with pain, AOFAS, SF-36 physical or mental scores. All three groups had similar clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Compared to patients with neutral foot arches, those with pes planus presented with more severe hallux valgus deformity but had similar clinical outcomes following surgical correction.

Third-Generation Minimally Invasive Chevron-Akin Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Produces Similar Clinical and Radiological Outcomes as Scarf-Akin Osteotomy at 2 Years: A Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The minimally invasive chevron-Akin (MICA) osteotomy is an increasingly popular technique for the correction of hallux valgus. However, there is a paucity of literature comparing it with traditional open techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of the MICA osteotomy using a new-generation MICA screw and scarf-Akin osteotomy for hallux valgus correction.

METHODS

Thirty cases of MICA osteotomy were propensity score matched 1:1 with a control group of 30 scarf-Akin osteotomy cases. The groups were matched for age, sex, body mass index, preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal (MTP-IP) score, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS), preoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and concomitant procedures. Outcomes were compared at 6 and 24 months postoperatively. Early postoperative VAS scores were also compared.

RESULTS

Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS score, AOFAS score, and SF-36 PCS and MCS at 6 and 24 months postoperatively. For the MICA group, HVA improved from 23.5 to 7.7 degrees, and IMA improved from 13.5 to 7.5 degrees. For the scarf-Akin osteotomy group, HVA improved from 23.7 to 9.3 degrees, and IMA improved from 13.6 to 7.8 degrees. The first 24-hour postoperative VAS score was significantly lower in the MICA group compared with the scarf-Akin group (2.0 ± 2.0 vs 3.4 ± 2.6, P = .029). However, there was no significant difference in clinical or radiological outcomes between the groups at 6 and 24 months.

CONCLUSION

The MICA procedure with the new-generation MICA screw is an attractive option for the correction of hallux valgus, yielding similar midterm radiological and clinical outcomes compared with the well-established scarf-Akin osteotomy. The first 24-hour postoperative VAS score in the MICA group was also statistically lower, although its clinical significance remains to be determined.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Subjective and Objective Outcomes of Surgery for Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformities Under the Current Treatment Paradigm

We investigated the clinical outcomes of surgical procedures for the treatment of forefoot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Twenty feet in 16 women (mean age 62.1 years) underwent corrective osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone with shortening oblique osteotomy of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints (joint-preservation group), while 13 feet in 12 women (mean age 67.4 years) underwent arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with resection arthroplasty of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints (joint-sacrifice group); mean follow-up for each group was 25.8 and 23.8 months, respectively. The mean total Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale improved significantly from 64.2 to 89.2 in the joint-preservation group (p < .001), and from 54.2 to 74.2 in the joint-sacrifice group (p = .003). In the joint-preservation group, the postoperative range of motion (ROM) of the joint, walking ability, and activities of daily living scores of the JSSF scale were significantly higher than those in the joint-sacrifice group (p = .001, p = .001, and p = .019, respectively). There were no differences in the subscale scores of the self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire between 2 groups either pre- or postoperatively. No differences in the postoperative complications were found between 2 groups. Although the joint-sacrificing procedure resulted in lower objective outcomes than the joint-preserving procedure regarding the ROM of the joint, the walking ability, and the level of activities of daily living, both procedures resulted in similar treatment outcomes when evaluated by the subjective measures.

The effect of hallux valgus open and percutaneous surgery on AOFAS scale: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To estimate the comparative effect of open and percutaneous hallux valgus (HV) surgery on patients' quality of life (QoL) using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale including total score and individual domains (pain, function, and alignment).

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception to March 2020 for studies on the effect of HV surgery on patients' QoL using the AOFAS score. A standardized mean difference score was calculated on the total AOFAS score and on each AOFAS domain (pain, function, and alignment) using Cohen's d index.

RESULTS

Considering the 53 published studies included, the pooled effect size (ES) estimates for the AOFAS total score were 3.69 (95% CI 3.37-4.01; I² = 95.5%) for open surgery and 3.40 (95% CI 2.99-3.80, I² = 88.2%) for percutaneous surgery. The total pooled ES estimate was 3.61 (95% CI 3.35-3.87, I² = 94.5%). Considering the pain domain, the pooled ES estimates were 2.21 (95% CI 1.98-2.43, I² = 64%) for open surgery and 2.52 (95% CI 1.83-3.20, I² = 92.6%) for percutaneous surgery. For the function domain, the pooled ES estimates were 1.37 (95% CI 0.93-1.81, I² = 91%) for open surgery and 2.28 (95% CI 1.10-3.47, I² = 96.8%) for percutaneous surgery. Finally, the pooled ES estimates for the alignment domain were 3.99 (95% CI 3.51-4.47, I² = 85.7%) for open surgery and 2.66 (95% CI 2.23-3.09, I² = 78.5%) for percutaneous surgery.

CONCLUSION

Our data support that HV surgery increases the total AOFAS score as well as the AOFAS scores by domain (pain, function, and alignment). Furthermore, our data show that HV surgery increases patients' QoL, after both open and percutaneous surgery, without differences between them.

Results of Hallux Valgus Surgery in Diabetic Patients With Good Glycemic Control

BACKGROUND

Literature is sparse on whether diabetes affects outcomes of hallux valgus surgery. With the rising global prevalence of diabetes and diabetes being an independent predictor of poorer outcomes, particularly in foot and ankle surgery, we aimed to investigate the impact of diabetes on the outcomes of hallux valgus surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective comparative cohort study of prospectively collected registry data of 951 feet in 721 patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic hallux valgus between 2007 and 2015 at our institution. All patients with diabetes were identified and matched with patients without diabetes for age, sex, and body mass index in a 1:2 ratio to construct the matched cohorts for analysis. Glycemic control in the diabetic cohort was assessed using preoperative HbA1c. The primary outcome measure was complication rates. Secondary outcomes were (1) deformity correction using the hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles; (2) patient-reported outcomes using visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Short Form-36 (SF-36) Physical and Mental Health subscales, and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores; (3) patient satisfaction; and (4) reoperation rates up to 2 years postoperatively. Forty diabetic patients were identified and matched to 80 nondiabetic patients. Although matching was only performed for age, sex, and body mass index, the diabetic and the nondiabetic cohorts were also similar in hallux valgus severity, preoperative scores, and types of procedures performed.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative HbA1c in our diabetic cohort was 7.1%. Both the diabetic and nondiabetic cohorts showed excellent AOFAS and VAS scores with no differences in degree of deformity correction, complication profiles, reoperation rates, outcome scores, and satisfaction at both 6 months and 2 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

We believe stringent patient selection was key to reduced complication rates and good outcomes in diabetic patients. Well-selected diabetic patients remain suitable candidates for hallux valgus surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Effect of Severity of Deformity on Clinical Outcomes of Scarf Osteotomies

BACKGROUND

Literature is sparse on whether severity of hallux valgus affects outcomes of surgery. We thus aimed to evaluate the impact of hallux valgus severity on the clinical outcomes of surgery.

METHODS

83 consecutive scarf osteotomies performed by a single surgeon for symptomatic hallux valgus between 2007 and 2011 were divided into 3 groups (mild, moderate, and severe) based on severity of their preoperative hallux valgus using the hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles. Outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical functioning (SFPF) and mental health (SFMH) subscales, and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores. These were assessed preoperatively and at 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was assessed at 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. Eleven (13.2%), 54 (65.1%), and 18 (21.7%) feet were in the mild, moderate, and severe groups, respectively.

RESULTS

There was no difference in preoperative VAS, SFPF, SFMH and AOFAS scores between the groups except for AOFAS scores for the second toe, which were poorer with increasing hallux valgus. Postoperatively, there was improvement across all outcome scores. VAS and AOFAS showed excellent scores, and patient satisfaction was high across all 3 groups (88.9%, 89.4%, and 86.7%). The severe group had slightly lower SFPF scores at 6 months (mild, 81.1; moderate, 84.0; severe, 74.3; P = .031) and 2 years postoperatively (mild, 93.4; moderate, 89.7; severe, 76.4; P = .005), and slightly poorer second toe scores for VAS (mild, 0.0; moderate, 0.1; severe, 1.2; P = .017) and AOFAS (mild, 94.7; moderate, 93.5; severe, 83.4; P = .043) at 2 years postoperatively. All other scores including patient satisfaction showed no between-group differences. Complication and revision rates between the groups were similar.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for symptomatic hallux valgus lead to excellent outcomes and high patient satisfaction regardless of severity of deformity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, comparative series.

Patient-reported outcome after hallux valgus surgery - a two year follow up

BACKGROUND

Patients with hallux valgus deformity may require surgery but prospective patient-reported data is scarce.

METHODS

We evaluated 53 patients with a mean age of 55.3years (SD 14.1, 50 women), who underwent surgery due to hallux valgus. They completed the PROMs SEFAS, EQ-5D and SF-36 before and 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery.

RESULTS

All patient-reported outcomes improved at 6, 12 and 24months compared with the preoperative status. The greatest improvement occurred at 6months: SEFAS Δ 10.0 (95% confidence interval 7.8-12.2), EQ-5D Δ 0.22 (0.15-0.29), EQ-VAS Δ 8.4 (4.4-12.4), PF SF-36 Δ 22.0 (14.6-29.3) and BP SF-36 Δ 30.6 (23.1-38.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Hallux valgus surgery considerably reduced pain and improved function already within 6months after surgery. The improvement between 6 and 24months' follow-up was minimal measured with PROMs.

LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE

III - prospective observational cohort study.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Foot and Ankle Orthopedics

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are a measure of health care quality that reflect the patient's perceptions of their own health status. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in implementation of PROs into everyday clinical practice. There are many dozens of PROs available to foot and ankle surgeons with little consensus on which measures are most appropriate for a given condition. These measures vary widely in length, validity, and content. When integrating PROs into clinical practice, we recommend that clinicians should collect, at a minimum, validated PRO scores that assess pain, function, and general health. Furthermore, concise instruments should be used wherever possible to minimize patient burden, maximize patient engagement, and ensure meaningful data are collected. In the near future, outcomes registries employing computer adaptive testing will facilitate the routine collection of PRO data from all patients.

Level of Evidence

Level V, expert opinion.

Outcomes Following Interposition Arthroplasty of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint for the Treatment of Hallux Rigidus: A Systematic Review

Background:

Interposition arthroplasty of the first MTP joint has recently experienced renewed interest as a treatment for hallux rigidus. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the rapidly expanding literature on PRO following interposition arthroplasty of the first MTP joint.

Methods:

PubMed Central, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched. Inclusion criteria included length of time to follow-up, number of patients, outcome measure, and use of allogeneic or autogenous soft tissue or a synthetic matrix as interposition.

Results:

20 studies were included in the review, comprising 498 patients and 539 feet with mean time to follow-up of 4.5 years. The most common substance used for interposition in the included studies was autogenous first MTPJ capsular tissue, a technique reported on in 12 (60.0%) of the included articles. In studies reporting preoperative and postoperative outcomes by way of a standardized outcome scoring system, mean group improvements exceed minimal clinically important differences in the majority of studies. Eighty-five percent of the studies included in this review were of Level IV quality evidence, and of this subset of studies, 70.6% were of a retrospective nature. Progression to further surgery was observed in 3.8% of toes. The most common complication reported was transfer metatarsalgia of 1 or more lesser toes, observed in up to 57.9% of patients in one study.

Conclusion:

Interposition arthroplasty appears to be a viable option for the treatment of moderate to severe hallux rigidus in patients looking to salvage motion through the first metatarsophalangeal joint. A wide array of autogenous, allogeneic, and synthetic implant materials have surfaced in recent years, but long-term follow-up and prospective, comparative study designs with low risk of bias are limited.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, systematic review of Level III-IV studies

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are a measure of health care quality that empower patients to share their health care perceptions with their providers. In orthopedic foot and ankle surgery, these measures can range from global assessments of pain or satisfaction to complex questionnaires designed to assess the function of specific anatomic regions or the recovery from specific procedures. This article seeks to characterize the use of PROs in foot and ankle surgery, describe some of the most commonly used measures, discuss implementation in everyday clinical practice, and explore the future of PROs in foot and ankle orthopedics.

Age- and Sex-Related Normative Data for the Foot Function Index in a German-Speaking Cohort

BACKGROUND

Despite increasing popularity of the Foot Function Index (FFI), normative values are still unavailable for this self-administered score. This study was designed to generate age- and sex-related normative values for the FFI-total and for both subscales FFI-pain and FFI-disability.

METHODS

We used the cross-cultural adapted and validated German version of the FFI to generate a data pool using the results of 625 individuals, including staff and visitors to our hospital and excluding persons scheduled for foot surgery or in after-treatment.

RESULTS

Mean values for FFI-total were calculated: 15.3 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.3-16.9), 14.9 points for FFI-pain (CI, 13.3-16.5), and 15.6 for FFI-disability (CI, 13.8-17.4). Results showed higher values for FFI-total, FFI-pain, and FFI-disability for individuals older than 40 years. In general, normative values showed a tendency for higher values with age. A slightly inconsistent distribution over different age groups with a peak for individuals in their 40s and 50s was observed, especially for FFI-pain. Men had better scores than women. Individuals with previous surgery showed lower scores in their respective score.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data calculated normative values for a German-speaking cohort for FFI-total as well as for both subscales FFI-pain and FFI-disability. Our data quantified the increase of FFI-total, FFI-pain, and FFI-disability normative values with age but also showed a slightly inconsistent distribution of normative values over all age groups. We demonstrated higher normative values for women and slightly higher normative values for individuals with previous foot or ankle surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II, prospective comparative study.

An evaluation of retrospective outcome scores in elective foot and ankle surgery

BACKGROUND

Patient reported outcome measures are becoming more popular in their use. Retrospective scoring is not yet a validated method of data collection but one that could greatly decrease the complexity of research projects. We aim to compare preoperative and retrospective scores in order to assess their correlation and accuracy.

METHODS

36 patients underwent elective foot and ankle surgery. All patients were scored preoperatively using the SF-12 (including both the physical and mental subsets) and FFI. Patients then recorded both PROMs at the 3-month follow up (av. 139 days). Results were then analyzed for statistical significance.

RESULTS

36 patients (av. age 54.6): completed both sets of questionnaires. There were 15 hindfoot and 21 forefoot procedures. No retrospective scores were identical. The mean percentage difference between the preoperative scores was -7.9% (-17.3 to 1.6%, 95% CI) for Physical Component of SF12, -3.2% (-10.3 to 3.9%, 95% CI) for mental component of SF12 and 40.7% (25.3 to 56.1%, 95% CI) for FFI. This retrospective accuracy was statistically significant (p<0.001). When the scores were plotted against each other, the outcome measurements showed positive correlations (Physical SF 12 p=0.48, Mental SF 12 p=0.80 and FFI p=0.81). With both PROMs mean percentage differences combined, patients undergoing hindfoot procedures (3.5%; -5.0 to 12.1%, 95% CI) were more accurate with retrospective scoring than their forefoot counterparts (17.5%; 5.0 to 30.0%, 95% CI). This was not statistically significant (p=0.07). Using regression analysis, we found no significant statistical difference in the retrospective accuracy when compared against both time to retrospective scoring and the outcome measure at 3 months post operatively.

CONCLUSION

Retrospective scoring appears to lack accuracy when compared to prospective methods. However, our data shows the SF12 is recalled more accurately than the FFI (p<0.001) and both the mental and physical components are recalled to within 10% of the pre-operative score. These results show patients tend to recall their symptoms at a worse level preoperatively than originally described, especially those with forefoot problems.

Does total joint replacement or arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint yield better functional results? A systematic review of the literature

As first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis is generally considered to be a successful procedure for the treatment of hallux rigidus, many surgeons question the usefulness of total joint replacement. In an effort to elucidate the clinical evidence, we undertook a systematic review of the literature comparing the functional outcomes of arthrodesis and joint replacement in first metatarsophalangeal surgery. Using multiple search engines and medical subject headings, 10 articles were eligible for inclusion: 5 featured arthrodesis and 5 featured total joint replacement. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society-Hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score was used in all articles. The mean age at operation was 53 years for joint replacement patients and 55 for those undergoing joint arthrodesis. Most patients in all studies were female. There was a significant increase from pre- to postoperative scores in both procedures. The median postoperative score for joint replacement was 83/100 (range 74-95) and 82/100 (range 78-89) for arthrodesis. The median revision rate in joint replacements was 7% (range 0%-10%) and 0% (range 0%-12%) for arthrodesis. This systematic review reveals that arthrodesis achieves better functional outcomes than total joint replacement. The operative techniques and prostheses for joint replacements are however still in an early stage of development and advances still need to be achieved to produce a more successful and anatomical prosthesis that could be functionally superior to an arthrodesis.

Is it necessary to re-fuse a non-union of a Hallux metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis?

BACKGROUND

The standard treatment for a non-union of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint fusion has been to revise the fusion. Revision fusion is technically more demanding, often involving bone grafting, more substantial fixation and prolonged period of immobilization postoperatively. We present data to suggest that removal of hardware and debridement alone is an alternative treatment option.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case note review identified patients with a symptomatic non-union after hallux metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) fusion. It is our practice to offer these patients revision fusion or removal of hardware and debridement. For the seven patients that chose hardware removal and were left with a pseudarthrosis, a matched control group was selected from patients who had had successful fusions. Three outcome scores were used. Hallux valgus and dorsiflexion angles were recorded.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-nine hallux MTPJ arthrodeses were carried out. Fourteen non-unions were identified. The rate of non-union in males and following previous hallux MTPJ surgery was 19% and 24%, respectively. In females undergoing a primary MTPJ fusion, the rate was 2.4%. Twelve non-union patients were reviewed at 27 months (mean). Eleven patients had elected to undergo removal of hardware and debridement. Four patients with pseudarthrosis were unhappy with the results and proceeded to either revision fusion or MTPJ replacement. Seven non-union patients, who had removal of hardware alone, had outcome scores marginally worse compared to those with successful fusions.

CONCLUSION

Removal of hardware alone is a reasonable option to offer as a relatively minor procedure following a failed arthrodesis of the first MTPJ. This must be accepted on the proviso that in this study four out of 11 (36%) patients proceeded to a revision first MTPJ fusion or first MTPJ replacement. We also found that the rate of non-union in primary first MTPJ fusion was significantly higher in males and those patients who had undergone previous surgery.

Rotational scarf and akin osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus associated with metatarsus adductus

BACKGROUND

The presence of metatarsus adductus can complicate hallux valgus surgery. It reduces the gap between the first and second metatarsal and can restrict the transposition of the first metatarsal head. It also confounds the measurement of the first second intermetatarsal angle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients, (24 female, 38 feet), of average age 59 (SD 23) with symptomatic hallux valgus associated with metatarsus adductus underwent a rotation scarf with Akin osteotomy and were reviewed at an average of 59 (SD 23) months postop. Standard radiographic assessment of the hallux valgus was undertaken as well as measurement of the metatarsus adductus using the Kilmartin angle and the intermetatarsal angle of Engel.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles were 14 degrees (SD 4) and 35 degrees (SD 7.4) respectively. The mean postoperative intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles were 3.9 degrees (S.D. 3.3) and 13.2 degrees (SD 9.4) (p<0.0001). The confounding effect of metatarsus adductus was evaluated using the Kilmartin angle and the intermetatarsal angle of Engel which significantly improved with surgery (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The rotation scarf & Akin osteotomy was an effective procedure for correcting hallux valgus associated with metatarsus adductus. It allowed good realignment of the first MTP joint without the need for lesser metatarsal surgery to reduce the metatarsus adductus.

Moje first metatarsophalangeal replacement--a case series with functional outcomes using the AOFAS-HMI score

We report the functional results of a case series of Moje first metatarsophalangeal total joint replacements carried out between February 2001 and November 2006. All patients who underwent Moje arthroplasty under the care of a single surgeon were included; outcome scores and complications were recorded annually. A total of 32 joints in 29 consecutive patients were followed for a mean duration of 34 (range 6 to 74) months, and the mean patient age at the time of operation was 56 (range 38 to 79) years. Hallux rigidus was the primary diagnosis in 28 (87.5%) of the cases. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Hallux-Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal score at final follow-up was 74/100 (range 9 to 100), with 13 (40.63%) joints rated good to excellent. Two (6.25%) joints were revised to arthrodesis at a mean of 52 (range 41 to 63) months following the arthroplasty procedure, and the overall prevalence of postoperative complications was 6 (18.75%). Based on these results, we concluded that first MTPJ total joint replacement with the Moje device remains promising, but still has room for improvement before the results match those obtained with larger joint (knee, hip) arthroplasty.

Treatment of severe, painful pes planovalgus deformity with hindfoot arthrodesis and wedge-shaped tricortical allograft

BACKGROUND

This study tested the hypothesis that modification of the standard technique of hindfoot arthrodesis with the use of a wedge-shaped tricortical allograft would improve the amount of correction of pes planovalgus deformity. The results were compared to previous reports.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2005, the senior author (LBC) performed 13 hindfoot arthrodeses on 12 patients using an allograft to improve correction of the deformity for severe, painful pes planovalgus deformity. The average patient age was 55 (range 27 to 77) years. There were seven women and five men. The indications were posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (seven feet), rheumatoid arthritis (three feet), post-traumatic arthritis and deformity (one foot), congenital pes planovalgus (one foot), and tarsal coalition (one foot).

RESULTS

Twelve of 13 feet achieved union by 12 weeks postoperatively. There was one nonunion. The average time to fusion was 12 weeks. All 12 patients were satisfied with the results of the operation. The average postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score was 87 points, and the AOFAS Midfoot score was 85 points. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were compared to evaluate correction of deformity. On lateral weightbearing views, the talo-first metatarsal angle improved from 15 to 6 degrees, and the lateral talocalcaneal angle improved from 48 to 35 degrees. On anteroposterior views, the talo-first metatarsal angle improved from 17 to 7 degrees, the talonavicular coverage decreased from 28 to 13 degrees, and the talocalcaneal angle improved from 23 to 13 degrees.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple modification of the addition of allograft to a common procedure of hindfoot arthrodesis to treat severe, painful pes planovalgus results is reliable and offers satisfactory correction.