Radiographic and clinical outcomes of joint-preserving procedures for hallux valgus in rheumatoid arthritis

Joint-Preserving Surgery for Hallux Valgus Deformity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that frequently causes forefoot deformities. Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a common surgery for severe hallux valgus. However, joint-preserving surgery can maintain the mobility of the joint. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (DCMO) for correcting hallux valgus deformity associated with RA.

Methods

Between August 2000 and December 2018, 18 consecutive patients with rheumatoid forefoot deformities (24 feet) underwent DCMO for hallux valgus with/without lesser toe surgery. Radiological evaluations were conducted, assessing the hallux valgus angle, the intermetatarsal angle between the first and second metatarsals, and the Sharp/van der Heijde score for erosion and joint space narrowing. Clinical outcomes were quantified using a visual analog scale for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society forefoot scores to measure function and alignment.

Results

The mean hallux valgus angle decreased from 38.0° (range, 25°-65°) preoperatively to 3.5° (range, 0°-17°) at the final follow-up (p < 0.05). The mean intermetatarsal angle decreased from 14.9° (range, 5°-22°) preoperatively to 4.3° (range, 2°-11°) at the final follow-up. (p < 0.05). Regarding the Sharp/van der Heijde score, the mean erosion score (0-10) showed no significant change, decreasing from 3.83 (range, 0-6) preoperatively to 3.54 (range, 0-4) at the final follow-up (p = 0.12). Recurrent hallux valgus was observed in 1 patient and postoperative hallux varus deformity was observed in 2 feet. Spontaneous fusion of the metatarsophalangeal joint developed in 1 case.

Conclusions

DCMO resulted in satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes for correcting RA-associated hallux valgus deformity.

Outcomes of Scarf and Akin Osteotomy with Intra-Articular Stepwise Lateral Soft Tissue Release for Correcting Hallux Valgus Deformity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background. The effectiveness of scarf and Akin osteotomy with intra-articular lateral soft tissue release for the correction of hallux valgus (HV) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been elucidated. Methods. A total of 36 feet in 28 patients with RA who had scarf and Akin osteotomy with intra-articular stepwise lateral soft tissue release between 2015 and 2020 at a single institute were investigated retrospectively, with a mean follow-up period of 32.0 ± 16.9 months. Radiographic evaluations including the HV angle, intermetatarsal angle, and sesamoid position were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Society of Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) hallux scale and self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q). Results. The procedure resulted in significant HV correction, with a recurrence rate of 13.9%. The JSSF scale and all five SAFE-Q subscale scores significantly improved (p < 0.05), with no major complications. More than 90% of cases achieved adequate lateral soft tissue release without sacrificing the adductor tendon of the hallux. Conclusions. Intra-articular stepwise lateral soft tissue release in combination with scarf and Akin osteotomy provided satisfactory radiographic and patient-reported outcomes for the correction of HV in patients with RA with minimum lateral soft tissue release.

Patient-Reported and Radiographic Outcomes of Joint-Preserving Surgery for Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformities: A Retrospective Case Series with Mean Follow-up of 6 Years

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder and a chronic inflammatory disease that can damage joints throughout the body. As dramatic improvements in medical treatment have contributed to reduced progression of joint destruction, surgical methods for the treatment of RA-related forefoot deformities have gradually changed from joint-sacrificing to joint-preserving. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes, including patient-reported outcomes, of joint-preserving surgery for forefoot deformities associated with RA.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 105 feet in 89 patients with RA who were treated during the period of January 2012 to May 2015 and had a minimum of 5 years of follow-up (mean, 6.0 ± 0.9 years). The patient-reported outcome measure used was the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q), which was completed preoperatively and at the latest follow-up (n = 53 feet). The hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and the position of the medial sesamoid were measured preoperatively, at 3 months postoperatively, and at the latest follow-up. Cases of delayed wound-healing, hallux valgus recurrence, nonunion at the osteotomy sites, and reoperation were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to determine the estimated survivorship, with reoperation as the end point.

RESULTS

Scores of all 5 subscales of the SAFE-Q demonstrated significant improvement at the latest follow-up. The average HVA and IMA decreased significantly 3 months postoperatively, and these measurements remained significantly lower than the preoperative values (p < 0.01). The position of the medial sesamoid at the latest follow-up improved significantly (p < 0.01). Delayed wound-healing was found at the site of surgery in 21 (20.0%) of the 105 feet. Recurrence of hallux valgus was observed in 11 (10.5%) of the feet. There was no case of nonunion at any osteotomy site. Eleven (10.5%) of the feet required reoperation. The estimated survivorship of the studied joint-preserving surgery at 7 years, with reoperation as the end point, was 89.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Satisfactory long-term patient-reported and radiographic outcomes after joint-preserving surgery for forefoot deformities associated with RA can be achieved.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Time Course of Quality of Life Improvement Between Resection Arthroplasty and Metatarsophalangeal Joint-Preserving Forefoot Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Arthritis

BACKGROUND

Resection arthroplasty has long been a major treatment option for forefoot deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint-preserving surgery is now surpassing classic resection arthroplasty. This study was performed to compare the postoperative results of these 2 operative methods.

METHODS

Fifty-one toes of 40 patients with RA who underwent resection arthroplasty (resection group) or MTP joint-preserving arthroplasty (preservation group) from 2014 to 2017 for forefoot deformity were followed up for >1 year and were retrospectively analyzed. In the preservation group, open reduction of joint dislocation was performed if needed, and the deformity was corrected by metatarsal shortening osteotomy. The mean follow-up period was 21 months. The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scales (objective outcome measures), the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) (subjective outcome measure), and radiographic indices were compared between the groups. The resection group and preservation group comprised 15 toes of 11 patients and 36 toes of 29 patients, respectively.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the preoperative radiographic indices, JSSF scales, or SAFE-Q results between the 2 groups. The preservation group showed better JSSF scores at the last follow-up (median hallux scale, 89 vs 74; median lesser scale, 87 vs 79). In the preservation group, the SAFE-Q scores gradually improved with time until 12 months postoperatively. In the resection group, the scores decreased 3 months postoperatively and then improved and reached a plateau 6 months postoperatively. At 12 months postoperatively, there was no significant difference in the SAFE-Q scores between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

MTP joint-preserving arthroplasty resulted in superior objective scores to resection arthroplasty in patients with RA forefoot deformity. Although the subjective scores did not differ between the groups at the last follow-up, the time course of postoperative quality of life improvement was different between the 2 surgeries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Operative Approach to Adult Hallux Valgus Deformity: Principles and Techniques

Hallux valgus deformity is a progressive forefoot deformity consisting of a prominence derived from a medially deviated first metatarsal and laterally displaced great toe, with or without pronation. Although there is agreement that the deformity is likely caused by multifactorial intrinsic and extrinsic factors, the best method of operative management is debated despite the creation of basic algorithms. Our understanding of the deformity and the development of newer techniques is continuously evolving. Here, we review the general orthopaedic principles of operative decision-making and management of hallux valgus deformity.

Modified Scarf Osteotomy with Medial Capsule Interposition for Hallux Valgus in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Study of Cases Including Severe First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Destruction

BACKGROUND

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint has been recommended for severe hallux valgus deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, with the progress of medical treatment of RA, joint preservation surgery has recently been performed. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of modified Scarf osteotomy with medial capsule interposition for RA cases including severe destruction of the first MTP joint and to evaluate risk factors for recurrence.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study of 76 cases (60 patients) followed for a mean of 35.3 months (range, 24 to 56 months) after a modified Scarf osteotomy was performed. Scores on the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) RA foot and ankle scale, the JSSF hallux scale, and a self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q) were determined along with preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement, from preoperatively to final follow-up, in the mean JSSF RA foot and ankle score (from 52.2 to 76.9 points) and the mean JSSF hallux score (from 38.2 to 74.5 points). There was a recurrence (hallux valgus angle [HVA] of >20°) in 12 feet (16%). The preoperative DAS28-CRP score (disease activity score [based on 28 joints in the body]-C-reactive protein score) and intermetatarsal angles between the first and second metatarsals (M1M2A) and between the first and fifth metatarsals (M1M5A) were significantly greater in the recurrence group, as were the HVA, M1M2A, M1M5A, and Hardy grade at 3 months after surgery. There was a significant negative correlation between the preoperative DAS28-CRP score and the JSSF RA foot and ankle score at final follow-up (β = -0.39, p = 0.02) and a significant positive correlation between the preoperative DAS28-CRP score and the HVA at final follow-up (β = 0.44, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The modified Scarf osteotomy with medial capsule interposition for hallux valgus deformity improved clinical and radiographic outcomes in RA cases with severe destruction of the first MTP joint. Increased preoperative M1M2A and M1M5A; incomplete reduction of the sesamoid bone; and the HVA, M1M2A, and M1M5A at 3 months after surgery should be evaluated as they are associated with recurrence of the deformity. The preoperative DAS28-CRP score was associated with the clinical and radiographic outcomes after surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Screwless scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus: Evaluation of radiologic correction

BACKGROUND

The scarf osteotomy is a standard procedure to correct hallux valgus. Recent modifications in the technique allow for important translations of the bone fragments without the need for screw fixation. We performed the first prospective analysis of radiographic parameters after a screwless scarf osteotomy. Prospective study of pre- and postoperative standing radiographs of the feet let us quantify angle reduction and shortening, lengthening or lowering of the first metatarsal.

METHODS

100 patients undergoing a screwless scarf osteotomy were evaluated radiographically before and after surgery. The 1-2 IM angle, HVA, length of the first metatarsal, protrusion length and height of the first metatarsal head were measured.

RESULTS

The mean 1-2 IM angle was reduced significantly, to a normal range. The mean reduction of the first metatarsal length and protrusion length was 0.3 and 0.14cm respectively. The metatarsal head was lowered 0.3cm on average.

CONCLUSIONS

A minimal mean reduction of the first metatarsal length was observed, but it is possible to lengthen the first metatarsal if necessary. In 23% of cases, an increase of protrusion length was obtained. The screwless scarf osteotomy results in a good correction of the 1-2 IM angle and HVA. If necessary, plantarisation of the first metatarsal head could be obtained. Secondary displacement was seen in 1 patient.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IIa, prospective controlled trial.

Comparison of outcomes according to fixation technique following the modified Ludloff osteotomy for hallux valgus in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Clinical and radiological outcomes including fixation stability of osteotomy site were compared in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who underwent modified Ludloff osteotomy to correct hallux valgus with osteotomy site fixation using two screws versus those who underwent additional fixation using a plate.

Methods

The fixation technique performed with two screws was used to fix the osteotomy sites following modified Ludloff osteotomy in 15 patients (15 feet, Group S), while the augmented plate fixation technique was used in 14 patients (16 feet, Group P). Surgical outcomes were analysed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and radiologic parameters measured before surgery and during follow-up examinations. To evaluate the stability of each osteotomy site fixation technique, the 1–2 inter-metatarsal angle (IMA) and angle of the altered margin of the lateral cortex (AMLC) were measured immediately and 6 weeks after surgery, and variations in the angles were compared. In addition, bone mineral density (BMD) values were compared between patients with correction loss at the osteotomy site and those with no loss of correction.

Results

No significant differences between groups were found for total AOFAS scores before surgery and at the final follow-up. However, significant differences were observed in the 1–2 IMA, beginning at 6 weeks postoperatively and continuing through the final follow-up. The 1–2 IMA and angle of AMLC measured immediately after and 6 weeks after surgery showed significantly greater variation in Group S than in Group P. In Group S, patients with correction loss (5 feet) at osteotomy site showed significantly lower BMD values than those with no loss of correction (10 feet). Despite the lower BMD values of patients in Group P than in Group S, a loss of correction did not occur in these patients.

Conclusions

Correction loss occurred at the osteotomy site within 6 weeks postoperatively in patients who underwent fixation using only the two-screw fixation technique following modified Ludloff osteotomy; such loss could be reduced using the augmented plate fixation technique even in patients with osteoporosis.

Recurrence of deformity after silicone implant and resection arthroplasty of the metatarsophalangeal joint for rheumatoid arthritis: long-term results

OBJECTIVE

To examine the recurrence of deformity after silicone implant arthroplasty combined with resection arthroplasty for severe forefoot deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

We reviewed the long-term results of this procedure for 27 feet in 15 patients. Their average age and disease duration at the time of operation were 58.6 years and 17.5 years, respectively, and the average follow-up period was 10.3 years.

RESULTS

An improved hallux valgus angle (45.3° preoperatively, 23.6° 6 months after operation) was maintained. By contrast, deformity and dislocation of lesser toe had recurred at the final follow-up; the angle between the proximal phalanx and the metatarsal of the second toe improved 13.4° with recurrence of 22.5°, the angle between the proximal phalanx and ground surface improved 22.4° with recurrence of 34.5. Furthermore, claw toe deformity at the final follow-up was significantly worse in the group whose hallux valgus deformity was observed 6 months after operation.

CONCLUSION

This procedure could maintain the alignment of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, but the recurrence of claw toe deformity is a problem and the relation between the first toe and the lesser toe is an important consideration.

Sustainability of Forefoot Reconstruction for the Rheumatoid Foot

Ninety percent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis will display foot and ankle pathologic features, including hallux valgus, lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint subluxation/dislocation, and hammertoe deformity. Recently, a trend has ensued toward joint preservation with distal metatarsal osteotomies and various bunion corrective procedures. However, the reference standard remains first MTP joint fusion, lesser metatarsal head resection, and lesser proximal interphalangeal joint fusion. The present retrospective study followed the results of 4 different surgeons who had performed the reference standard rheumatoid forefoot reconstruction from August 2008 to August 2012 on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Radiographic and statistical analysis of the data from 20 patients determined an overall first MTP joint fusion rate of 90%, often occurring by 108 (range 64 to 202) days postoperatively. Radiographic nonunion occurred in 2 of the 20 patients (10%), although both were asymptomatic, with no revision necessary. Lesser digit deformity revision occurred in 1 patient (5%), and mild to moderate infection developed in 4 patients (20%). The radiographic and clinical follow-up period was 12 months. Our study found that this technique provides exceptional radiographic improvement, an acceptable time to fusion, a low reoperation rate, and minimal complications. In addition, correction of the deformity was maintained at 1 year postoperatively. In conclusion, first MTP joint fusion with lesser metatarsal head resection should remain the reference standard for surgical intervention of the rheumatoid foot.

Preventing delayed union after distal shortening oblique osteotomy of metatarsals in the rheumatoid forefoot

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to evaluate the surgical methods to prevent delayed union after the distal shortening oblique osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals in the rheumatoid forefoot.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included 107 patients. The patients were classified into the following four groups, each of which represented the addition of a surgical technique to reduce postoperative delayed union: 1st group: original surgical method; 2nd group: a normal saline was dripped on the oscillating saw; 3rd group: the incised periosteum was sutured; 4th group: the osteotomy sites were ligated. The frequencies of delayed union were assessed.

RESULTS

Delayed union occurred in 21 of the 127 metatarsals (16.5%) in the 1st group, 13 of the 99 metatarsals (13.1%) in the 2nd group, 5 of the 94 metatarsals (5.3%) in the 3rd group, and 6 of the 136 metatarsals (4.4%) in the 4th group. The frequency of delayed union decreased significantly with improved surgical procedures (p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of techniques that included dripping normal saline on the oscillating saw, ligating the osteotomy sites, and suturing the periosteum at the osteotomy sites decreased the frequency of delayed union after the distal shortening oblique osteotomy of the metatarsals in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

A comparative study on the results of the modified Ludloff osteotomy for hallux valgus deformities with minimal erosion of the metatarsophalangeal joints in rheumatoid patients versus non-rheumatoid patients

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to compare the outcomes of joint-preserving surgery for hallux valgus deformities with minimal erosion of the metatarsophalangeal joint in rheumatoid patients with non-rheumatoid controls, and to determine the prognostic factors of recurrence in rheumatoid patients.

METHODS

A total of 18 rheumatoid patients (20 feet, Group I) and 35 non-rheumatoid patients (39 feet, Group II) were included. The mean follow-up was 29.6 months. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were compared. To identify the prognostic factors for recurrences in rheumatoid patients, subgroup analyses were done in Group I.

RESULTS

Most of the outcomes showed favorable results in both groups. However, Group II had better results in hallux valgus angle (HVA) (15.9° vs. 7.9°, p < 0.001), and in sesamoid position (p = 0.040) at final follow-up. Group I showed higher recurrence rate (50% vs. 0%). The final American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was better in Group II (82.1 vs. 90.7, p = 0.014). The large preoperative HVA, non-performance of Akin osteotomy, and insufficient reduction of sesamoid position were related to recurrence in rheumatoid patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Joint-preserving surgery for hallux valgus deformities in rheumatoid forefoot deformity showed favorable results in mid-term follow-up; however, it should be warned of possible recurrent deformities.