Influence of Complications and Revision Surgery on Fulfillment of Expectations in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Effect of Prior Cheilectomy on Outcomes of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion

Cheilectomy, a joint-conserving procedure, is often a first-line choice for treating early stages of hallux rigidus. Recent evidence has revealed its efficacy in treating more advanced stages. However, when degeneration is profound, first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) fusion remains the most appropriate strategy. Nevertheless, it is common for surgeons to proceed initially with cheilectomy, reserving joint fusion for subsequent considerations if cheilectomy fails. This article will explore the relationship between the 2 procedures and evaluate the research surrounding the effect of prior cheilectomy on first MTP joint arthrodesis.

Effect of Prior Cheilectomy on Outcomes of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion for Treatment of Hallux Rigidus

Background

Patients with hallux rigidus who do not experience significant pain relief after cheilectomy often require a conversion to metatarsophalangeal (MTP) fusion. However, it is unclear whether the previous cheilectomy affects outcomes of the subsequent fusion. The aim of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes and complications in patients undergoing MTP fusion for hallux rigidus between patients with a history of cheilectomy and those undergoing a fusion as a primary procedure.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent MTP fusion who had preoperative and minimum 1-year postoperative Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores. Patients were divided into a "primary MTP fusion" cohort and a "prior cheilectomy" cohort based on their history of a previous cheilectomy. Preoperative, postoperative, and improvement in PROMIS scores, along with rates of complications including nonunion, infection, interphalangeal (IP) joint pain, and removal of hardware were compared between groups.

Results

The prior cheilectomy group had significantly lower preoperative physical function scores than the primary MTP fusion group (P < .05). Postoperatively, the prior cheilectomy group had worse physical function (P < .017) and global physical health (P < .017) scores. However, there were no significant differences in pre- to postoperative change in PROMIS scores. There were no significant differences in rates of nonunion (P = .99), infection (P = .99), or hardware removal (P = .99). More patients in the prior cheilectomy group had IP joint pain (P = .034).

Conclusion

This study found that a prior cheilectomy may not affect serious complication rates of a subsequent fusion, but it may be associated with worse baseline function. Overall, our results suggest that a prior failed cheilectomy does not influence the amount of improvement in function and pain from MTP fusion.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective cohort study.