Hallux rigidus deformity: radiologic assessment

ACFAS Clinical Consensus Statements: Hallux Rigidus

The following are clinical consensus statements (CCS) on the topic of hallux rigidus sponsored by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. A core panel synthesized the data and divided the topic in to twelve sections, each section contained a variable number of consensus statements, based upon complexity. Overall there were 24 consensus statements synthesized for this subject matter. The 24 statements were provided to the expert panel with all available evidence to come to a consensus utilizing all available evidence.

Hallux Rigidus: Update on Conservative Management

Hallux rigidus is a degenerative arthritic condition affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Prevalence in patients aged 50 years and above is estimated at 20% to 30%, with a portion being symptomatic. Conservative treatment's efficacy is linked to initial pain levels; though shoe modifications and insoles are commonly recommended, their true effectiveness lacks strong evidence. Injection therapy, including corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid, demonstrates varied outcomes, with about 50% of patients undergoing surgery within 1 to 2 years. The condition's etiology remains elusive, but recent biomechanical hypotheses hold promise.

Comprehensive Review of Non-Operative Management of Hallux Rigidus

This article aims to provide an evidence-based literature review for the non-operative management of hallux rigidus. Currently, there is very little article on the evidence for the non-operative management of hallux rigidus. A comprehensive evidence-based literature review of the PubMed database conducted in November 2016, identified 11 relevant articles out of 560 articles assessing the efficacy of non-operative modalities for hallux rigidus. The 11 studies were then assigned to a level of evidence (I-IV). Individual studies were reviewed to provide a grade of recommendation (A-C, I) according to the Wright classification in support of or against the non-operative modality. Based on the results of this evidence-based review, there is poor evidence (grade C) to support use of intra-articular injections for pain relief for a period of three months and fair evidence (grade B) against the use of intra-articular injections for long term efficacy. There is poor evidence (grade C) to support manipulation and physical therapy and poor evidence (grade C) to support modifications in footwear, insoles and orthotics. There were no good evidence (grade A) recommending any interventions. In general, most of the interventions showed improvement. However, the evidence is poor in recommending orthosis, manipulation and intra-articular injections. There is a need for high-quality Level I randomized controlled trials with validated outcome measures to allow for stronger recommendations to be made. There is no study that looked solely at the use of pharmaceutical oral agents for the treatment of hallux rigidus. Non-operative management should still be offered, prior to surgical management.

Hallux rigidus: Joint preserving alternatives to arthrodesis - a review of the literature

Hallux rigidus describes the osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. It was first mentioned in 1887. Since then a multitude of terms have been introduced referring to the same disease. The main complaints are pain especially during movement and a limited range of motion. Radiographically the typical signs of osteoarthritis can be observed starting at the dorsal portion of the joint. Numerous classifications make the comparison of the different studies difficult. If non-operative treatment fails to resolve the symptoms operative treatment is indicated. The most studied procedure with reproducible results is the arthrodesis. Nevertheless, many patients refuse this treatment option, favouring a procedure preserving motion. Different motion preserving and joint sacrificing operations such as arthroplasty are available. In this review we focus on motion and joint preserving procedures. Numerous joint preserving osteotomies have been described. Most of them try to relocate the viable plantar cartilage more dorsally, to decompress the joint and to increase dorsiflexion of the first metatarsal bone. Multiple studies are available investigating these procedures. Most of them suffer from low quality, short follow up and small patient numbers. Consequently the grade of recommendation is low. Nonetheless, joint preserving procedures are appealing because if they fail to relief the symptoms an arthrodesis or arthroplasty can still be performed thereafter.

Foot Pressure Comparison between Hallux Rigidus Patients and Normal Asymptomatic Matched Individuals using Pedobarograph

Background/Purpose

We present a study comparing the plantar pressures of hallux rigidus patients with that of asymptomatic feet. The aim was to find new means that could be used in further assessment and management of this condition.

Methods

We assessed foot pressure distributions in eight patients with hallux rigidus using the foot pressure pedobarograph system. This was compared with eight asymptomatic matched individuals. The foot pressures were assessed in the five key areas.

Results

The differences between the affected foot pressures and the normal foot pressures were statistically significant with a p value less than 0.05. The pressure under the hallux in the hallux rigidus patients was significantly less and associated with a significantly increased pressures in the hind foot and under the third, fourth, and the fifth metatarsal heads when compared with the asymptomatic matched individuals suggesting weight transfer onto the lateral and hind foot regions.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated an increased pressure transmitted through the outer aspect of the sole of the foot in the patients suffering from hallux rigidus. This is helpful in choosing treatment options and managing hallux rigidus patients particularly when using conservative and foot wear considerations.

Multiplanar phalangeal and metatarsal osteotomies for hallux rigidus

Many articles have been published on the various treatments of hallux rigidus/limitus but few, if any, have focused solely on the osteotomies performed in the treatment of this disorder and provided a thorough review of the literature and critique of the procedures. Here, we describe the most commonly used, most widely accepted, and most effective osteotomies in the treatment of hallux limitus/rigidus. Along with this discussion are figures and tables to make the information accessible and user friendly. Among the procedures discussed are Keller arthroplasty, Keller interpositional arthroplasty, Bonney-Kessel, Mayo-Stone, Regnauld, Youngswick, Watermann, Watermann-Green, tricorrectional metatarsal osteotomy, sagittal V, LADO (long-arm decompression osteotomy), Drago, Lambrinudi (plantarflexory closing base wedge osteotomy), sagittal Scarf/sagittal Z, and Weil/Mau/distal oblique osteotomy.

The importance of the length of the first metatarsal and the proximal phalanx of hallux in the etiopathogeny of the hallux rigidus

The purpose of this study was to determine if the relative length of the first metatarsal and the proximal phalanx of the hallux, in respect to the total foot length, were associated with the incidence of hallux rigidus. For this retrospective study, lateral radiographs from 132 cases with hallux rigidus and a control group of 132 normal feet were reviewed. We measured the following parameters: the index between the foot length and first metatarsal length, the proximal phalanx of the hallux length, and the sum of the first metatarsal length and the proximal phalanx of the hallux length. We found a statistically significant difference (p: 0.002) between the two groups in the Foot L/1st Mtt L index, and no statistical difference in the Foot L/Phalanx L index. We think that a greater length of first metatarsal is involved in the etiopathogeny of hallux rigidus.

Total sesamoidectomy for painful hallux rigidus: a medium-term outcome study

BACKGROUND

The nature of the sesamoid complex in the development of hallux rigidus or limitus (HL) has been poorly characterized and the role of the sesamoids in the surgical management of this condition has not been explored. Previous surgical approaches in younger active patients unsuited to destructive procedures have been limited.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-three patients (36 procedures) were reviewed between 2 and 4 years following total sesamoidectomy for the management of hallux rigidus/limitus. The American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society hallux (AOFAS) clinical rating system was used to compare pre and postoperative scores. The range and quality of motion and transfer metatarsalgia were noted. The three most important patient problems and the degree to which these had been addressed by the surgery and the time to maximal improvement were noted.

RESULTS

No significant functional impairment or malalignment were found. There were no instances of pain on metatarsal compression, or of transfer metatarsalgia with or without callus formation. A highly statistically significant improvement in AOFAS scores was found (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

High levels of clinical improvement and patient satisfaction were found following total sesamoidectomy. No deleterious consequences of sesamoid removal were observed. For symptomatic patients where a joint replacement/fusion is not indicated, total sesamoidectomy was beneficial as an interim procedure, for joints with a moderate (grades 2 to 3) degree of arthrosis.

The Valenti technique in the treatment of hallux rigidus

INTRODUCTION

Metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis of the great toe (hallux rigidus) is a frequent condition for which numerous surgical techniques have been proposed. The most used ones are cheilectomy and arthrodesis. The objectives of this retrospective study are to present the midterm results of the Valenti procedure and to compare these results with those from other recognized surgical techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a continuous group of 32 patients (41 cases) presenting hallux rigidus and treated using the Valenti technique from November 1999 to July 2004. The mean age of these patients at the time of surgery was 57 years. Forty-one percent of these patients also presented a static disorder of the foot. One or several additional procedures were undertaken, at the time of surgery, in 24% of these cases. Patients were assessed using the AOFAS score completed by the walking distance test, the gait test, the tiptoe test and self-evaluation of patient satisfaction. The radiographic work-up before surgery and at follow-up showed the progression of the joint space changes and allowed us to evaluate plantar subluxation at the base of the first phalanx under the metatarsal head.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients (32 cases) were reviewed and evaluated with a mean follow-up of 5.5 years. Two cases of reflex sympathetic dystrophy were observed as complications. The mean final score was 81 out of 100 from a preoperative score of 47 out of 100. Pain was absent or only occasional in 94% of the cases. Discomfort wearing shoes was absent or moderate in 91% of the cases. Joint range of movement was greater than 30 degrees in 72% of the cases and the toes were stable. Walking distance was unlimited in 79% of the cases. A mean 30% plantar subluxation at the base of the first phalanx was noted at follow-up, with no clinical consequence. The results were comparable irrelevantly of the hallux rigidus grade being treated.

DISCUSSION

The numerous techniques proposed achieve comparable results both in terms of pain relief and functional result but each one has its own limitations. Only arthroplasties with silastic implants and the Keller technique give less satisfactory results. Arthrodesis remains the first-choice treatment for advanced hallux rigidus but failure is possible in case of technical error or malunion. Cheilectomy, a conservative intervention, is ideal for lesions that are not too advanced or remain limited to the dorsal part of the joint; this conservative option presents generally no specific complications. Prosthetic replacement--with, to date, little long-term experience for total arthroplasty--remains controversial because the results deteriorate over time. The Valenti procedure exposes the patient to a possible risk of metatarsophalangeal joint destabilization if the resection is too great, but this does not impair the final functional outcome.

CONCLUSION

The arthrectomy described by Valenti is a highly reproducible intervention. We find it to be a good compromise between mobility and stability, providing good results for all hallux rigidus grades and entailing a low complication rate.

LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE

Level IV. Therapeutic Study.

Efficacy of intra-articular hyaluronan (Synvisc(R)) for the treatment of osteoarthritis affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot (hallux limitus): study protocol for a randomised placebo controlled trial

Background

Osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) of the foot, termed hallux limitus, is common and painful. Numerous non-surgical interventions have been proposed for this disorder, however there is limited evidence for their efficacy. Intra-articular injections of hyaluronan have shown beneficial effects in case-series and clinical trials for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. However, no study has evaluated the efficacy of this form of treatment using a randomised placebo controlled trial. This article describes the design of a randomised placebo controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular hyaluronan (Synvisc^®) to reduce pain and improve function in people with hallux limitus.

Methods

One hundred and fifty community-dwelling men and women aged 18 years and over with hallux limitus (who satisfy inclusion and exclusion criteria) will be recruited.

Participants will be randomised, using a computer-generated random number sequence, to receive a single intra-articular injection of up to 1 ml hyaluronan (Synvisc^®) or sterile saline (placebo) into the first MPJ. The injections will be performed by an interventional radiologist using fluoroscopy to ensure accurate deposition of the hyaluronan in the joint. Participants will be given the option of a second and final intra-articular injection (of Synvisc^® or sterile saline according to the treatment group they are in) either 1 or 3 months post-treatment if there is no improvement in pain and the participant has not experienced severe adverse effects after the first injection. The primary outcome measures will be the pain and function subscales of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire. The secondary outcome measures will be pain at the first MPJ (during walking and at rest), stiffness at the first MPJ, passive non-weightbearing dorsiflexion of the first MPJ, plantar flexion strength of the toe-flexors of the hallux, global satisfaction with the treatment, health-related quality of life (assessed using the Short-Form-36 version two questionnaire), magnitude of symptom change, use of pain-relieving medication and changes in dynamic plantar pressure distribution (maximum force and peak pressure) during walking. Data will be collected at baseline, then 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Data will be analysed using the intention to treat principle.

Discussion

This study is the first randomised placebo controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular hyaluronan (Synvisc^®) for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the first MPJ (hallux limitus). The study has been pragmatically designed to ensure that the study findings can be implemented into clinical practice if this form of treatment is found to be an effective treatment strategy.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12607000654459

Classification systems for hallux rigidus: a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Hallux rigidus (HR) is one of the most common causes of forefoot pain. A number of classification systems have been developed to evaluate HR. These systems are based on either radiological parameters alone or a combination of radiological and clinical features. The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate HR classification systems by undertaking a detailed review using English language medical and paramedical databases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors identified 18 formal HR classification systems described in the literature, some of which are variations on a theme.

RESULTS

No clear consensus on the construction of HR classification systems appears to exist. Different criteria and methods are used which make comparison difficult. Furthermore, it appears that, no serious consideration has been given to their reliability and validity. Criteria used to justify inclusion of these parameters have been based mainly on clinical experience rather than formal research.

CONCLUSION

For such a common condition, there is a need for a properly constructed, prospective study to develop a suitable classification system. It should include scientifically validated parameters to help stratify different stages of the disease and aid clinical and scientific communication.

Radiographic classification of osteoarthritis in commonly affected joints of the foot

OBJECTIVE

To develop a radiographic atlas for the classification of osteoarthritis (OA) in commonly affected joints of the foot based on observations of osteophytes and joint space narrowing, and to assess its intra- and inter-examiner reliability.

DESIGN

Weightbearing dorso-plantar and lateral foot radiographs from people aged over 65 years were examined, and an atlas was developed incorporating characteristic OA features of five foot joints: the first metatarsophalangeal joint, the first cuneo-metatarsal joint (1(st) CMJ), the second cuneo-metatarsal (2(nd) CMJ), the navicular-first cuneiform joint and the talonavicular joint. To assess the reliability of the atlas, two examiners independently rated 50 radiographs on two separate occasions.

RESULTS

Observations using the atlas demonstrated moderate to excellent reliability within examiners (percentage agreement from 86 to 99% and weighted kappa from 0.45 to 0.95), and, with the exception of joint space narrowing of the 2(nd) CMJ from the lateral projection, fair to excellent reliability between examiners (percentage agreement from 86 to 97% and weighted kappa from 0.32 to 0.87). Intra-class correlation coefficients for the overall foot OA score (representing the sum of observations for all joints from both feet) ranged between 0.83 and 0.89 for intra-examiner comparisons, and between 0.72 and 0.74 for inter-examiner comparisons.

CONCLUSION

Radiographic features of OA in commonly affected foot joints can be documented with high levels of agreement within examiners and moderate levels of agreement between examiners. Provided single examiners or consensus gradings are used, the atlas appears to be a useful tool to assist in the standardization of foot OA assessment for epidemiological and clinical studies.

Sodium hyaluronate in the treatment of hallux rigidus. A single-blind, randomized study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intra-articular sodium hyaluronate (Ostenil)mini) compared to intra-articular triamcinolone acetonide (Trigon depot) in the treatment of painful hallux rigidus.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients (ages 40 to 80 years) with painful early stage hallux rigidus were enrolled in the study. One group received an intra-articular injection with 1.0 ml sodium hyaluronate (SH); the other received an intra-articular injection of 1.0 ml triamcinolone acetonide (TA). Patients were evaluated on days 0, 14, 28, 56 and 84. Effectiveness was measured using the following parameters: joint pain at rest or on palpation (VAS), with passive motion, and gait pain; AOFAS hallux metatarsophalangeal score; use of analgesics and global assessment of the treatment by the patient and investigator. Safety was evaluated by the outcome of tolerance to treatment and observation of adverse events. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test and Friedman test.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients (40 feet) were evaluated. Pain at rest or with palpation and pain on passive mobilization decreased significantly in both treatment groups in comparison to baseline (p<0.01), but no significant between-group differences were observed (p>0.05). Gait pain improved substantially in the sodium hyaluronate group with significant differences compared to the triamcinolone group at days 28 and 56 (p<0.05). The AOFAS total score improved significantly in the SH group compared to the TA group (p<0.05). This was mainly due to improvements in the pain subscale. No between-group differences were seen regarding the use of analgesics. Global assessment of treatment by patients was good in both groups, and there was a significant between-group difference favoring SH when areas under the curves (AUC) were calculated (p < 0.05). Tolerance was good in both groups. Adverse events occurred in three patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate are effective and safe in decreasing hallux rigidus pain. The AOFAS scores in the SH group were significantly better than in the TA group.

Regional musculoskeletal conditions: foot and ankle disorders

Foot pain is very common, especially in women, owing to inappropriate footwear. Overuse, repetitive strain and minor, easily forgettable injuries may result in chronic foot and ankle pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies and gout frequently affect the foot, often as a first presentation. Charcot's joints and foot infections are not rare in diabetes. The rheumatologist should be familiar with foot disorders, either localized or as manifestations of generalized disease. History taking, physical examination, identification of the source of pain by intra-articularly given local anaesthetics and imaging methods should be used to reveal the underlying disorder. Correct diagnosis and efficient therapy-including local steroid injections, physiotherapy, orthoses, surgery-are necessary not only for treatment but also for preventing biomechanical chain reactions. This chapter gives an overview of the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of foot pain and foot disorders caused by both local and generalized diseases.

Forefoot pain involving the metatarsal region: differential diagnosis with MR imaging

Many disorders produce discomfort in the metatarsal region of the forefoot. These disorders include traumatic lesions of the soft tissues and bones (eg, turf toe, plantar plate disruption, sesamoiditis, stress fracture, stress response), Freiberg infraction, infection, arthritis, tendon disorders (eg, tendinosis, tenosynovitis, tendon rupture), nonneoplastic soft-tissue masses (eg, ganglia, bursitis, granuloma, Morton neuroma), and, less frequently, soft-tissue and bone neoplasms. Prior to the advent of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, many of these disorders were not diagnosed noninvasively, and radiologic involvement in the evaluation of affected patients was limited. However, MR imaging has proved useful in detecting the numerous soft-tissue and early bone and joint processes that occur in this portion of the foot but are not depicted or as well characterized with other imaging modalities. Frequently, MR imaging allows a specific diagnosis based on the location, signal intensity characteristics, and morphologic features of the abnormality. Consequently, MR imaging is increasingly being used to evaluate patients with forefoot complaints. Radiologists should be familiar with the differential diagnosis and MR imaging features of disorders that can produce discomfort in this region.

Hallux valgus and hallux rigidus: MRI findings

The purpose of this article is to describe the MR findings of Hallux Valgus (HV) and Hallux Rigidus (HR). Twenty-four patients (11 with HV, 4 with HR, and 9 with both HV and HR) were studied at 1.5 Tesla MRI. Two separate observers evaluated the first ray blindly for the following signs: sesamoid position, sesamoid proliferation, hypertrophy of the median eminence, presence of a lateral facet, presence of an adventitial bursa, shape of the first metatarsal head, relative length of the first metatarsal, joint space loss, osteophytes (dorsalor lateral), marrow edema, geodes, subchondral sclerosis, intra-articular ossicle, and pes planus. The most common findings observed in HV were a hypertrophic medial eminence (95%), sesamoid proliferation (90%) and adventitial bursitis (70%). The most common findings observed in HR were osteophytes (77% and 69%), geodes, and marrow edema. We conclude that traditional routine radiograph signs of HV and HR may be applied to MR images.

Results after cheilectomy in athletes with hallux rigidus

From 1987 to 1993, 20 athletes (22 feet) underwent cheilectomy for Regnauld grade I, grade II hallux rigidus. Average age was 31 years (10 men and 12 women); mean follow-up was at 5.1 years. All patients performed high-level sports (judo, track & field, soccer, and skating). Indications for surgery included failure of nonsurgical treatment with persistent pain during sports activities, shoefitting problems, and recurrent bursitis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results clinically, radiographically, and objectively, using dynamic and static pedodynographic measurements. After a mean follow-up of 5 years, cheilectomy was demonstrated to be a reliable treatment method in athletes with Regnauld grades 1 and 2 hallux rigidus. Functionally, 14 excellent, seven good, and one fair result were noted. Radiological progression was noted in 7 of 13 patients, with a follow-up of >4 years. Postoperative dynamic pedodynographic findings demonstrated moderate but significant changes in peak pressures under the first metatarsal head, the hallux, and in the center of pressure distribution under the forefoot.

Reconstruction of hallux limitus deformity using a first metatarsal sagittal-Z osteotomy

A sagittal-Z osteotomy was used for reconstruction of symptomatic grade I and grade II hallux limitus deformity in 10 patients using the Regnauld classification system. This surgical method was also used in a patient to reconstruct a structurally elevated first metatarsal as an adverse sequela of previous hallux valgus surgery. All patients exhibited evidence of radiographic metatarsus primus elevatus (MPE) and/or an anatomically elongated first metatarsal (EM). Linear comparison of first and second metatarsal length was performed in the transverse plane on dorsoplantar weightbearing radiographs. A long first metatarsal (positive metatarsal protrusion distance) was considered an anatomically elongated metatarsal. Metatarsus primus elevatus was evaluated by comparing the dorsal cortical margin of the first and second metatarsals and/or comparing the first metatarsal-cuneiform joint axis with the talonavicular joint axis. Metatarsus primus elevatus was therefore defined as a position of the dorsal cortical margin of the first metatarsal 5 mm superior to that of the second. A dorsal position of the first metatarsal-cuneiform joint axis in relation to the talonavicular joint axis also established MPE. A total of 11 patients underwent a total of 13 procedures. There were eight excellent results (73%) and three good results (27%). There were no fair or poor results.