Current concepts review: the rheumatoid forefoot

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint using an intraosseous fixation device

The complication rate for an arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint remains high. To improve results, we used a complete intraosseous fixation device (IOFIX) with proposed biomechanical advantages. Our hypothesis is that this technique has at least an equal union rate and less hardware irritation compared to other techniques. Seventy procedures were performed in 55 patients. Average follow-up was 24.5 months. All patients returned to follow-up after 6 weeks and were evaluated for union. Fifty-nine feet (84%) completed full follow- up. Union occurred in 62 of 70 feet (88.5%). Eight feet had nonunion at 1 year follow-up. Average time to fusion was 51 days. Three of 59 feet had malunion. No hardware removal was necessary. In conclusion, an MTP1 arthrodesis using IOFIX provides consistent and good functional outcomes. Due to the low-profile design, no hardware removal was necessary. However, union rates seem slightly lower compared to other techniques.

Disease activity affects the recurrent deformities of the lesser toes after resection arthroplasty for rheumatoid forefoot deformity

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of disease activity on recurrent deformities after resection arthroplasty for forefoot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

This study included 83 feet in 58 patients with RA who underwent resection arthroplasty of all metatarsal heads, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The patients' demographic characteristics, preoperative radiographic findings, and RA disease activity evaluated using the 28-joint disease activity score based on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (determined preoperatively and at the final follow-up) were compared between feet with and without postoperative recurrent deformities of the toes. Recurrent deformities were assessed separately for the hallux and lesser toes.

RESULTS

Recurrence in the hallux and lesser toes occurred in 23 feet (27.7%) and 13 feet (15.7%), respectively. With respect to recurrent hallux deformity, only the preoperative severity of hallux deformity was associated with recurrence. On the other hand, postoperative deformity of the lesser toes was positively associated with disease activity alone and not with other preoperative factors.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative control of RA disease activity was associated with recurrent deformity of the lesser toes but not that of the hallux after resection arthroplasty of all metatarsals for rheumatoid forefoot deformities.

Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint Interpositional Arthroplasty Using Decellularized Human Dermal Allograft: Operative Technique

Arthrodesis of an osteoarthritic second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint is suboptimal because of altered gait mechanics; hence, joint-preserving procedures are of value. Autograft interpositional arthroplasty is one available option with excellent results, but there are potential concerns regarding donor site morbidity and insufficiency of the autograft material. We present here an alternative technique, an interpositional arthroplasty using allograft. Our technique includes a dorsal incision and joint exposure, removal of cartilage from the metatarsal head, and interposition of human decellularized dermal allograft sutured to the metatarsal head. Allograft interpositional arthroplasty is a feasible technique and can be further investigated as an alternative procedure for patients with second MTP osteoarthritis.

Resection or preservation of the metatarsal heads in rheumatoid forefoot surgery? A randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Despite impressive results of the pharmacological management of rheumatoid arthritis, still certain patients suffer from rheumatoid forefoot problems. Surgical treatment of these forefoot deformities can be an option. In literature no high-quality studies on this topic can be found. The goal of present study is to compare the results of a metatarsal head (MTH) resecting technique with a MTH preserving technique in the operative treatment of severe rheumatoid forefoot deformity.

METHODS

Patients suffering from well-defined rheumatoid forefoot deformity were prospectively enrolled in three institutions. This non-blinded study had a randomised clinical design and eligible patients were randomly assigned to undergo either resection of preservation of the MTH. The primary outcome measure consisted of the AOFAS score. Secondary outcome measures were: the FFI, the VAS for pain and the SF-36.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients (10 in MTH preservation group) were included and analysed. After one year follow-up no significant differences in AOFAS score and additional outcome factors were found. A total of 10 complications in 23 patients were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomised clinical study did not show significant clinical difference between a MTH resecting and a preserving procedure in patients suffering from rheumatoid forefoot deformity. Both procedures resulted in considerable improvement of pain and activity scores.

Comparison of the effects of forefoot joint-preserving arthroplasty and resection-replacement arthroplasty on walking plantar pressure distribution and patient-based outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Purpose

The purpose of this retrospective study is to clarify the difference in plantar pressure distribution during walking and related patient-based outcomes between forefoot joint-preserving arthroplasty and resection-replacement arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Four groups of patients were recruited. Group1 included 22 feet of 11 healthy controls (age 48.6 years), Group2 included 36 feet of 28 RA patients with deformed non-operated feet (age 64.8 years, Disease activity score assessing 28 joints with CRP [DAS28-CRP] 2.3), Group3 included 27 feet of 20 RA patients with metatarsal head resection-replacement arthroplasty (age 60.7 years, post-operative duration 5.6 years, DAS28-CRP 2.4), and Group4 included 34 feet of 29 RA patients with metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint-preserving arthroplasty (age 64.6 years, post-operative duration 3.2 years, DAS28-CRP 2.3). Patients were cross-sectionally examined by F-SCAN II to evaluate walking plantar pressure, and the self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q). Twenty joint-preserving arthroplasty feet were longitudinally examined at both pre- and post-operation.

Results

In the 1^st MTP joint, Group4 showed higher pressure distribution (13.7%) than Group2 (8.0%) and Group3 (6.7%) (P<0.001). In the 2^nd-3^rd MTP joint, Group4 showed lower pressure distribution (9.0%) than Group2 (14.5%) (P<0.001) and Group3 (11.5%) (P<0.05). On longitudinal analysis, Group4 showed increased 1^st MTP joint pressure (8.5% vs. 14.7%; P<0.001) and decreased 2^nd-3^rd MTP joint pressure (15.2% vs. 10.7%; P<0.01) distribution. In the SAFE-Q subscale scores, Group4 showed higher scores than Group3 in pain and pain-related scores (84.1 vs. 71.7; P<0.01) and in shoe-related scores (62.5 vs. 43.1; P<0.01).

Conclusions

Joint-preserving arthroplasty resulted in higher 1^st MTP joint and lower 2^nd-3^rd MTP joint pressures than resection-replacement arthroplasty, which were associated with better patient-based outcomes.

Rheumatoid Forefoot Reconstruction in the Nonrheumatoid Patient

BACKGROUND

Recurrent pain and deformity following forefoot surgery can cause significant patient disability. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis with lesser metatarsal head resections-termed the rheumatoid forefoot reconstruction-has been shown to be a reliable operation for pain relief and deformity correction. Limited data, however, have been published on outcomes of the same forefoot reconstruction operation in the nonrheumatoid patient. Here, we describe our experience with this procedure in patients without rheumatoid disease, hypothesizing improved clinical and radiographic outcomes following surgery.

METHODS

Following chart review and reviewing billing codes, we retrospectively identified patients without a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis who underwent first MTP arthrodesis with lesser metatarsal head resections. Phone surveys were conducted to assess clinical outcomes including pain and patient satisfaction. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were reviewed for 1, 2 intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), second MTP angle (MTP-2), and lesser MTP alignment (in both sagittal and axial planes). Postoperative radiographs were assessed for radiographic union. We identified 14 nonrheumatoid patients (16 feet) who underwent forefoot reconstruction. Of those, 13 patients (15 feet) were successfully contacted via follow-up phone survey at an average of 44.3 months postoperatively (range: 20-76 months).

RESULTS

Mean postoperative satisfaction scores were 9.0 (out of 10). No patients required reoperation at final phone follow-up. Pain scores significantly decreased from 6.2 preoperatively to 1.9 postoperatively ( P <.001). Radiographic parameters (1,2 IMA, HVA, MTP-2, and lesser MTP alignment in the sagittal plane) improved with surgery ( P <.05), and all 16 feet achieved union of the first MTP arthrodesis.

CONCLUSION

With decreased pain, high satisfaction rates, and improved radiographic parameters, first MTP arthrodesis coupled with lesser metatarsal head resection was a viable option for nonrheumatoid patients who failed prior attempts at forefoot reconstruction or have chronic forefoot pain with deformity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Piecrusting to Facilitate Skin Closure

Wound dehiscence and infection may arise when the skin around the foot or ankle is closed under tension after a surgical incision or trauma. Two cases where a piecrusting technique, using small transdermal incisions made in the surrounding skin similar to the holes in a pie crust, are presented and a literature review of the technique has been performed. The multiple small stab incisions perpendicular to the line of tension have enabled skin closure without tension and have healed with minimal scarring.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level V: Expert opinion.

Rheumatoid forefoot reconstruction: outcome of 1st metatarsophalangeal joint fusion and the Stainsby procedure in the lesser toes

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving connective tissue and joints. The most common rheumatoid forefoot deformities are hallux valgus and clawed lesser toes. There are a number of surgical procedures that have been described offering symptomatic relief and anatomical correction.

OBJECTIVES

This prospective case series aims to assess outcome in patients with rheumatoid forefoot deformities who underwent a novel combination of 1st metatarsophalangeal joint fusions and Stainsby procedures.

METHODS

Thirteen procedures were performed on 12 consecutive patients with an age range of 55-71 (mean=62) between 02/2009 and 05/2011. AOFAS scoring was performed preoperatively and again six and 12 months post-surgery. Hallux valgus (HVA) and intermetatarsal angles (IMA) were measured preoperatively and six weeks and six months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean AOFAS score increased from 46 to 72, 12 months postoperatively. The mean HVA reduced from 48° preoperatively to 14° six months postoperatively. The IMA decreased from 15° to 10° six months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel approach of 1st metatarsophalangeal fusion combined with lesser toe metatarsal head sparing is an effective procedure that reduces forefoot deformity and pain.

Clinical and functional evaluation of forefoot reconstruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective

to evaluate the long-term results from reconstruction of the forefoot in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent arthrodesis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the hallux, resection arthroplasty of the heads of the lateral metatarsals and correction of the deformities of the smaller toes through arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint or closed manipulation.

Methods

seventeen patients (27 feet) who underwent forefoot reconstruction surgery by means of arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, resection of the heads of the lateral metatarsals and correction of the deformities of the smaller toes, were studied retrospectively. The mean follow-up was 68 months (12–148 months); the mean age was 52 years (range: 20–75 months); and four patients were male and 13 were female.

Results

the results were classified as excellent in 17 feet, good in two, fair in four and poor in two. The mean score on the AOFAS scale was 70 points; 21 feet (78%) were found to be asymptomatic; and six feet (22%) presented some type of symptom. Three feet presented pseudarthrosis, and one of these successfully underwent revision of the arthrodesis. There was no significant difference in scoring on the AOFAS scale or in the consolidation rate, between using a plate and screws and using Kirschner wires for fixation of the arthrodesis.

Conclusion

arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with resection arthroplasty on the heads of the lateral metatarsals and correction of the deformities of the smaller toes, which was used in forefoot reconstruction in rheumatoid patients, showed good long-term results with a high satisfaction rate among the patients and clinical-functional improvement.

The rheumatoid foot and ankle: current evidence

The management of rheumatoid patients is a complex process due to the chronic, systemic, multi-joint and extra-articular nature of the disease. In comparison, osteoarthritis and post-traumatic arthritis usually involve a single joint and are hence not comparable to rheumatoid pathology. This review sets out to specifically look at studies on rheumatoid patients with interventions for foot or ankle disease. MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane databases, Current Controlled Trials and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform are all searched for relevant studies.

Dynamic impression insole in rheumatoid foot with metatarsal pain

BACKGROUND

Custom molded insoles with metatarsal supports are used to redistribute excessive loading under the metatarsal heads in patients with metatarsalgia. However, these pressure reductions are usually insufficient for the rheumatoid foot with painful deformed metatarsal heads. We developed an effective insole made by sequential foam padding under successive walking impression.

METHODS

Seventeen consecutive rheumatoid arthritic outpatients with metatarsal pain participated in this repeated measures study of 7-mm flat Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, custom molded and dynamic impression insoles. Peak plantar pressure, pressure-time integral, contact area and mean force were measured by a Pedar-X mobile system. Pain levels were assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (0-10).

FINDINGS

Compared to the Ethylene Vinyl Acetate control, the metatarsal head peak pressure and pressure-time integral were significantly reduced in dynamic impression insoles by 46.3% (P<0.001) and 48.9% (P<0.001), respectively. Compared to the custom molded insole, the dynamic impression insole significantly reduced 18.3% of peak pressure (P<0.001) and 20.1% of pressure-time integral (P<0.001) by increasing 8.1% of contact area (P=0.005) at the metatarsal heads, but there were no significant differences in all variables at the heel. After using the dynamic impression insole, the mean pain score was significantly reduced from 7.6 to 1.1 (P<0.001), and six participants experienced total pain-relief in walking.

INTERPRETATION

Dynamic impression insoles effectively relieve metatarsal pain because of a larger weight-bearing area. Forefoot shape during walking should be taken into consideration in orthotic designs for maximum pressure reduction. Consequently, we recommend using materials with memory properties to dynamically accommodate painful metatarsal heads.

Lesser toe deformities

Lesser toe deformities are caused by alterations in normal anatomy that create an imbalance between the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Causes include improper shoe wear, trauma, genetics, inflammatory arthritis, and neuromuscular and metabolic diseases. Typical deformities include mallet toe, hammer toe, claw toe, curly toe, and crossover toe. Abnormalities associated with the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints include hallux valgus of the first MTP joint and instability of the lesser MTP joints, especially the second toe. Midfoot and hindfoot deformities (eg, cavus foot, varus hindfoot, valgus hindfoot with forefoot pronation) may be present, as well. Nonsurgical management focuses on relieving pressure and correcting deformity with various appliances. Surgical management is reserved for patients who fail nonsurgical treatment. Options include soft-tissue correction (eg, tendon transfer) as well as bony procedures (eg, joint resection, fusion, metatarsal shortening), or a combination of techniques.

Technique tip: interposition of extensor digitorum longus after resection arthroplasty of lesser metatarsophalangeal joints for rheumatoid forefoot deformity

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion

Complications of digital and lesser metatarsal surgery

Complications associated with digital and lesser metatarsal surgical procedures have been well documented in the literature. These complications may stem from systemic medical, structural, biologic, biomechanical, or iatrogenic causes. The surgeon must be cognizant of all potential complications, including ways to prevent them from occurring and how to manage them when they do occur. This article discusses preventative measures through the preoperative evaluation of the patient, and examines the subsets of complications that may occur after lesser ray surgery that pose a particular management challenge, as well as special complications specific to particular operative techniques.

Scarf and Weil metatarsal osteotomies of the lateral rays for correction of rheumatoid forefoot deformities: a systematic review

Scarf osteotomy of the first ray combined with Weil distal oblique shortening osteotomies of the lateral rays has recently been proposed for the treatment of global rheumatoid forefoot deformities because of the perceived benefit of sparing the metatarsal-phalangeal joints. Furthermore, it has been proposed that undergoing this form of global forefoot reconstruction is reliable based on specific preoperative and intraoperative techniques used to realign the individual rays. Finally, it has been proposed that performing global forefoot reconstruction in the rheumatoid patient population can be safely performed and does not prevent the ability to perform revision surgery. The author undertook a systematic review of electronic databases and other relevant sources to identify material relating to Scarf osteotomy of the first ray combined with Weil distal oblique shortening osteotomies of the lateral rays for the treatment of global rheumatoid forefoot deformities. Information from peer-reviewed journals, as well as from non-peer-reviewed publications, abstracts and posters, textbooks, and unpublished works, was also considered. In an effort to procure the highest quality studies available, studies were eligible for inclusion only if they involved patients undergoing Scarf osteotomy of the first ray combined with Weil distal oblique shortening osteotomies of the lateral rays, evaluated patients at mean follow-up of 12-months or longer duration, commented on the reliability of metatarsal realignment, and included details of complications, as well as the incidence and severity of wound-healing complications. Two studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria involving only 8 patients (8 feet) with 1 patient undergoing surgical revision in the form of arthrodesis secondary to development of a septic first metatarsal-phalangeal joint. Partial incision dehiscence developed in 2 patients, 1 healed with local wound care and the other led to the septic first metatarsal-phalangeal joint mentioned previously. Finally, stress fracture of the third metatarsal and fourth metatarsals developed that healed without problems in one other patient. Rather than providing strong evidence for or against the use of Scarf osteotomy of the first ray combined with Weil distal oblique shortening osteotomies of the lateral rays for the treatment of global rheumatoid forefoot deformities, the results of this systematic review make clear the need for methodologically sound prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials that focus on the use of this form of surgical intervention.

The complications encountered with the rheumatoid surgical foot and ankle

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, degenerative, systemic disease that leads to the destruction of articular cartilage of the joints. Complications, including infection, delays in wound healing, malunion, nonunion, implant failure, and degeneration of adjacent joints soon after primary fusion, have been described in the literature and are generally accepted as commonplace in reconstructive surgeries of the foot and ankle. The combined efforts of the surgeon and supporting physicians to maintain optimal health for the patient, along with the principles discussed in this article, can lead to superior outcomes with fewer complications in the postoperative course.

The surgical reconstruction of the rheumatoid forefoot

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that presents in females more often than males, and may affect people belonging to any age group. This disease shows no regional or ethnic preference. Although genetic and environmental causes have been proposed, the definitive cause of immunologic susceptibility, as well as viral and bacterial infectious processes that may cause rheumatoid arthritis, have not been identified. This article discusses various reconstructive forefoot surgeries to correct rheumatoid arthritis and the perioperative care of the patients who undergo surgery, along with the radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings associated with the disease.

Use of the modified Stainsby procedure in correcting severe claw toe deformity in the rheumatoid foot: a retrospective review

INTRODUCTION

In claw toe deformity, the plantar plate of the metarsophalangeal joint becomes displaced onto the dorsal aspect of the metatarsal head. The Stainsby procedure replaces the displaced plantar plate to its correct position beneath the metatarsal head.

OBJECTIVE

In this study we assess the efficacy of a modified Stainsby procedure for the treatment of claw toe deformity.

METHODS

Thirteen patients were operated on between 2002 and 2008. Eleven patients (13 feet) were available for review with the average follow-up period being 16 months. Clinical examination was performed and AOFAS forefoot scores were measured.

RESULTS

All 13 (100%) of the feet operated on had severe or moderate pain preoperatively. None had significant pain at review. Plantar callosities were reduced from 13 (100%) feet preoperatively to 1 (9%) foot postoperatively. The AOFAS forefoot score in the eleven patients improved significantly by 40.7 points from a preoperative mean of 20.1 to a mean of 50.2 at review (p<0.001). Ten (91%) of the 11 patients were completely satisfied with the procedure, 1 patient was satisfied with some reservations.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the modified Stainsby procedure to be effective in correcting claw toe deformity in the rheumatoid patient. It relieves pain, skin callosities and improves overall forefoot function.