OBJECTIVETo study clinical curative effects of a Masquelet technology in the treatment of gouty arthritis in the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

METHODSFrom February 2012 to May 2016, 7 patients with the gouth arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint were treated by the Masqueket technology. There were 5 males and 2 females, ranging in age from 42 to 58 years old, with an average age of 50 years old. During the regular follow up, the bone healing was assessed by the radiographic imaging, and the orthopaedic foot and ankle Association (AOFAS) ankle function scoring system was used for comprehensive evaluation.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 6 to 8 months, with a mean of 7 months. All the wounds obtained first intention healing, and there were no complications such as wound infection, flap necrosis and other soft tissue complications. The time to bone healing was 3 to 4 months, with an average of 3.6 months. The AOFAS score was increased from preoperative 42.5±4.6 to postoperative 85.0±10.5.

CONCLUSIONSThe application of Masquelet technique in the treatment of first metatarsophalangeal joint gouty arthritis achieves obvious symptom relief, has less complications, and can effectively improve the quality of life of patients, which is a new and effective treatment.