First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis, as a corrective measure for severe hallux valgus deformity, has a long history and remains in use today. Indications for the first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis include severe hallux valgus deformity, recurrent hallux valgus, hallux deformity in rheumatoid arthritis, severe hallux rigidus, joint infection, primary or secondary osteoarthritis, hallux valgus deformity due to neuromuscular disorders, and severe gouty arthritis. Innovative research continues to emerge in biomechanics and materials science related to the first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis. Surgical fixation options are diverse and evolving, encompassing traditional screws and plates alongside novel intramedullary fixation systems and shape-memory alloy implants. Biomechanical studies, gait analysis research, and clinical trials consistently demonstrate minimal postoperative impact on gait and no significant impairment of functional mobility. When performed with proper technique, complications are rare. The first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis is an effective and reliable method for treating severe hallux valgus deformity.
Humans ; Hallux Valgus/surgery* ; Arthrodesis/instrumentation* ; Metatarsophalangeal Joint/surgery* ; Bone Screws ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To compare effectiveness of multiple metatarsal osteotomy versus first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis in treating severe metatarsal adductus hallux valgus deformity. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 25 patients with severe metatarsal adductus hallux valgus deformity admitted between June 2010 and May 2014 who met the selective criteria. Among them, 15 patients underwent multiple metatarsal osteotomy (osteotomy group), while 10 patients underwent first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis (fusion group). There was no significant difference between groups ( P>0.05) in gender, age, disease duration, affected side, preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), or metatarsal adduction angle (MAA). The osteotomy group underwent fixation with screws and/or staples fixation, while the fusion group utilized anatomic fusion plates and trans-articular compression screws. The study compared the following outcome indicators between groups: operation time, pre- and post-operative differences (change values) in AOFAS scores, VAS scores, and radiographic parameters (HVA, MAA), osteotomy healing outcomes, and recurrence of hallux valgus deformity. RESULTS: Both surgical procedures were completed successfully. The operation time was significantly shorter in the fusion group than in the osteotomy group ( P<0.05). All patients were followed up 96-144 months (mean, 116 months). The follow-up time was (129.1±7.2) months in the osteotomy group and (104.4±8.0) months in the fusion group, with no significant difference between groups ( P>0.05). X-ray films revealed the radiographic union in two groups, and the fusion time was significantly shorter in the fusion group than in the osteotomy group ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in AOFAS and VAS scores compared to preoperative levels ( P<0.05). However, the differences in the change values of AOFAS and VAS scores between groups were not significant ( P>0.05). During follow-up, 3 cases (20%) of deformity recurrence occurred in the osteotomy group, while no recurrence was observed in the fusion group. There was no significant difference in the incidences of deformity recurrence between groups ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION For severe metatarsus adductus hallux valgus deformities, both multiple metatarsal osteotomy and first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis can correct the deformity. The former preserves metatarsophalangeal joint mobility but demands high technical proficiency from the surgeon, involves relatively longer operation times, extended bone healing periods, and higher complication incidences. The latter procedure is relatively simpler, facilitates faster postoperative recovery, allows early weight-bearing, and yields more reliable outcomes, though it sacrifices first metatarsophalangeal joint mobility.
Humans ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Hallux Valgus/diagnostic imaging* ; Retrospective Studies ; Arthrodesis/instrumentation* ; Treatment Outcome ; Metatarsal Bones/diagnostic imaging* ; Metatarsophalangeal Joint/diagnostic imaging* ; Male ; Female ; Bone Screws ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Bone Plates ; Pain Measurement

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effects of steel plate fixation after the failure of arthrodesis of ankle by screw fixation.

METHODSFrom August 2001 to October 2011, 15 patients were with steel plate fixation after failure of arthrodesis of ankle by screw fixation. Among patients, 9 cases were males and 6 cases were females,ranging age from 40 to 65 years old with the average of 56 years old. Ten cases were in left and 5 cases were in right. Screws were removed and steel plate was fixed intraoperatively, and plaster external fixation for postoperation. Clincal effect were evaluated according to AOFAS scoring system from pain, waliking ability and aligment before and after operation, and X-ray was used to evaluate joint fusion after operation.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 4 months to 4 years with an average of 2 years. The incison were healed in stage I. No ankle pain,injury of blood vessel and nerve,infection and farilure of internal fixation occuerred. The AOFAS score increased from 36.86 +/- 8.32 preoperatively to 85.09 +/- 4.65 (t = -26.366, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONSteel plate fixation after the failure of ankle arthrodesis of screw fixation has the advantages of rigid stability, simple manipulation and high success rate, less pain, perfect recovery.

Adult ; Aged ; Ankle Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Arthrodesis ; Bone Plates ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Steel ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Failure