Abstract
Purpose: We report a series of 32 cases of recurrent hallux valgus treated by metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis and followed for at least five years.
Material and methods: Mean follow-up after the initial surgery was 11 years. All patients complained for pain of the forefoot. The mean phalangeal valgus was 39° with metatarsalgia in 16 cases. According to the Regnauld classification, the metatarsophalangeal space of the great toe was grade 1 in two, grade 2a in eight, grade 2b in six, and grade 3 in sixteen. Arthrodesis was achieved with an axial screw and adductor hallux plasty. Results were assessed at least five years after surgery according to the Kitaoka criteria.
Results: At last follow-up 78% of the patients were pain free. The valgus deviation was corrected with a mean angle of 19°. The arthrodesis fused in 90.6% of the cases. Statistical analysis revealed the influence of pre- and postoperative great toe valgus on the final result. The final results were less satisfactory with older age. Outcome was very good in 84%, fair in 6%, and poor in 10%.
Discussion: These results demonstrate that arthrodesis of the great toe is not an invalidating solution. Interpha-langeal joint degeneration can develop after excessive solicitation of the articulation.
The abstracts were prepared by Docteur Jean Barthas. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Secrétariat de la Société S.O.F.C.O.T., 56 rue Boissonade, 75014 Paris.
