Abstract
Background
There is a general assumption amongst many patients – and some Surgeons- that 1. Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis “in neutral plantigrade position” will postoperatively restrict the choice of shoes and heels in particular.
To our knowledge no studies have been carried out to assess this further.
Methods
A review of a single Surgeon's series of 25 patients and Radiographs following neutral 1.MTPJ Arthrodesis after 14 – 38 months follow up to assess the type of shoe and height of heel comfortably worn.
Results
Out of 18 women whose 1. MTPJ was fused in neutral 12 were able to wear at least a 2 inch (5 cm) heel comfortably the remaining 6 wore mainly flat shoes because of contralateral disease or unrelated reasons. All men interviewed wore a wide range of different comfortable shoes.
Conclusion
1. MTPJ Arthrodesis in neutral does not restrict the choice of shoes/heels postoperatively. Our findings might further strengthen the argument in favour of Arthrodesis vs Joint replacement.
