Methods

We performed a retrospective review of all consecutive first MTPJ replacements carried out for later stage hallux rigidus using second generation MOJE ceramic implant with press-fit design. Two specialised foot and ankle surgeons performed these operations at a tertiary referral centre. Patient underwent regular follow ups including clinical review, functional scoring (AOFAS and FFI) and assessment of radiographs. Kaplan Meyer Survival analysis was performed.

Methods and results

We carried out a retrospective review of 50 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction (performed arthroscopically taking semitendinosis tendon graft) between July 2007 and November 2008. Orthopaedic referrals were grouped into A&E-group (48%) and GP-group (52%). Average time span between initial injury and patient's first contact with an orthopaedic surgeon was 10 days in the AE-group and 30 months in the GP-group.

On analysing the MRI scans we found a significant difference regarding the presence of additional injuries: A&E-group had less medial meniscus injuries (43.75%) compared to the GP-group (65%). Lateral meniscus injuries were present in 18.75% in A&E-group and in 35% in GP-group. Findings during arthroscopic ACL reconstruction revealed following differences: A&E-group had less medial meniscus injuries (30.43%) compared to the GP-group (46.15%). Lateral meniscus injuries were 43.48 % and 30.77 % in A&E-group and GP-group respectively.

Lysholm Knee Scoring system was used in both the groups pre- and postoperatively. The A&E-group had better results preoperatively (average 56.7) and postoperatively (average 95.5) when compared to the GP group which had shown scores to be 50.4 (pre-op) and 90.7 (post-op).