We studied a cohort of 26 diabetic patients with chronic ulceration under the first metatarsal head treated by a modified Jones extensor hallucis longus and a flexor hallucis longus transfer. If the first metatarsal was still plantar flexed following these two transfers, a peroneus longus to the peroneus brevis tendon transfer was also performed. Finally, if ankle dorsiflexion was < 5° with the knee extended, a Strayer-type gastrocnemius recession was performed. The mean duration of chronic ulceration despite a minimum of six months’ conservative care was 16.2 months (6 to 31). A total of 23 of the 26 patients were available for follow-up at a mean of 39.6 months (12 to 61) after surgery. All except one achieved complete ulcer healing at a mean of 4.4 weeks (2 to 8) after surgery, and there was no recurrence of ulceration under the first metatarsal. We believe that tendon balancing using modified Jones extensor hallucis longus and flexor hallucis longus transfers, associated in selected cases with a peroneus longus to brevis transfer and/or Strayer procedure, can promote rapid and sustained healing of chronic diabetic ulcers under the first metatarsal head

Numerous procedures have been reported for the hallux valgus correction of the great toe. Scarf osteotomy is a versatile osteotomy to correct varying degrees of mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity. It can also be used for lengthening of the 1st ray as a revision procedure to treat metatarsalgia in patients who had previous shortening osteotomy. We wish to report a patient who had lengthening SCARF osteotomy for the metatarsalgia following previous hallux valgus correction and developed arthritis of the 1st MTPJ in a short term which required fusion. A 49 year old female patient was seen with pain and tenderness over the heads of the 2nd and3rd metatarsal of the right foot. She had hallux valgus correction 10years ago with a shortening osteotomy of the 1st metatarsal. She developed metatarsalgia which failed to conservative management. She had a lengthening SCARF osteotomy for the metatarsalgia in 2004. She had good symptomatic relief for two years and then started having pain over the 1st MTPJ. On examination she had limited movements of the 1st MTPJ and tenderness over the dorsolateral aspects of the 1st MTPJ suggestive of arthritis. Radiographs of the foot showed healed osteotomy with no evidence of AVN of the 1st MT head but features suggestive of osteoarthritis. She had fusion of the 1st MTPJ performed in 2008 for the arthritis following which symptoms resolved. This case highlights that arthritis of the 1st MTPJ can occur in the absence of an AVN of the metatarsal head and patients need to be warned of this potential complaining when having the lengthening SCARF osteotomy for metatarsalgia following a previous shortening osteotomy of the 1st ray

Introduction

The literature remains controversial on treatment of advanced stages of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthritis and frequently favors arthrodesis. However, complications and suboptimal outcomes in active patients still remain with fusion of the first MTP joint. This study reports results of patients who underwent metallic resurfacing of the metatarsal side of the MTP joint.

Aim. Forefoot ulcers in patients with diabetic neuropathy are a result of factors that result in increased forefoot plantar pressures. Progressive hindfoot equinus from contraction of gastrocnemius-soleus-tendo-Achilles complex and progressive plantar flexed metatarsal heads secondary to claw toe deformity results callus at the metatarsal heads which break down to ulceration. The aim is to describe 2-stage treatment pathway for managing these ulcers. Methods. Consecutive patients, who presented with forefoot ulcers since February 2019 were treated with a 2-stage treatment pathway. The first stage of this is an out-patient tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL). The second stage is surgical proximal dorsal closing wedge metatarsal osteotomy for patients with persistent or recurrent ulcers. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Results. 112 patients (146 feet) underwent TAL by 3 consultants. Of these, 96 patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months (range 12–36 months). None had infection or wound related problems at the tenotomy sites; complete transection of the tendon was noted in 4 patients (4%) and one-patient developed heel callosity suggestive of over-lengthening. In 92 patients (96%), the ulcers healed within 10 weeks (± 4 weeks). Additional z-lengthening of peroneal longus and tibialis posterior tendons helped in patients with 1. st. metatarsal and 5. th. metatarsal head ulcers respectively. In 12 patients (10%), the ulcer failed to heal or recurred. MRI scan in these patients showed plantar flexed metatarsals from progressive claw toe deformity. The ulcer in this group healed after surgical offloading with proximal dorsal closing wedge osteotomy of the metatarsal/s, with no recurrence at a minimum 12months of follow-up. Conclusion. The described 2-stage treatment pathway results in long-term healing of neuropathic forefoot ulcers, and in 96% of patients, the ulcer healed after the first stage out-patient percutaneous TAL

Introduction. The current treatment for Freiberg's osteochondrosis centres around either: simple debridement or debridement osteotomy. The main principle of the osteotomy is to rotate normal articular cartilage into the affected area. We recommend the use of CT scanning to delineate the amount of available, unaffected cartilage available to rotate into the affected space. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 32 CT scans of new Freiberg's diagnoses in Sheffield over a 10 year period using the PACS system. We identified the sagittal CT slice that displayed the widest portion of proximal articular margin of the proximal phalanx and measured the diseased segment of the corresponding metatarsal head as an arc (in degrees). This arc segment was divided by 360°. This gave a ratio of the affected arc in the sagittal plane. Results. 28 out of 32 cases involved the 2nd metatarsal with the remaining 4 involving the 3rd metatarsal head. Of 32 cases, 18 had fragmentation. Surgically, 20 had debridement only, 5 also had an osteotomy and 1 had a fusion. 6 of the 32 cases were managed non-operatively. 11 cases out of 32 had an arc ratio of < 0.3. Of these, only 3 had an osteotomy, 3 had no procedure and 5 had a simple debridement. Of those that had osteotomies (5/32), 3 of the 5 cases had an arc ratio of < 0.3 with the other 2 being 0.42 and 0.38. Discussion. We hypothesise that those cases with an arc ratio of less 0.3 would be amenable to a dorsal closing wedge osteotomy and those with a ratio of more than 0.4 would be better suited to a simple debridement. For those cases between 0.3–0.4, we feel either option is viable. Further work to prove or disprove outcomes related to our classification is required

Introduction. Treatment pathways of 5. th. metatarsal fractures are commonly directed based on fracture classification, with Jones types for example, requiring closer observation and possibly more aggressive management. Primary objective. To investigate the reliability of assessment of subtypes of 5. th. metatarsal fractures by different observers. Methods. Patients were identified from our prospectively collected database. We included all patient referred to our virtual fracture clinic with a suspected or confirmed 5. th. metatarsal fracture. Plain AP radiographs were reviewed by two observers, who were initially trained on the 5. th. metatarsal classification identification. Zones were defined as Zone 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2, 3, diaphyseal shaft (DS), distal metaphysis (DM) and head. An inter-observer reliability analysis using Cohen's Kappa coefficient was carried out, and degree of observer agreement described using Landis & Koch's description. All data was analysed using IBM SPSS v.27. Results. 878 patients were identified. The two observers had moderate agreement when identifying fractures in all zones, apart from metatarsal head fractures, which scored substantial agreement (K=.614). Zones 1.1 (K=.582), 2 (K=.536), 3 (K=.601) and DS (K=.544) all tended towards but did not achieve substantial agreement. Whilst DS fractures achieved moderate agreement, there was an apparent difficulty with distal DS, resulting in a lot of cross over with DM (DS 210 vs 109; DM 76 vs 161). Slight agreement with the next highest adjacent zone was found when injuries were thought to be in zones 1.2, 1.3 and 2 (K=0.17, 0.115 and 0.152 respectively). Conclusions. Reliability of sub-categorising 5. th. metatarsal fractures using standardised instructions conveys moderate to substantial agreement in most cases. If the region of the fracture is going to be used in an algorithm to guide a management plan and clinical follow up during a virtual clinic review, defining fractures of zones 1–3 needs careful consideration

Aims. Arthroscopic microfracture is a conventional form of treatment for patients with osteochondritis of the talus, involving an area of < 1.5 cm. 2. However, some patients have persistent pain and limitation of movement in the early postoperative period. No studies have investigated the combined treatment of microfracture and shortwave treatment in these patients. The aim of this prospective single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to compare the outcome in patients treated with arthroscopic microfracture combined with radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) and arthroscopic microfracture alone, in patients with ostechondritis of the talus. Methods. Patients were randomly enrolled into two groups. At three weeks postoperatively, the rESWT group was given shockwave treatment, once every other day, for five treatments. In the control group the head of the device which delivered the treatment had no energy output. The two groups were evaluated before surgery and at six weeks and three, six and 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Secondary outcome measures included a visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain and the area of bone marrow oedema of the talus as identified on sagittal fat suppression sequence MRI scans. Results. A total of 40 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into the two groups, with 20 in each. There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline characteristics of the groups. No complications, such as wound infection or neurovascular injury, were found during follow-up of 12 months. The mean AOFAS scores in the rESWT group were significantly higher than those in the control group at three, six, and 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). The mean VAS pain scores in the rESWT group were also significantly lower than those in the control group at these times (p < 0.05). The mean area of bone marrow oedema in the rESWT group was significantly smaller at six and 12 months than in the control group at these times (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Local shockwave therapy was safe and effective in patients with osteochondiritis of the talus who were treated with a combination of arthroscopic surgery and rESWT. Preliminary results showed that, compared with arthroscopic microfracture alone, those treated with arthroscopic microfracture combined with rESWT had better relief of pain at three months postoperatively and improved weightbearing and motor function of the ankle. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(10):1108–1114

Background. Whereas arthroscopic arthrodesis of the ankle is commonplace and of the subtalar joint is established, reports of arthroscopic talo-navicular fusion are a rarity. Aim. To review a case series to establish if arthroscopic talo-navicular arthrodesis is a feasible surgical option. Methods. Arthroscopic decortication of the talo-navicular joint is performed via x1-2 sinus tarsi portals and x1-2 accessory talo-navicular portals using a standard arthroscope and a 4.5 barrel burr. Internal fixation is by a 5mm screw from the navicular tuberosity and x2 headless compression screws introduced under image intensification from the dorsal navicular to the talar head. Between 2004 and 2017 a consecutive series of 164 patients underwent arthroscopic hindfoot arthrodeses of which 72 involved the talo-navicular joint. Only 13 procedures were of that joint alone in unsullied feet. The medical records of these 13 patients were reviewed to assess radiological fusion, complications and improvement of pre-operative state. Results. All Talo-navicular joints were successfully decorticated. All united radiologically by a mean 4.4 months (range 3–8). There were no major complications. All patients reported improvement to their pre-operative symptoms but one patient developed lateral column pain requiring fusion. Conclusions. Arthroscopic Talo-navicular arthrodesis is technically feasible with good rates of union. Complications were rare, making the technique attractive when encountering a poor soft tissue envelope. The surgery cannot be used if bone grafting is required. Long term discomfort can arise from adjacent joints. Accurate alignment is critical

Aims

The Chopart joint complex is a joint between the midfoot and hindfoot. The static and dynamic support system of the joint is critical for maintaining the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Any dysfunction leads to progressive collapsing flatfoot deformity (PCFD). Often, the tibialis posterior is the primary cause; however, contrary views have also been expressed. The present investigation intends to explore the comprehensive anatomy of the support system of the Chopart joint complex to gain insight into the cause of PCFD.

Aims

The Cartiva synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) entered mainstream use in the management of first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthritis following the positive results of large trials in 2016. Limited information is available on the longer-term outcomes of this implant within the literature, particularly when independent from the originator. This single-centre cohort study investigates the efficacy of the Cartiva SCI at up to five years.

Background. The current ‘gold standard’ method for enabling weightbearing during non-invasive lower limb immobilisation is to use a Patella Tendon-Bearing (PTB) or Sarmiento cast. The Beagle Böhler Walker™ is a non-invasive frame that fits onto a standard below knee plaster cast. It is designed to achieve a reduction in force across the foot and ankle. Our objective was to measure loading forces through the foot to examine how different types of casts affect load distribution. We aimed to determine whether the Beagle Böhler Walker™ is as effective or better, at reducing load distribution during full weightbearing. Methods. We applied force sensors to the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads and the plantar surface of the calcaneum of 14 healthy volunteers. Force measurements were taken without a cast applied and then with a Sarmiento Cast, a below knee cast, and a below knee cast with Böhler Walker™ fitted. Results. Compared to a standard below knee cast, the Böhler Walker™ reduced the mean peak force through the first metatarsal head by 58.9% (p < .0001); 73.1% through the fifth metatarsal head (p < .0001); and by 32.2% (p < .0001) through the calcaneum. The Sarmiento cast demonstrated a mean percentage reduction in peak force of 8.6% (P = .39) and 4.4% (P = .87) through the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads respectively, but increased the mean peak force by 5.9% (P = .54) through the calcaneum. Conclusions. Using a Böhler Walker™ frame applied to a below knee cast significantly reduces loadbearing through the foot compared to a Sarmiento cast or a standard below knee cast. Implications. This could mean early weightbearing is safer and better tolerated in patients with a wide variety of foot and ankle pathologies, which can in turn improve quality of life and reduce the incidence of immobility dependent morbidity

Introduction. Crossover and claw toe deformity has traditionally been a very difficult condition to manage surgically, with high recurrence rates. Multiple methods have been used to treat this condition. Plantar plate “repair” has recently been advocated, with sutures used to repair an assumed tear. Based on clinical experience and anatomical studies (Deland et al. 1995), we believe the main pathology is a distal migration of the plantar plate complex resulting in exposure of the metatarsal to the thin posterior synovial attachment of the plate. The downward forces on the metatarsal head results in herniation of the head inferiorly. Accordingly we have developed a technique using full cuff release of the plantar plate complex that includes complete release of the collateral ligaments, repositioning the plantar plate anatomically and reinforcing the hernial defect with a synthetic mesh graft. Methods. 12 cases of severe crossover toe deformity have undergone plantar plate reconstruction using synthetic mesh graft in addition to other bony procedures (e.g. Weil's osteotomy, PIPJ fusion) since 2015 operated upon by the lead author. We collated data regarding patient satisfaction using Coughlin's Score (Coughlin 1991). We have also evaluated the sustainability of correction and any complications. Results. All patients reported “excellent” outcomes using Coughlin's score, with no cases of recurrence of any significance or complications, and a mean time to follow up of 180 days (range 23–23). Conclusions. Our understanding of the pathology of this condition is somewhat different from the conventional wisdom. Our technique of using a synthetic mesh graft to reconstruct the plantar plate complex shows promising results in terms of safety and decreased recurrence rate compared to traditional techniques. Further long term prospective results are required to confirm this pilot data

Background. The Weil osteotomy is successful in the management of metatarsalgia and toe deformity. The aim is to achieve controlled shortening whilst avoiding plantarflexion. Recognised complications of the Weil osteotomy include a ‘floating toe’ in up to 20% or more of cases. Aim. Can modification of the Weil osteotomy avoid the metatarsal head plantarflexion and subsequent dorsal subluxation of the interosseous muscle that is implicated in the development of a ‘floating toe’. Methodology. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th rays were dissected out en bloc with all tendons attached from 6 pairs of fresh frozen cadavers. The ray was fixed to a board and the tendons physiologically balanced via low-friction pulleys and light weights. This model is highly sensitive to alterations in moment arm of the tendons. Once the MTP joint was balanced these weights were not altered. After standard release of the dorsal capsule a Maceira or ‘triple-cut’ osteotomy was performed. This osteotomy was developed in order to permit shortening without plantar flexion of the metatarsal head. The osteotomy was performed using a image intensifier in order to maintain uniformity of the osteotomy cut. The neck was shortened by removing a 2mm slice of bone made with parallel cuts. The ray was photographed and x-rayed pre and post ‘surgery’ and the relationships of the interosseous tendon andcentre of rotation of the metatarsal head, tendon balance and toe posture were recorded. Results. The Maceira osteotomy can avoid plantarflexion of the metatarsal head The line of pull of the interosseous tendon can maintains it's normal relationship with the centre of rotation of the metatarsal head. None of the toes developed dorsiflexion. In fact, plantarflexion at the MTP joint could be seen. PIP ‘fusion’ resulted in dorsiflexion at the MTP joint in some toes

Introduction. Diabetes is increasing on a global scale. By 2030, 10% of the global population, ½ billon people, are predicted to have diabetes. Potentially there will be a corresponding increase in number of patients referred for surgery. Traditional surgical management of these patients is challenging. Presented is a case series utilizing Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques of percutaneous metatarsal neck osteotomies, metatarsal head debridement, mid-foot closing-wedge osteotomies and hind-foot arthrodesis, for the surgical management of diabetic foot pathology. The potential socio-economic benefits analysis with regards to reduction in out-patient and theatre time, patient length of stay and time to healing are also postulated. Methods. Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques of metatarsal neck osteotomy, metatarsal head debridement, closing wedge osteotomy, mid-fusion and hind-foot arthrodesis nailing are described. Procedures are preformed as day cases with fluoroscopic guidance. Low speed, high torque burrs and wedges, create the osteotomies, which can be held with percutaneous fixation. Comparative cost analysis of conservative treatment, including clinic visits, out-patient debridement, dressings, intravenous and oral antibiotics, versus Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques is presented. Results. Six patients had metatarsal osteotomies for mechanical ulceration. Five reported good outcome. One patient required revision to forefoot arthroplasty due to mal-union. Five patients had debridement of metatarsal heads, which healed on average at six to eight weeks. Eight patients had mid-foot arthrodesis. Two infected cases required removal of metalwork. Three patients had hind-foot arthrodesis for arthritis following ankle fracture with degeneration and deformity. Patients had good short and early medium term outcomes, with no reports of below-knee amputation. This technique is reproducible once the initial learning curve is mastered. Comparative cost analysis, suggests significant financial savings by reducing inpatient admissions, clinic visits and theatre time. Conclusion. Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques may provide an alternative surgical management for diabetic patient with foot and ankle pathology

Introduction. Freiberg's disease is an uncommon condition of anterior metatarsalgia that involves the head of metatarsals. Avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head is thought to arise during puberty. Treatment is usually conservative and operative treatment reserved for cases that do not respond to these measures. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of ten patients who presented to our institution who did not respond to conservative methods. These patients were treated surgically with a previously undescribed operative technique involving microfracture of the metatarsal heads and reattachment of the cartilage flap. Results. Mean follow up was 49 post operative months (18–96). Mean pain score at rest and on mobilising was 2.1 (0–3) and 3.1 (0–5) respectively. At 6 months, all 10 patients had reported a satisfactory outcome and return to acceptable activity levels. Discussion. The aim of the treatment for late stage Freiberg's disease is to relieve pain and improve the mobility of the patient by restoring the metatarsophalangeal joint function. Other techniques described involve osteotomies or minimal resection of the base of the proximal phalanx and insertion of metallic spacers which are removed several weeks later. However none has shown to be significantly superior to another. All of our patients reported a significant reduction of pain in their feet and all were able to walk and run almost pain free. There were no reported cases of severe restriction of movement or fixed deformity of the toe. Conclusion. This technique involves a single operative procedure that encourages metatarsal head remodelling and restoration of the joint articular surface. It is advantageous as we have seen remodelling of the metatarsal heads without causing shortening or other anatomical abnormalities in the area

Introduction. Medial calcaneal displacement osteotomy with an FDL tendon transfer is a common method of correcting pes planus deformity secondary to grade II tibialis posterior dysfunction. There is currently no evidence that calcaneal displacement alters the centre of pressure in the foot from a medial to a more central position as the normal shape is reconstituted. Materials and Methods. We prospectively evaluated 12 patients undergoing flatfoot reconstruction. Each patient had a preoperative AOFAS hindfoot score, pedobariographs and antero-posterior and lateral radiographs. This was repeated 6 months following surgery. Results. An angle (α) between the central axis of the foot (calcaneum to 2nd metatarsal head) and the centre of pressure (COP) was calculated for each patient both pre and post operatively and analysed using the Shapiro Wilk and the Students t test. Pressures directly under the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads and the calcaneum were also recorded and the pre and post operative differences analysed. The mean change in α angle is 6.1° (p < 0.01). The mean increase in pressure on the 1st metatarsal head is 460kPa (p = 0.08). The pressure changes on the 5th metatarsal head and the calcaneum are not statistically significant. The mean AOFAS score increases from 39.2 preoperatively to 82.8 postoperatively (p = 0.0019). The Meary angle improves from a mean of 12.7° to 5.7° (p = 0.027) and the calcaneal pitch improves from15.1° to 18.2° (p = 0.12). Conclusion. The medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy is able to significantly lateralise the centre of pressure in the foot and also increases the pressure under the 1st metatarsal head to more closely represent the parameters of the normal foot. The shape of the foot as judged radiographically and the clinical outcomes (AOFAS) are also improved

Introduction. Freiberg's infarction poses a challenge to foot and ankle surgeons. Several surgical and non surgical treatment methods are described. We performed a dorsal closing wedge osteotomy, debridement and microfracture of the metatarsal head. Dorsal closing wedge osteotomy helps in bringing the smooth plantar articular surface of the metatarsal head to articulate with the phalangeal articular cartilage whilst offloading the damaged dorsal articular cartilage. Debridement and Microfracture of the metatarsal head helps in regeneration of the damaged cartilaage via subchondral stem cells. Materials and Methods. Total of 15 patients (12F, 3M) underwent the above surgery between year 2002 and 2008. Mean age was 35yrs (range14-60). All of them had an extraarticular dorsal closing wedge osteotomy fixed with a single screw along with debridement of the joint and mocrofracture of the damaged cartilage. Post operatively heel weight bearing was allowed with a special shoe for 6 weeks. Serial radiological assessments were done to assess healing of the osteotomy and reshaping of metatarsal head. Patients had a mean follow up of 2.5 yrs (Range 1-6). All patients were assessed using subjective patient satisfaction scores (scale 0-10) and AOFAS scores. Results. 2nd metatarsal was involved in 14 and 3rd in one patient. All the osteotomies healed at a mean period of 10 weeks (range6-18). The mean patient satisfaction score was 8 (range5-10). The mean pre and post operative AOFAS scores were 54 and 82. One patient developed post operative haematoma which resolved spontaneously. No other complications noted. Conclusions. A combination of dorsal closing wedge osteotomy, debridement and microfracture is a simple, reproducible and effective method of treating Freiberg's disease with no major complications

Introduction. Calcaneal osteotomy is often performed together with other procedures to correct hindfoot deformity. There are various methods of fixation ranging from staples, headed or headless screws or more recently stepped locking plates. It is not clear if one method is superior to the other. In this series we compare the outcome of various methods of fixation with particular attention to the need for subsequent hardware removal. Patients and Methods. A retrospective review of the records of a consecutive series of patients who had a calcaneal osteotomy performed in our unit within the last 5 years was undertaken. All patients had had their osteotomy through an extended lateral approach to their calcaneous. The subsequent fixation was performed using one of three methods; a lateral plate placed through the same incision; a ‘headless’; or a ‘headed’ screw through a separate stab incision inserted through the infero-posterior heel. Records were kept of subsequent symptoms from the hardware and need for metalwork removal as well as any complications. When screws were inserted the entry point in relation to the weight-bearing surface of the calcaneous was also recorded. Results. Sixty-three osteotomies were investigated of which 15 were fixed using a headed screw, 18 using a headless screw (acutrak TM) and the remaining 30 were fixed using a lateral plate. There was a 100% union rate regardless of method of fixation, no patient was investigated or subject to revision surgery for a suspected non-union. Overall 47% of the headed screws, 10% of the headless screws and 9% of the lateral plates were removed to address symptoms that were suspected to arise from the hardware. There was a 10% (3 from 30) rate of wound complication in the lateral plate cohort. In all these cases there was persisting discharge from the extended lateral wound that resolved with dressing and antibiotic therapy alone. Conclusions. Calcaneal osteotomies have a high union rate regardless of fixation method. Fixation using a headed screw is associated with a high rate of secondary screw removal and this is unrelated to the position of the screw in relation to the weight-bearing surface of the calcaneous. Hardware problems are less frequent in the ‘headless’ screw or the lateral plate groups; however in this series, the incidence of local wound complications was higher in the group fixed with a lateral plate

Aims

The purpose of this study is to examine the adductus impact on the second metatarsal by the nonosteotomy nonarthrodesis syndesmosis procedure for the hallux valgus deformity correction, and how it would affect the mechanical function of the forefoot in walking. For correcting the metatarsus primus varus deformity of hallux valgus feet, the syndesmosis procedure binds first metatarsal to the second metatarsal with intermetatarsal cerclage sutures.

Treatment of the rheumatoid forefoot involves resection arthroplasty of the MTP joints of the lesser toes. This can either involve resection of the metatarsal heads or, as described by Stainsby: resection of the proximal phalanx. The Stainsby procedure is a well accepted technique, however despite this there is very little information on the outcome of this procedure. Materials and Methods. 40 rheumatoid patients were treated with the Stainsby procedure, over a five year period. Preoperatively patients completed a Foot Function Index (FFI) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS). The minimum follow-up was 12 months, range of follow-up 12–60 months. At follow-up review patients also completed the FFI and AOFAS. Therefore comparison of preoperative and postoperative scores was assessed. Results. There was a great improvement in both FFI and AOFAS after the Stainsby procedure, especially in patients who also underwent arthrodesis of the first MTPJ. Statistical analysis of the results is presently being completed and the full results will be discussed at the meeting. Discussion. Treatment of the rheumatoid forefoot involving resection of the metatarsal heads is a well known procedure, with much published literature to support its use. To date there is very little literature to assess the outcomes of performing a Stainsby procedure as an alternative resection arthroplasty. This study highlights the comparable benefits and results of resecting the proximal phalanx and therefore preserving the metatarsal heads, as described by Stainsby