Distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal can be performed by a percutaneous minimally invasive procedure when indicated for the surgical treatment of hallux valgus. The intermediate-term results of percutaneous distal uniplanar osteotomy of the first metatarsal were assessed in 118 feet in 82 patients (36 bilaterally) to determine the effectiveness of the percutaneous procedure.

A modified Lamprecht – Kramer – Boesh technique was performed under distal nerve trunk anaesthesia (ankle block) without a tourniquet, using a K-wire for stabilisation of the osteotomy. No surgical approaches and no soft-tissue procedures were required. Post-operatively adhesive tape was applied and immediate weight-bearing allowed.

The patients were followed for an average of 36 months (range 24 to 78 months). Clinical assessment was based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, hallux-metatarsal-phalangeal-interphalangeal (AOFAS) scale. Anteroposterior and lateral weight-bearing radiographs were performed pre- and post-operatively, and the hallux valgus angle, the first intermetatarsal angle, the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) and the position of the sesamoid were recorded. The average score according to the AOFAS scale was 86.6±12.9. Patients were satisfied with the result of the procedure in 90.7% of cases. The results confirm the effectiveness of the percutaneous procedure to achieve a satisfactory distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal without the need for soft-tissue procedures in the surgical management of symptomatic hallux valgus.

Implantation of metatarso-phalangeal prostheses or spacers has been widely indicated for the replacement of the articular surfaces in severe hallux rigidus. Giannini proposed a reabsorbable device in poly(D-L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) which is dome-shaped with a stem for implantation into the first metatarsal, avoiding any resection of the base of the proximal phalanx.

The rationale for the reabsorbable spacer is to maintain the distance between the articular surfaces for a predictable time and to provide a sliding surface suitable for articulation with the proximal phalanx. It is then reabsorbed by fragmentation and replaced by fibrous tissue, which maintains the articular space, allows motion and relieves pain.

Twenty-three reabsorbable spacers have been inserted for severe hallux rigidus in 20 patients aged from 26 to 76 years (average 58). Patients were reviewed with a follow-up ranging between 24 and 50 months (average 36). The results were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (A.O.F.A.S), hallux-metata-tarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale. Anteroposterior and lateral weight-bearing X-rays were made preoperatively and at follow-up, evaluating the dimensions of the articular space and the length of the first metatarsal. The chronology of device reabsorption was studied in 10 patients with M.R.I., assessing complete reabsorption within 4 months of the operation.

Excellent and good results were obtained in 91% of patients. The A.O.F.A.S. score was 43.7±20.6 pre-operatively and 82±10.3 post-operatively. The reabsorbable spacer confirmed the expectations of its supporters. This procedure would appear to be an alternative to arthrodesis of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint or traditional permanent implants and represents an intermediate technique between an implant and resection arthroplasty.