Opening first metatarsal osteotomy and resection arthroplasty of the first MPJ in the treatment of first ray insufficiency associated with degenerative hallux valgus.

BACKGROUND: Opening wedge proximal metatarsal osteotomy combined with first metatarsophalangeal arthroplasty can be used to correct first metatarsus primus varus with a high intermetatarsal angle and a short first metatarsal. METHODS: 147 feet in 138 patients with degenerative first metatarsophalangeal arthrosis, >or=15 degrees of metatarsus primus varus and, a short first metatarsal were included. Preoperative and postoperative clinical, radiographic, and subjective outcome measurements were taken (Scale AOFAS). RESULTS: The mean first intermetatarsal angle decrease was 7.79+/-1.43 degrees and the mean increase in first metatarsal length was 2.88+/-0.45 mm. The pre-intervention mean values were 52.6 points in the AOFAS scale, and an overall result of 92.95 obtained after surgery (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The opening proximal first metatarsal osteotomy without internal fixation and with first metatarsophalangeal resection arthroplasty can correct severe hallux valgus with an intermetatarsal angle >or=15 degrees and a short first metatarsal, achieving low rate of complications.

Proximal metatarsal resection.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of proximal tarso-metatarsal joint resection is to provide early weight-loading for biomechanical realignment and correct weight imbalance across the MTP joint. Therefore, its main indications are all those metatarsalgia in which previous orthopaedic treatment has failed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report our experience in metatarsalgia management with proximal metatarsal resection. This is a retrospective study between April 1997 and December 2005. 40 feet underwent this procedure (36 patients), with a total report of 86 osteotomies. Clinical results were evaluated with American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Lesser Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale Score (maximum score: 100 points). RESULTS: A 10-15-grade correction was achieved with a mean resection of 2mm. Assessment with AOFAS' scale disclosed previous average 35.75+/-4.2 with a final score reported of 88.4+/-6.9 (range 65-100). An overall mean increase of 52.65 points was achieved. No case had major complications that required further surgery. Pain improved in 39 patients (97.5%), and persisted in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal metatarsal resection is a simple technique that provides adequate correction of the abnormal pressure distribution across the MTP joint without internal fixation.

Ulnar variance and scaphoid fracture.

Between 1997 and 2006, radiographs of 66 scaphoid fractures were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate ulnar variance. Twenty-one (31.8%) patients had an 'ulna neutral' wrist, six (9.1%) had an 'ulna plus' and 39 (59.1%) had an 'ulna minus' wrist. The mean ulnar variance was -1.3 (SD 1.8) mm (range -5.5, 2.5). We observed a significant difference in the distribution of ulnar variance (P < 0.00001) and in the proportion of cases with ulna minus (OR = 5.0; 95% CI: 2.7, 9.3) compared to previous publications.