Incidence of Nonunion Following First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis for Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Retrospective Analysis of Four Different Constructs.

Arthrodesis of the great toe joint is a valuable procedure for hallux valgus deformities. The primary aim of this study was to determine nonunion rates of a first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis for bunion deformity. This was a retrospective review of 166 consecutive limbs that underwent a first metatarsal phalangeal joint arthrodesis at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (WFBMC). Procedures were performed using 4 different constructs for the arthrodesis. Incidence of nonunion, intermetatarsal correction, infection, and recurrence were measured. Overall, 20 patients (12%) experienced nonunion following a first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis. Eighty-seven patients (86%) of plate and screw patients achieved union while 14 (78%) of crossing screw patients achieved union. The minimum time of follow-up was 3 months and the maximum time was 15.4 months. The mean change in intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angle correction was 3.4° and 20.3°, with no statistical difference based on hardware construct or being diabetic. First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis is a viable option for hallux valgus. However, the results of the present study suggest that there is a lower fusion rate of the first MTPJ using crossing screws for bunion deformities.

Locking plate technology and its use in foot and ankle surgery.

This article discusses the history of conventional plating, plate biomechanics, and screw function to provide better understanding of osseous physiology and biology using locking plates. The peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed literature have been researched to decipher and share the most pertinent information on this topic.

Correction of metatarsus primus varus with an opening wedge plate: a review of 18 procedures.

UNLABELLED: The opening base wedge osteotomy is a safe and useful surgical alternative for correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformities with substantial metatarsus primus varus. The authors combine the modified McBride bunionectomy with a proximal first metatarsal opening base wedge osteotomy. Osteotomy stabilization was achieved without bone grafting with a titanium fixation plate specifically designed for opening proximal osteotomies. To assess outcomes achieved by the use of this fixation device, we reviewed the records of 18 procedures (16 patients). Preoperative and postoperative weight-bearing radiographs were measured to compare changes in the following radiographic variables: intermetatarsal angle 1-2, hallux valgus angle, the first metatarsal protrusion distance, and the Seiberg Index. The mean follow-up duration was 11 months (range, 6-17 months). The median intermetatarsal angle decreased by 9 degrees (range, 2 degrees-15 degrees), the hallux valgus angle decreased by 13.5 degrees (range, 0 degrees-56 degrees), and the change in first metatarsal protrusion distance was +2.6 mm (range, -0.8 to 6.6 mm), and all of these changes were statistically significant (P < or = .001). The preoperative to postoperative change in the Seiberg Index was not statistically significant (P = .17). In regard to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal score, the postoperative scores were statistically significantly higher than the preoperative scores (P < .001). Complications included 2 (11.11%) recurrences, and 1 (5.56%) case of deep vein thrombosis. Fourteen patients (16/18 feet, 88.89%) reported satisfaction with the surgical results. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.