Outcomes of Joint-Preserving Surgery for Forefoot Deformities in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: With the advent of effective disease-modifying medications, the surgical treatment of forefoot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has evolved from joint-sacrificing to joint-preserving surgery. However, it is unclear whether joint-preserving surgery is effective for the full range of metatarsophalangeal joint involvement. Hence, this study investigated the postoperative outcomes of joint-preserving surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformities with a wide range of joint destruction. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 68 feet from 68 patients with RA who underwent joint-preserving surgery for forefoot deformities between 2014 and 2020. The Larsen grade classification was used to assess the first metatarsophalangeal joint destruction and classify patients into 4 groups as follows: 0 and 1 (n = 14), 2 (n = 21), 3 (n = 19), and 4 and 5 (n = 14). The Self-Administered Foot and Ankle Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) score, hallux valgus angle (HVA), and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were determined before surgery and at the last follow-up visit. RESULTS: The median observation duration was 40 (range, 24-78) months. SAFE-Q scores of all groups significantly improved in all subscales at the last observation, with no significant differences among the study groups. Radiographic evaluations of all groups revealed significant improvements in HVA and IMA after surgery, with no significant differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: In patients using the surgical approaches described in this study, joint-preserving surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformities led to satisfactory clinical and radiographic improvements, regardless of the severity of joint destruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Reconstruction of extensive plantar forefoot defects with free anterolateral thigh flap.

PURPOSE: The aim of the soft tissue reconstruction of plantar forefoot should yield weight-bearing function and aesthetic contour, which poses a significant challenge for reconstructive surgeons to provide an appropriate flap according to the "like for like" reconstructive principle. Local flaps and pedicled flaps have been described for the reconstruction of small- to medium-sized defects of plantar forefoot and achieved optimal results. However, reconstruction of extensive defects of plantar forefoot is rarely investigated. In this study, we present our experience using the free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in the reconstruction of extensive defects of plantar forefoot. METHODS: Between November 2011 and April 2017, 9 patients were treated for extensive soft tissue defects in the plantar forefoot areas with ALT flaps. The mean age at the time of surgery was 39.3 years (range, 25-64 years). RESULTS: The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 77 months, with a mean of 31 months. All flaps survived well, and the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic and functional results. The size of the flaps ranged from 63 to 455 cm, with a mean of 197.7 cm. Seven patients with no bony involvement began to gradually weight-bear at 3 weeks postoperatively. During the follow-up time, postoperative ulceration at the reconstructed weight-bearing areas was not encountered. CONCLUSION: The ALT flap is a reliable option for treatment of extensive defects of plantar forefoot, resulting in an optimal functional and aesthetic outcome. Even when a total plantar loss exits, excellent results can be achieved.

Vertical Wire Forefoot Fixation: An Advanced Technique for the Dynamic External Fixation Apparatus.

External fixation is used for the correction of select foot and ankle deformities. We have found the traditional forefoot crossing wire technique to be insufficient in terms of both individual metatarsal control and forefoot manipulation when using a dynamic ring fixator to correct forefoot deformities. We developed a forefoot fixation technique at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, using 5 vertical wires to gain greater forefoot control while performing more precise skeletal manipulation for multiplanar deformity correction. The associated risks of infection, neurovascular injury, and other soft-tissue injury should be further investigated. This proposed vertical wire construct is an advanced method with which the foot and ankle surgeon can correct complex lower limb deformities.

Anatomy and Biomechanics of Cavovarus Deformity.

A high longitudinal plantar arch, varus position of the heel, forefoot equinus, and pronation of the first ray are characteristic of a cavovarus deformity. Forefoot-driven and hindfoot-driven deformities are distinguished based on pathomechanics. In first ray strong plantarflexion, the forefoot touches the ground first. This leads to compensatory varus heel, lock of the midfoot, reduction of the flexible phase, and decrease in shock absorption. In hindfoot-driven cavovarus deformity, the subtalar joint may compensate for varus deformities above the ankle joint. Overload of the lateral soft tissue structures and degenerative changes may occur in longstanding cavovarus deformity.

[Degenerative forefoot : Diagnostics and treatment]. / Degenerativer Vorfuß : Diagnostik und Therapie.

The hallux valgus deformity is the most common toe deformity of the forefoot and is often associated with a splayfoot. Malpositioning of the small toes may be isolated but are more common in other foot deformities. The understanding of the complex pathoanatomy of the foot is necessary for orthopedic treatment. Conservative treatment is reserved for the early stages. The indications for surgery should be based on clinical and radiographic findings. Countless surgical procedures are available and minimally invasive surgical techniques are also increasingly being used.

Dynamic correction for forefoot varus in stage II-A adult flatfoot: Technique tip.

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a progressive disorder and a common cause of adult acquired flatfoot deformity, and forefoot varus is a frequent component in advanced cases. The author proposes peroneus brevis-to-longus transfer as an additional step to correct the forefoot varus component of stage II-A posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. We have performed this dynamic correction of forefoot varus in 12 patients at our institution, and observed promising clinical and radiographic improvement. It is a soft tissue procedure that avoids additional incisions and represents a favorable alternative to more demanding techniques, such as osteotomy or arthrodesis.

Outcomes of Resection and Joint-Preserving Arthroplasty for Forefoot Deformities for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the clinical outcomes of resection and joint-preserving arthroplasty for forefoot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Sixteen feet of 14 women (average age, 67.1 years; range, 53-82) underwent resection arthroplasty of the metatarsal head (resection group), and 18 feet of 15 women (average age, 61.3 years; range, 40-73) underwent a metatarsophalangeal joint-preserving procedure with shortening oblique metatarsal osteotomies of the lesser toes (joint preservation group). The mean disease duration in the resection and joint preservation groups was 23.6 and 19.1 years, and the average follow-up period was 37.3 and 33.5 months, respectively. The classification of Larsen was used to assess the severity of destruction of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluation included Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) score and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The number of preoperative radiographic destruction of the MTP joints (Larsen grade II, III, IV, and V) was 0, 29, 39, and 12 joints in the resection group and 13, 67, 9, and 1 joints in the joint preservation group. The mean JSSF score improved significantly from 61.3 to 83.9 points in the resection group ( P < .001) and from 62.2 to 90.8 points in the joint preservation group ( P < .001). In the resection group, recurrence of callosities and claw toe deformity was observed in 6 and 3 feet, respectively. In the joint-preserving group, recurrence of callosities and hammer toe deformity was observed in 1 foot each. CONCLUSION: The resection arthroplasty and joint-preserving procedure showed satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, whether both procedures can maintain the good clinical results without the recurrence of forefoot deformity will require longer follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Digital formula is conditioned by deformities and footwear characteristics in older people. A comparison between general population and population with psychiatric disorders

Forefoot morphology is determined by toe length. It is hereditary and unlikely to change during a person’s lifetime, although certain factors may lead to modifications. This study examines whether extrinsic factors such as footwear or deformities are associated with changes in the morphology of the forefoot and its pathologies. A study was made of the forefoot morphology, deformities and footwear of 331 participants divided into two populations: a control group (168 participants) and a population of people living in an institution (163 participants with psychiatric disorders). The results show that although Egyptian foot is the most common morphology in both populations, square foot was more prevalent among the women in the control population than among the women in the institution group. In addition, the type of footwear used by the women in the control population was mostly high-heeled constrictive street footwear, compared to the non-constrictive home footwear worn by the women in the institution population, p-value < 0.001. A high prevalence of square feet was observed in the control group women with hallux valgus (HV), p-value 0.008. A relationship was detected between the presence of HV and its prevalence in participants with square foot, concurrent with the use of constrictive footwear and mostly affecting women. The combination of HV and constrictive footwear could explain the high prevalence of the square foot morphology. These footwear characteristics can be considered risk factors in the alteration of the digital formula and aggravation of the deformity suffered in older women

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A radiographic review of the subacromial architecture: a South African study

The subacromial space, which is occupied by the subacromial bursa, rotator cuff complex and the long head of the biceps brachii tendon, is a well-known area of study due to its association with subacromial disease. Although it is demarcated by the coraco-acromial arch and the supraglenoid tubercle, degenerative changes in these osteological components often lead to mechanical narrowing and subsequent tendon abrasion. In addition to the morphological characteristics, the morphometry of the subacromial architecture is considered to play an important role in maintaining glenohumeral stability. Accordingly, the present study outlined the morphometry of the subacromial architecture and the acromial morphology from a radiological perspective. A total of 120 true lateral-outlet view radiographs (n = 120), representative of 58 males and 62 females of the Black (12), Coloured (10), Indian (27) and White (71) race groups, were analysed. In addition to calculation of the standard and population-specific means, the acromial classification scheme of Bigliani et al. (1986) was adopted. A trend of ascending values from Type III (16.7%) to Type II (37.5%) to Type I (45.8%) acromia was noted. Various shapes of the subacromial space were observed, viz. rhomboidal (20.0%), trapezoidal (65.8%) and triangular (14.1%). Since a statistically significant P value of 0.030 was recorded for the comparison of acromial type with the shape of the subacromial space, the shape of the subacromial space appeared to be dependent on the acromial type. While the parameters were determined with regard to the demographic representation of South Africa, this study also provided standard mean values which were not previously reported. Furthermore, the correlation of the acromio-glenoidal length with side, gender and shape of the subacromial space reflected levels of significance and highlighted this parameter as a diagnostic determinant of subacromial disease due to its tendency to change in accordance with the demographic and morphological factors

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Forefoot Adduction Is a Risk Factor for Jones Fracture.

Jones fractures are among the most common fractures of the foot; however, much remains unknown about their etiology. The purpose of the present study was to further examine the risk factors of forefoot and hindfoot alignment on Jones fractures using an epidemiologic study design. We used a retrospective, matched, case-control study design. Cases consisted of patients with acute, isolated Jones fractures confirmed on plain film radiographs seen at our institute from January 2009 to December 2013. Patients presenting with pain unrelated to metatarsal fractures served as controls. Controls were matched to cases by age (±2 years), gender, and year of presentation. Weightbearing foot radiographs were assessed for 13 angular relationships by a single rater. Conditional multivariable logistic regression was used to identify important risk factors. Fifty patients with acute Jones fractures and 200 controls were included. The only significant variables in the final multivariable model were the metatarsus adductus angle (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08 to 1.25) and fourth/fifth intermetatarsal angle (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.83)-both measures of static forefoot adduction. The presence of metatarsus adductus (defined as >15°) on foot radiographs was associated with a 2.4 times greater risk of a Jones fracture (adjusted OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.8). We have concluded that the risk of Jones fracture increases with an adducted forefoot posture. In our population, which consisted primarily of patients presenting after a fall (10 of 50; 20%) or misstep/inversion injury (19 of 50; 38%), the hindfoot alignment appeared to be a less important factor.

[Congenital malformations of the forefoot]. / Les malformations congénitales de l'avant-pied.

Malformations and deformations of the forefoot are a frequent reason for consultation. The most frequent malformations viewed at birth are syndactylies (second web space), clinodactylies (quintus varus, halllux), polydactylies (hallux, fifth toe). The macrodactylies, hypoplasia, amniotic bands are rare. The management of these defects requires knowledge of surgery adult foot, plastic surgery and especially collaboration with physiotherapists, podiatrists and orthotists. The fast growth of the foot the first year and the development of walking at one year require to start early the treatment of deformations and to anticipate the evolution of malformations.

[PROCEDURE OF RECONSTRUCTING TRANSVERSE ARCH OF THE FOREFOOT BY TRANSFERING TENDONS FOR CORRECTING HALLUX VALGUS].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of the procedure of reconstructing the transverse arch of the forefoot by anastomosing adductor hallucis and abductor hallucis tendons in correcting hallux valgus. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data from 28 patients (40 feet) with hallux valgus treated with the procedure of reconstructing the transverse arch of the forefoot by anastomosing adductor hallucis and abductor hallucis tendons between January 2010 and January 2014. There were 3 males (6 feet) and 25 females (34 feet), with an average age of 51.7 years (range, 20-71 years). The unilateral foot was involved in 16 cases and bilateral feet in 12 cases. The mean disease duration was 8.9 years (range, 1-30 years). All the cases had pain of the first metacarpophalangeal joint; 22 feet had collapsed transverse arch of the forefoot combined with plantar callus, and 8 feet had collapsed transverse arch of the forefoot combined with hammer toe deformity. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 59.07 +/- 8.49. Preoperative X-ray showed that the hallux valgus angle (HVA) was (33.68 +/- 8.10) degrees, and the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) was (15.60 +/- 4.07) degrees. According to classification of the hallux valgus by Mann, 9 feet were rated as mild, 23 feet as moderate, and 8 feet as severe. RESULTS: Superficial infection of incision occurred in 1 case (1 foot) after surgery, and healing by first intention was obtained in the others. Two cases (3 feet) had numbness in the toes. All of 28 cases were followed up from 6 months to 4 years (1.8 years on average). Based on the AOFAS score, the results were excellent in 24 feet, good in 9 feet, fair in 4 feet, and poor in 3 feet, and the excellent and good rate was 82.5%. At last follow-up, the HVA, IMA, and AOFAS score were (15.10 +/- 5.28), (9.05 +/- 2.42) degrees, and 86.03 +/- 7.45 respectively, showing significant differences compared with preoperative ones (P=0.00). The collapsed transverse arch of the forefoot was recovered to some extent, plantar callus disappeared (14 feet), or decreased (8 feet). Recurrence of hallux valgus deformity was observed in 2 cases (3 feet) at 2 and 3 months after surgery respectively, and no hallux varus was found. CONCLUSION: This procedure not only can effectively reduce the increased hallux valgus angle, and narrow the angle between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal, but also can relocate the sesamoid system, reconstruct the transverse arch of the forefoot, and effectively restore the physiological anatomy structure and biological function of the forefoot.

Algorithm for Severe Hallux Valgus Associated With Metatarsus Adductus.

BACKGROUND: Radiographic angles, such as the intermetatarsal angle, hallux valgus angle, and distal metatarsal articular angle, are commonly used to help guide operative planning for soft tissue and osseous treatment options for hallux valgus. Hallux valgus treatment in the setting of associated metatarsus adductus is less common and not well described. The presence of metatarsus adductus reduces the gap between the first and second metatarsals. Consequently, it complicates the measurement of the first-second intermetatarsal angle and can limit the area available for transposition of the first metatarsal head. A compensatory pronation is also created, which must be compensated for. We present 4 cases of patients that had hallux valgus with severe metatarsus adductus treated operatively, as well as a treatment algorithm. METHODS: For concomitant correction of both the metatarsus adductus and the hallux valgus, a thorough surgical treatment algorithm was implemented to address the hallux, lesser toe deformities, and pes planus deformity. Postoperatively, the patients were kept non-weight bearing for 6 weeks, followed by gradual weight bearing in a protective boot. Physical therapy was instituted at the start of weight bearing to encourage a return to activities of daily living. RESULTS: At follow-up, patients reported significant relief of their pain symptoms with a narrower and improved appearance of the foot. No recurrence was noted. One patient used a medial arch support but was otherwise symptom free. Radiographic measurements improved on postoperative radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of hallux valgus with metatarsus adductus, the second and third metatarsals may need to be addressed for the first metatarsal to be laterally transposed adequately. Overall, this comprehensive approach addresses the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot for patients with hallux valgus associated with metatarsus adductus, with successful results.

A Comparative Study With In Vitro Ultrasonographic and Histologic Grading of Metatarsal Head Cartilage in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography is among the valid methods to assess articular cartilage in the foot. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of ultrasonographic grading to assess metatarsal head articular cartilage for rheumatoid forefoot deformity in vivo and to compare the findings with in vitro ultrasonographic and histologic gradings. METHODS: Participants were 15 patients scheduled to undergo resection arthroplasty of the metatarsal heads of the lesser toes because of rheumatoid arthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joints. Ultrasonographic examination was performed in vivo the day before surgery. Specimens of the second to fifth metatarsal heads taken intraoperatively were graded from in vitro ultrasonographic and histologic evaluations. Correlations among in vivo ultrasonographic, in vitro ultrasonographic, and histologic gradings were analyzed. RESULTS: In 46 metatarsal heads, the distribution of grading ranged from grade 1 to 6 for in vivo ultrasonographic examinations and from grade 1 to 4 for histologic examinations. In vivo ultrasonographic grading showed significant correlation to both in vitro ultrasonographic grading (P < .001, R = 0.74) and histologic grading (P < .001, R = 0.67). CONCLUSIONS: The significant correlations between in vivo ultrasonographic and histologic gradings suggest that a semiquantitative in vivo ultrasonographic assessment of forefoot deformity in rheumatoid arthritis may be possible. Ultrasonographic grading may prove useful for pre- and postoperative evaluation of remaining joint function in rheumatoid forefoot deformity. An ultrasonographic grading system for remaining joint surfaces might be helpful in selecting surgical procedures such as joint-sparing osteotomy and metatarsal head resection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Plantarflexory osteotomy for a plantar flexed first ray? A cross-sectional study of the relationship between frontal plane forefoot deformity and lateral intermetatarsal angle in 190 patients.

Many surgeons consider performing plantarflexory osteotomy when a lateral weightbearing radiograph shows an elevated first metatarsal. In our study, we clinically evaluated the first metatarsal position in terms of the forefoot-to-rearfoot relationship and radiographically evaluated the lateral intermetatarsal angle in 190 patients. We divided the subjects into forefoot varus, valgus, and neutral groups and compared their mean lateral intermetatarsal angle. The mean lateral intermetatarsal angle for those with forefoot varus, valgus, and neutral was 1.4° ± 3.10°, 1.3° ± 3.30°, and 0.4° ± 2.67°, respectively. Neither analysis of variance nor post hoc tests showed any significant difference among the groups. We hypothesized that the ground reacting force alters the first ray position on the weightbearing radiographs; thus, it would not be advisable to rely solely on this angular measurement for surgical decision-making.

[Clinical result of forefoot correction by the first ray stabilization combined with resection of the lesser metatarsal head procedure for patient with rheumatoid arthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the procedure of the 1st ray stabilization combined with resection of the lesser metatarsal heads for patient with severe forefoot deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and evaluate the short to mid-term clinical results. METHODS: From Oct. 2006 to Aug. 2010,97 patients (129 feet) aged from 36 to 67 years (average 54), with forefoot deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis were reviwed. There were 88 males and 9 females,65 single lateral involved and 32 bilateral involved, the average duration of disease was 17 years (6 to 32 years). The 1st ray instability and lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint stiff dislocation were found in all cases. The first ray stabilization combined with resection of the lesser metatarsal head procedure were performed for all cases. The radiographic Hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were measurde and the JSSF (Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot) score were evaluated before operation and every follow up. RESULTS: The average followed-up was 37 months (6 to 52 months) for all patients except 5 (7 feet) and 1 died for acute cardiac infarction 1 year after operation. The average JSSF score improved from (33.2 +/- 8.2) points preoperative to (67.3 +/- 3.1) points at final followed-up (P < 0.01); the average HVA was corrected from (50.0 +/- 11.8) degrees preoperative to (21.2 +/- 3.2) degrees at final follow up (P < 0.01); the average IMA was corrected from (15.5 +/- 3.6) degrees preoperative to (9.7 +/- 6.6) degrees at final follow up (P < 0.01). MTP joint nonunion was found in 4 feet. A radiographic high density mass was found in the 1st cuneiform bone during 8 to 11 months followed-up in 3 feet; delayed wound healing was happened in 9 feet; MTP joint infection was happened in 2 feet; tarsometatarsal joint infection was happened in 1 foot; lesser MTP joints deformity recurrence were found in 16 feet. CONCLUSION: The characters of forefoot with RA in later stage are the 1st ray deformity and instability compound with the lesser toes deformity. The 1st ray stability procedure which include the 1st MTP arthrodesis and the Lapidus procedure can correct the 1st ray deformities and rebuilt its stability. The lesser toes metatarsal head resection is effective in correct their deformity. This combined procedure is reliable. It is suitable for patients with severe Hallux valgus, increased IMA, tarsometatarsal joint instability and the lesser MTP joint stiff dislocation.

An atypical composition of adductor hallucis co-existent with an accessory plantar muscle and duplication of flexor digiti minimi pedis.

Adductor hallucis (AH) is frequently employed in transposition onto the first metatarsal head to alleviate symptoms of hallux valgus. Although tis muscle receives sufficient anatomical description, it is often disregarded in clinical practice. The rare anomalies associated with AH, merit a detailed study owing to its contribution to the treatment of hallux valgus. Additionally, the AH may be employed in plastic and reconstructive surgeries as a graft to cover defects of the foot. Therefore, we sought to report this infrequent anomaly relating to the AH muscle. Through the course of a regular educational gross anatomy class a muscular variant of the plantar musculature was noticed. A meticulous dissection was carried out and the specimen photographed. The oblique head of AH displayed three bellies whereas the transverse head was unremarkable. Another accessory belly was observed taking origin from the fourth metatarsal bone. Additionally, the flexor digiti minimi brevis (FDMB) displayed two bellies medial and lateral. A preoperative radiological assessment of the foot to be operated upon may provide the necessary information and may detect these muscular anomalies. Utilizing these variations to their benefit during operation will shorten the procedure time and may reduce post-operative risks and complications. We report this unique muscular anomaly to alert the foot surgeons and radiologists and plan their procedures accordingly.

A clinical classification system for rheumatoid forefoot deformity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In the present study a classification system for the rheumatoid forefoot is reported with its intra- and interobserver reliability and clinical relevance. The classification is based on the sequence of anatomical changes resulting from the loss of integrity of the MTP joints, loss of motion and changes regarding the quality and position of the plantar soft tissues. It is hypothesized that with progression of the amount of deformity of the MTP joint(s), patients have more pain and functional loss. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total 94 patients were included in the study following precise inclusion criteria. The forefeet of the patients were classified according to the introduced classification system by two observers in order to determine the intra- and interobserver reliability. The relation of the suggested classification between pain, function scores, and plantar foot pressure measurements was examined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: According to the Cohen's kappa and the ICC, the intra- and inter-observer reliability were high. Despite the large variation between subjects in a certain grade, a clear trend was found between increase in classification and VAS for pain, FFI difficulty with activities, and plantar peak pressure under the metatarsals. The suggested classification is of clinical relevance and can be used to develop therapeutical algorithms and to test interventions.

[Our results of the Brandes-Keller procedure and Helal metatarsal osteotomy in patients with forefoot deformity]. / Nase zkusenosti s operacní rekonstrukcí prednozí u pacientu s hallux valgus a metatarzalgiemi pri pes transversoplanus.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The most frequent valgus deformity of the big toe is often associated with a collapse of the traverse arc of the foot. The purpose of the present study was to assess the results of forefoot reconstruction by the Brandes-Keller resection arthro- plasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the Helal metatarsal osteotomy when this deformity was present. MATERIAL: A retrospective study of 40 consecutive patients with severe forefoot deformities was performed.The patients were treated at our department in the period from 1997 to 2003.The average age at the time of surgery was 54.7 years.Twelve patients underwent bilateral surgery. The results of 52 operations were evaluated. RESULTS: Each patient returned for a personal interview by an independent investigator and a clinical examination. A post-operative forefoot score was calculated according to the system of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). This 100-point scale includes items related to pain, level of activity, deformity and motion. The average AOFAS score was 85.5 points post-operatively. No pain was reported in 38 (75 %) forefeet, mild pain in 12 (23 5 %) forefeet and moderate pain in 1 (2 %) forefoot. The complications included slow healing of the wound in two patients (3.8 %) and asymptomatic pseudoarthrosis after metatarsal osteotomy in two patients (3.8 %). Five patients (9.6 %) reported persisting swelling of the foot dorsum for a period longer than 3 months. DISCUSSION In agreement with the majority of the published data we are of the opinion that the Brandes-Keller resection arthroplasty is a surgical method suitable to treat valgus deformities of the big toe with concomitant arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) in elderly patients whose weight-bearing demands are low. This treatment permits early post-operative weight-bearing. In younger patients with valgus deformity of the big toe without arthritis it is preferred to use techniques preserving the joint. The use of total replacement of the first MTP joint is open to discussion. CONCLUSIONS: The Brandes-Keller procedure with the Helal metatarsal osteotomy, if correctly performed in indicated cases, results in painless walking in patients with forefoot deformity.