The Use of Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis as a Surgical Treatment for Patients with the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis: Immediate and Medium-Term Results.

AIM: To demonstrate the immediate and medium-term results of the surgical treatment of patients with first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA) using the autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) technique and to evaluate the effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperatively the range of motion (ROM) in the first MTP joint was determined, and the following questionnaires were used: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain, American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Functional Foot Index (FFI). All of the patients experienced a significant restriction of the ROM in the first MTP joint. The VAS of pain median was 70, AOFAS 52, and FFI 5.8. RESULTS: AMIC was performed in 19 patients with first MTP joint OA. All the patients experienced a significant restriction of ROM in the first MTP joint. The VAS of pain median was 70, AOFAS 52, and FFI 5.8. By the third month, VAS of pain decreased to 25, FFI to 2.2; AOFAS median increased to 77, ROM to 60°. Six months after the surgery VAS of pain decreased to 10, FFI to 1.1; AOFAS median increased to 90, ROM to 65°. After a year of observation, VAS of pain decreased to 5, FFI to 1,0; AOFAS median increased to 92.5, ROM to 71.5°. CONCLUSION: The results showed that a first MTP joint AMIC procedure can be a fairly effective method of surgical treatment that can relieve pain and significantly improve the quality of life of patients with first MTP joint OA.