Surgical Treatment for Hallux Rigidus

Hallux rigidus is a degenerative process that occurs in the first metatarsophalangeal joint
(MTPJ). There are a variety of surgical treatment options available for its treatment
including joint sparing and joint destructive procedures. Patients with end stage arthritis
are often given several surgical options for the treatment of the first MTPJ. The
procedures are correlated to the patient's age, type of shoe gear, activity level, Body Mass
Index, degree of arthritis, desire for joint mobility and bone density. This proposal
outlines a retrospective study on the long-term efficacy of joint resection, joint fusion,
and hemi-metallic first MTPJ implants. A multi-center study of 300 subjects who received
surgical repair for end stage arthritis of the first MTPJ will be evaluated. Subjective
assessment for pain, function and alignment as well as objective radiographic evaluation
will be performed. Further, the frequency and types of adverse events associated with the
three surgical techniques will be assessed. The results of this study will provide valuable
information to foot and ankle surgeons in making appropriate decisions regarding the
treatment options for end stage hallux rigidus.