Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint by locking plate in patients with hallux rigidus

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis surgery performed with a plate in patients diagnosed with hallux rigidus (HR). 

Methods: Nineteen patients who underwent first MTP joint arthrodesis with a diagnosis of HR between 2018 and 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient gender, surgical site, complication status, preoperative and postoperative hallux valgus angles (HVA), union and follow-up times, and staging according to the Coughlin-Shurnas classification were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test, with p < 0.05 considered significant. 

Results: A total of 19 patients (15 females, 4 males) were included in the study. The mean age was 55.3 ± 8.1 years, and the follow-up period was 9.16 ± 1.95 months. Hallux rigidus was detected as stage 2 in one patient and stage 3 in 18 patients. The preoperative HVA decreased from 18.9° ± 5.4 to 14.6° ± 6.1 postoperatively; the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.129). Complications occurred in six patients (31.6%). The mean time to union was 8.39 ± 2.4 weeks, and one patient experienced nonunion. 

Conclusion: We consider arthrodesis using plates as an appropriate surgical technique in the treatment of HR due to its high union rate.