Arthroscopy of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint in 59 Consecutive Cases

• Published in: The Journal of foot and ankle surgery 2012-03, Vol.51 (2), p.161-167
• Main Authors: Ahn, Jae Hoon, MD, Choy, Won-Sik, MD, Lee, Kwang-Won, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; arthroscope; Arthroscopy; Biological and medical sciences; cartilage; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Endoscopy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; hallux valgus; Hallux Valgus - diagnostic imaging; Hallux Valgus - surgery; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Joint Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Joint Diseases - surgery; Ligaments, Articular - surgery; Male; Malformations and congenital and or hereditary diseases involving bones. Joint deformations; Medical sciences; metatarsal; Metatarsal Bones - surgery; Metatarsophalangeal Joint - surgery; Middle Aged; Orthopedics; Osteotomy; outcome; Patient Satisfaction; Radiography; Sesamoid Bones - diagnostic imaging; surgery; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1067-2516; 1542-2224
• DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2011.10.003

Abstract The authors analyzed the results of 59 consecutive cases of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP-I) joint arthroscopy to verify the efficacy and safety of the procedure. Fifty-nine patients were followed for >18 months after MTP-I joint arthroscopic procedures. The mean duration of follow-up was 25 months. Clinically, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale and the satisfaction of the patients were evaluated. Hallux valgus angle, the first intermetatarsal angle, and medial sesamoid position were analyzed in cases of hallux valgus. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale score was increased from 69 points preoperatively to 92 points postoperatively ( p < .05). Radiologically, the mean hallux valgus angle was decreased from 29.2° preoperatively to 9.7° postoperatively ( p < .05). The mean first intermetatarsal angle was decreased from 14.8° preoperatively to 7.7° postoperatively ( p < .05). The medial sesamoid position was improved from 4.8 preoperatively to 2.0 postoperatively ( p < .05). Ninety-five percent of the patients were satisfied with the procedures. There was 1 case of a wound problem and 1 case of temporary digital nerve injury as complications. Based on our experience, arthroscopy of MTP-I joint appears to be a safe and reproducible procedure for selected cases of MTP-I joint disorders.