scholarly journals Concept, etiology, and pathomechanics of hallux rigidus

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 193-197
Author(s):  
Manuel Monteagudo de la Rosa ◽  
Ramón Viladot-Pericé

There is a continuous anatomical, functional and pathomechanical roadmap from functional hallux limitus to hallux rigidus. Although many etiologies for hallux rigidus have been studied it is very probable that it has a primary origin with less-than-ideal movement when we are born. Upon a restricted range of motion, symptoms may arise depending on the amount of work and how compensatory mechanisms work around the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Changes occurring at the joint that allow the transition from a sliding movement mechanism (physiological) to a rolling mechanism (pathological) may trigger anatomical and functional changes resulting in pain and dysfunction. Any surgical technique that is able to restore the sliding mechanism to the first metatarsophalangeal joint will have a positive impact on pain and function in a patient with a symptomatic functional hallux limitus/rigidus. Level of Evidence V; Therapeutic Study; Expert opinion.

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 457-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubén Sánchez-Gómez ◽  
Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo ◽  
Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias ◽  
César Calvo-Lobo ◽  
Emmanuel Navarro-Flores ◽  
...  

Background: Functional hallux limitus (FHL) refers to dorsiflexion hallux mobility limitation when the first metatarsal head is under loading conditions but not in the unloaded state. The goal of the study was to evaluate 3 common manual tests (Buell, Dananberg, and Jack tests) for assessing first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) mobility and determining the normal values needed to detect FHL, and clarify the signs and symptoms associated with this pathology. Methods: Forty-four subjects were included in this reliability study. Subjects were divided into healthy control (non-FHL) and FHL groups according to the Buell first MPJ limitation values in addition to signs and symptoms derived from the literature. In both groups, we measured the mobility in the Buell, Dananberg, and Jack tests using a goniometer; their intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), sensitivities, and specificity indexes were also calculated. Results: All techniques showed high reliability across measurement trials with ICCs ranging from 0.928 to 0.999. The optimal mobility grades for predicting FHL were 68.6 ± 3.7 degrees, 21 ± 5.9 degrees, and 25.5 ± 6.5 degrees (mean±SD) ( P < .05) for the Buell, Dananberg, and Jack tests, respectively. Conclusion: Normal and limited mobility values were established for assessing FHL using each technique. The sensitivity and specificity data were perfect for the Dananberg and Jack tests, thus identifying these tests as specific and valid tools for use in FHL diagnosis. Pinch callus was the sign most associated with FHL. Level of Evidence: Level II, comparative series.


2002 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. 269-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Payne ◽  
Vivienne Chuter ◽  
Kathryn Miller

Functional hallux limitus is an underrecognized entity that generally does not produce symptoms but can result in a variety of compensatory mechanisms that can produce symptoms. Clinically, hallux limitus can be determined by assessing the range of motion available at the first metatarsophalangeal joint while the first ray is prevented from plantarflexing. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of this clinical test to predict abnormal excessive midtarsal joint function during gait. A total of 86 feet were examined for functional hallux limitus and abnormal pronation of the midtarsal joint during late midstance. The test had a sensitivity of 0.72 and a specificity of 0.66, suggesting that clinicians should consider functional hallux limitus when there is late midstance pronation of the midtarsal joint during gait. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 92(5): 269-271, 2002)


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 247301141881442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan R. Emmons ◽  
Dominic S. Carreira

Background: Interposition arthroplasty of the first MTP joint has recently experienced renewed interest as a treatment for hallux rigidus. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the rapidly expanding literature on PRO following interposition arthroplasty of the first MTP joint. Methods: PubMed Central, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched. Inclusion criteria included length of time to follow-up, number of patients, outcome measure, and use of allogeneic or autogenous soft tissue or a synthetic matrix as interposition. Results: 20 studies were included in the review, comprising 498 patients and 539 feet with mean time to follow-up of 4.5 years. The most common substance used for interposition in the included studies was autogenous first MTPJ capsular tissue, a technique reported on in 12 (60.0%) of the included articles. In studies reporting preoperative and postoperative outcomes by way of a standardized outcome scoring system, mean group improvements exceed minimal clinically important differences in the majority of studies. Eighty-five percent of the studies included in this review were of Level IV quality evidence, and of this subset of studies, 70.6% were of a retrospective nature. Progression to further surgery was observed in 3.8% of toes. The most common complication reported was transfer metatarsalgia of 1 or more lesser toes, observed in up to 57.9% of patients in one study. Conclusion: Interposition arthroplasty appears to be a viable option for the treatment of moderate to severe hallux rigidus in patients looking to salvage motion through the first metatarsophalangeal joint. A wide array of autogenous, allogeneic, and synthetic implant materials have surfaced in recent years, but long-term follow-up and prospective, comparative study designs with low risk of bias are limited. Level of Evidence: Level IV, systematic review of Level III-IV studies


2014 ◽  
Vol 104 (5) ◽  
pp. 468-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Trégouët

BackgroundInjuries of the first metatarsophalangeal joint have lately been receiving attention from researchers owing to the important functions of this joint. However, most of the studies of turf toe injuries have focused on sports played on artificial turf.MethodsThis study compared the range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in collegiate basketball players (n = 123) and noncompetitive individuals (n = 123).ResultsA statistically significant difference (P &lt; .001) in range of motion was found between the two groups. The difference between the two sample means was 21.35°.ConclusionsWith hallux rigidus being a potential sequela of repeated turf toe injuries, it seems likely that subacute turf toe injuries occur in basketball players, leading to degenerative changes that result in hallux limitus.


2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Taranto ◽  
Michael J. Taranto ◽  
Alan R. Bryant ◽  
Kevin P. Singer

Background: Hallux abducto valgus and hallux limitus are two commonly encountered foot deformities causing altered structure and function of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and subsequent compensatory mechanisms. This study was undertaken to determine the relationships between these two deformities and transverse plane position of the foot, or angle of gait, and several radiographic angular and linear parameters with established reliability. Methods: A convenience sample of 23 subjects with hallux abducto valgus, 22 subjects with hallux limitus, and 20 control subjects was used. Radiographic parameters were standardized weightbearing views and included lateral stressed dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, composite, dorsoplantar, and lateral views. Angle of gait was obtained from powdered footprints recorded on paper. Two left and two right footprints identified on each trial were used to calculate angle of gait. Results: The findings of the study suggest that an association between angle of gait and the presence of hallux abducto valgus or hallux limitus does not exist. Possible explanations may relate to the large variability of normal angle of gait, the need to identify factors extrinsic to the foot capable of affecting transverse plane orientation of the foot, and the addition of information relating to symptoms. Conclusions: In this study, the presence of hallux abducto valgus or hallux limitus did not correspond to an association with a particular angle of gait. Length and elevation of the first metatarsal were associated in subjects with hallux abducto valgus and hallux limitus. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 97(3): 175–188, 2007)


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Stevens ◽  
Matthew Bursnall ◽  
Carolyn Chadwick ◽  
Howard Davies ◽  
Mark Flowers ◽  
...  

Background: Dorsal cheilectomy of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is an accepted treatment to alleviate dorsal impingement, pain, and reduced dorsiflexion in hallux rigidus. Traditionally performed via an open incision, this procedure has more recently been performed using minimally invasive techniques despite limited supportive published evidence. Methods: From December 2012 through December 2017, a retrospective analysis of all cheilectomies performed in our institution was done. The surgical technique was recorded along with any subsequent procedures performed for either persistent or recurrent pain, and complications were also noted. A comparison between open and minimally invasive outcomes was performed. In total, 171 cheilectomies were performed during this period. There were 38 open and 133 minimally invasive procedures. Results: At a mean 3-year follow-up, the reoperation rates of the 2 groups were different with only 1 (2.6%) of the open group requiring a fusion, while 17 (12.8%) of the minimally invasive surgical (MIS) group required further surgery (relative risk, 4.86; P = .059). In the open group, there was 1 (2.6%) complication, compared with 15 (11.3%) in the minimally invasive group (relative risk, 4.29; P = .076). Conclusion: While patients may opt for MIS cheilectomy with a proposed faster recovery time and better cosmesis, they should be counseled about the risks and benefits of both methods, and that the technique of MIS cheilectomy utilized in this study appears to have an increased relative risk of requiring a further procedure. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.


2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 374-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Glazebrook ◽  
Chris M. Blundell ◽  
Dominic O’Dowd ◽  
Dishan Singh ◽  
Gwyneth de Vries ◽  
...  

Background: A prospective, randomized, noninferiority clinical trial of synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty for hallux rigidus demonstrated functional outcomes and safety equivalent to first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis at 24 months. We prospectively assessed safety and efficacy outcomes for synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty at a minimum of 5 years. Methods: Of 135 eligible patients from the original trial, 112 (83.0%) were enrolled (mean age, 58.2 ± 8.8 years; 87 females). Pain visual analog scale (VAS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and FAAM Sports subscales were completed preoperatively and 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Great toe active dorsiflexion, weightbearing radiographs, secondary procedures, and safety parameters were also evaluated. Results: At 24 months, 14/152 (9.2%) patients had undergone implant removal and conversion to arthrodesis. In years 2 to 5, 9/119 (7.6%) patients underwent implant removal and conversion to arthrodesis. At mean 5.8 ± 0.7 (range, 4.4-8.0) years’ follow-up, pain VAS, FAAM ADL, and FAAM Sports scores improved by 57.9 ± 18.6 points, 33.0 ± 17.6 points, and 47.9 ± 27.1 points, respectively, from baseline. Clinically significant changes in VAS pain, FAAM ADL, and FAAM Sports were reported by 103/106 (97.2%), 95/105 (90.5%), and 97/104 (93.3%) patients, respectively. Patient-reported outcomes at 24 months were maintained at 5.8 years in patients who were not revised. Active MTP joint peak dorsiflexion was maintained. Ninety-nine of 106 (93.4%) patients would have the procedure again. Conclusion: Clinical and safety outcomes for synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty observed at 2 years were maintained at 5.8 years. The implant remains a viable treatment option to decrease pain, improve function, and maintain motion for advanced hallux rigidus. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 247301142093000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jensen K. Henry ◽  
Andrew Kraszewski ◽  
Lauren Volpert ◽  
Elizabeth Cody ◽  
Howard Hillstrom ◽  
...  

Background: Hallux rigidus (HR) is a common pathology of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint causing pain and stiffness. However, severity of symptoms and radiographic findings are not always concordant. A novel flexibility device, which measures the mobility of the MTP joint through its arc of motion, has been validated. This study compares flexibility in patients before and after cheilectomy (with or without proximal phalanx osteotomy) for HR. Methods: This is a single-center study of adult patients with HR who were indicated for cheilectomy or cheilectomy and Moberg (dorsiflexion closing wedge) osteotomy of the proximal phalanx based on symptoms and radiographs from 2013 to 2015. Pre- and postoperatively, patients underwent testing with a validated flexibility protocol to generate flexibility curves. Parameters included early and late flexibility, laxity torque, and laxity angle. Patients completed Foot and Ankle Outcomes Scores (FAOS) pre- and postoperatively. Twelve operative patients underwent preoperative testing, with 9 completing postoperative testing (mean age, 53.0 years; 67% female; mean 2.8-year follow-up). Results: Patients had significant improvements in early sitting and standing flexibility, sitting and standing laxity angles, standing laxity torque, and both sitting and standing maximum dorsiflexion after surgery (all P < .05). While preoperative early flexibility, laxity angle, and maximum dorsiflexion all differed significantly between patients and controls ( P < .015), postoperative early flexibility was similar to controls ( P > .279). FAOS scores for pain, symptoms, sport, and quality improved significantly after surgery. Conclusion: Surgical treatment with cheilectomy was associated with significant improvements in nearly all flexibility parameters for sitting and standing positions. However, most postoperative flexibility parameters did not improve to the level of normal controls. Regardless, patients still experienced significant improvements in outcomes. This study demonstrated that surgical correction is associated with significant biomechanical and clinical results. The flexibility device can be used in further studies to assess outcomes after other HR procedures. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-123
Author(s):  
Maria Augusta Back Nascimento ◽  
Anna Carolina Coelho Nogueira ◽  
Carlos Daniel Cândido de Castro Filho ◽  
André Vitor Kerber Cavalcante Lemos ◽  
Mário Sérgio Paulillo de Cillo ◽  
...  

Objective: This study sought to describe a modified arthroscopic technique in which a traction device with a horizontal vector and nylon mesh are used to allow continuous and uniform distraction without requiring an assistant surgeon to perform manual traction. Methods: Nine patients (seven females and two males; mean age 31.8 [30-52] years) with an indication for treatment of this joint who had been diagnosed with different pathologies, including synovitis, hallux vagus, and hallux rigidus, were selected and underwent arthroscopy of the first metatarsophalangeal joint using this modified technique. Results: Patient evaluations determined using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale were recorded before and after surgery. The mean scores before and after the procedure were 43.66 (32-55) and 95.22 (90-8), respectively. No scars or joint complications were observed at a six-month follow-up, and all subjects experienced rapid recovery and quickly returned to daily functions. Conclusion: Similarly to conventional arthroscopy of the metatarsophalangeal joint, the modified technique produced satisfactory surgical outcomes; moreover, this technique reduced surgical time and improved the surgeon’s autonomy by obviating the need for an assistant surgeon to perform traction. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.


2005 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard M. Talarico ◽  
George R. Vito ◽  
Larry Goldstein ◽  
Adam D. Perler

This article describes a joint-preserving and joint-restoring procedure for the management of hallux limitus and hallux rigidus. The procedure uses a minirail external fixator to obtain distraction with or without arthrotomy of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. This procedure aims to restore joint function through elimination of the pathologic forces involved in hallux limitus and hallux rigidus. Both intrinsic and extrinsic muscular imbalances are reduced. Follow-up of 133 patients treated in this manner since 1997 demonstrates excellent long-term results. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 95(2): 121–129, 2005)


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