Complications of first tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis

Objective: First tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ) arthrodesis, also known as Lapidus, is a surgical procedure used to treat severe hallux valgus, associated hypermobility of the first ray, and/or osteoarthritis of the first TMTJ. Despite the high satisfaction rate and high corrective power, this technique is not without complications. This study aimed to report the complications of first TMTJ arthrodesis. Methods: This is a case series of 16 patients treated with first TMTJ arthrodesis. Patients were evaluated based on foot radiographs, clinical alignment of the hallux, and signs and symptoms. Results: Eight patients had either major or minor complications. Three patients had recurrent deformity (1 with associated nonunion), 2 had delayed union, 2 had hardware loosening (1 with associated nonunion), and 1 had wound dehiscence. Conclusion: First TMTJ arthrodesis requires greater care in choosing the surgical technique for the treatment of hallux valgus. In addition, some points should be considered to minimize complications as much as possible. We believe that data are still scarce to provide a concrete basis. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.

Dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint concomitant with Lisfranc joint dislocation in a 45-year-old man

A 45-year-old man presented with severe pinch-point crush injury to his left foot. Plain radiographs revealed dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and dorsolateral dislocation of the basal phalanx and sesamoids. The first tarsometatarsal joint was subluxed in the plantar direction and the second to fourth tarsometatarsal joints were subluxed dorsally. The sesamoids were displaced dorsolateral to the metatarsal head. There was a longitudinal tear of the joint capsule at the medial margin of the medial sesamoid, which was sutured together with the abductor hallucis tendon and collateral ligament. The Lisfranc and dorsal ligaments in the tarsometatarsal joint were torn and repaired after reduction and fixed with a plate. One year after surgery, there was contracture of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, but the patient had no pain and was able to run.

Management of the Tarsometatarsal Joint in the Rotational Correction of Hallux Valgus by the Modified Lapidus Procedure: Intraoperative Technical Tips to Prevent Complications

The modified Lapidus procedure is considered a useful tool for correction of multiplanar deformities in the hallux valgus, including first metatarsal pronation. It offers a greater power of correction compared to most other osteotomies. However, postoperative complications can occur in up to 12% of cases. The aim of this study was to describe intraoperative technical tips in the management of the tarsometatarsal joint during multiplanar correction of severe hallux valgus deformity using the modified Lapidus procedure. It is not the authors’ intention to describe a new technique, but to draw attention to intraoperative details in order to prevent complications as nonunion, extension of the first metatarsal and undercorrection of the deformity. Rotational correction of the first metatarsal with adequate bone coaptation of the first metatarsal and the medial cuneiform are the cornerstone for a satisfactory result. Levels of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion

Tibialis Anterior Tendon Partial Release and Plantar Implant Placement for Midfoot Arthrodesis: Technique Tip

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Other Introduction/Purpose: Midfoot arthrodesis is a reliable procedure for deformity correction and pain relief. First tarsometatarsal arthrodesis can be used for correction of hallux valgus deformity with large intermetatarsal angles or first-ray hypermobility. Midfoot arthrodesis is also integral in correction of pes planovalgus deformity with midfoot collapse. First tarsometatarsal arthrodesis has a nonunion rate of 2-15%. Arthrodesis is completed traditionally through a dorsal approach. Due to high nonunion rates, recent studies have investigated plater based plates. These have been shown to have superior strength by creating a tension band construct as the foot is loaded. Tibialis anterior footprint is at risk when accessing first tarsometatarsal joint for arthrodesis. We explore whether the tibialis insertional footprint can be released and repaired with no deleterious effects. Methods: Patients included were undergoing first tarsometatarsal joint or naviculocuneiform joint arthrodesis with a plantar based plate and screw construct for hallux valgus deformity with large intermetatarsal angle or first-ray hypermobility, and those with first TMT joint arthritis, pes planovalgus, Lisfranc injury, or Charcot neuroarthropathy. Medial based surgical approach is centered over the first tarsometatarsal joint. Saphenous neurovascular bundle is retracted dorsally. Release of the capsular structures allowed for complete visualization and distraction of the joint. The distal-most attachment of the tibialis anterior tendon onto the first metatarsal is release in line with the capsulotomy. Primary insertion on the medial cuneiform was preserved. A cuff of released insertional tissue is preserved and reflected distally for repair. Standard tarsometatarsal arthrodesis joint preparation was completed. Plantar plate then fixed and compressed. Deep fascial layers were then closed over the plated were previous tendon release was performed. Results: In 62 patients, none had tibialis anterior tendon rupture, weakness, or irritation, with average follow-up of 36.2 months. Nine wound complications were recognized during the study. Twelve percent of patients experiencing delayed incisional healing that went on to heal with local wound care. Smokers accounted for six of the seven patients (OR 24.62, p<.05), and one of seven patients had Charcot (OR 2.08, p<.05). Deep wound complications, which required return to the operating room for formal irrigation and debridement, were seen in 3% (2 of 62). Both patients were active smokers and had removal of hardware at the time of debridement. Both underwent definitive coverage with split-thickness skin grafts and went on to successful arthrodesis and wound healing. Conclusion: One advantage of applying a plate and screw construct plantarly for midfoot arthrodesis is biomechanical stability. Multiple studies have indicated this plantar construct may be superior. Another benefit may be less hardware prominence due to increased soft-tissue coverage. Subcutaneous positions of dorsal plates have been reported to contribute to incisional irritation and symptomatic hardware. Tibialis anterior tendon damage has been suggested as a limitation of the plantar approach for midfoot arthrodesis, and the tendon insertion must be released to prepare the joint adequately to apply implants. This series shows tendon release can be safely accomplished without any deleterious effects. [Table: see text]

Shortening of the First Ray After First Tarsometatarsal Joint Fusion: A Cadaveric Comparison Between Curettage Versus Planal Resection

Category: Bunion; Midfoot/Forefoot; Other Introduction/Purpose: Potential shortening of the first ray is an important consideration when performing a first tarsometatarsal (TMTJ) fusion. However, no previous study has sought to directly quantify the resultant shortening after TMTJ fusion. The purpose of the present anatomic study was to directly assess and compare shortening of the first ray using two joint preparation techniques (curettage, planal resection) for first TMTJ fusion. Methods: Ten pairs of matched lower extremity cadaver specimens were divided into two groups. Preoperative length assessments were performed at the first TMTJ dorsally and plantarly using a digital caliper. In Group 1, joint preparation for first TMTJ fusion was performed with curettage, whereas specimens in Group 2 underwent planal resection. Post-operative length assessments were repeated. All data was analyzed using two-tailed Students t-tests. Results: Mean shortening of the first ray following curettage was 1.1 (range, 0.3 to 2.0) mm dorsally and 1.6 (range, 0.6 to 3.7) mm plantarly; while mean shortening following planal resection was 4.5 (range, 2.7 to 7.9) mm dorsally and 4.6 (range, 2.4 to 8.9) mm plantarly. The measured differences were statistically significant (p <0.001, p=0.001). Conclusion: Both curettage and planal resection resulted in shortening of the first ray after first TMTJ fusion. Planal resection resulted in significantly more shortening, which was also more variable. Surgeons performing first TMTJ fusions may consider curettage over planal resection to mitigate the risk of painful postoperative transfer metatarsalgia.