Abstract
Aims: Failure after arthroplasties of þrst metatarso-phalangeal joint (MPJ) is relatively common because the instability and the insufþciency of the great toe; the Patients usually complaint for transfer metatarsalgia and secondary deformities of the lesser toes. The goal of the study is to evaluate a series of arthrodesis of þrst MPJ performed for failed Keller or Hueter procedures; in all cases bone grafts were used in order to restore the normal lenght of the þrst ray. Methods: Between 1996 and 2002 16 Patients were treated with this technique; there were 14 cases of failed Keller arthroplasty and 2 cases of failed Hueter procedure. In all cases tibial or iliac cortico-cancellous grafts were used. Stabilization was performed by 1.5 mm. K-wirws. In 10 cases additional procedures about lesser rays were used. Results: Evaluation of the results was made using AOFAS forefoot score with a minimum follow-up of 7 months (average 3.3 yrs). Fusion was achieved in all cases but one. Average time of fusion was 9 weeks. All Patients were satisfyed with the results in term of pain relief, function and cosmesis. Conclusions: Interposition graft arthrodesis is an effective procedure for failed arthroplasties of þrst MPJ.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
