Second metatarsophalangeal joint fusion: a new technique for crossover hammertoe deformity. A preliminary report

The author reports on second metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis for the severe crossover hammertoe deformity. Eleven patients underwent an arthrodesis of the second metatarsophalangeal joint with a.062 Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation and a dorsal small bone staple and resection of the proximal phalangeal head of the second digit. Outcomes were retrospectively reviewed at average follow-up time of 19 months. A subjective patient satisfaction survey along with a clinical and radiographic evaluation was undertaken in the postoperative period. Ten of 11 patients scored good to excellent results based on the patient subjective survey at final follow-up. Ten of 11 patients obtained primary arthrodesis. One patient experienced an asymptomatic nonunion. This new technique appears to be reliable for the maintenance of long-term correction of a crossover second toe with arthrodesis of the second metatarsophalangeal joint.