[Long term results of the Keller-Brandes method of hallux rigidus surgery]

Between the years 1971 and 1975 a surgical treatment of hallux rigidus according to Keller Brandes was performed on 293 patients. From 100 patients with 137 operated feet a clinical and roentgenological examination was evaluated 12 to 16 years after surgery. The subjective assessment showed in 92% of the feet very good or good results. Important for the success of the operation is the correct amount of bone removal of the proximal phalanx (between 1/3 and 1/2) and the resultant width of the nearthrotic joint space. The analysis of the podographic examination and the amount of retraction of the sesamoids showed no correlation to the incidence of postoperative metatarsalgia, which we found in 31 feet (29%). Nevertheless, X-Ray Evaluation of all patients with metatarsalgia showed a posterior shift of the sesamoids.