The need for surgical revision after isolated valenti arthroplasty for hallux rigidus: a systematic review

Isolated Valenti arthroplasty has been proposed for treatment of moderate to severe hallux rigidus because of the perceived safety and efficacy. Furthermore, it has been proposed that undergoing isolated Valenti arthroplasty does not prevent the ability to perform revision surgery consisting of Keller resection arthroplasty, prosthetic implant arthroplasty, or arthrodesis. The author undertook a systematic review of electronic databases and other relevant sources to identify material relating to the need for surgical revision after isolated Valenti arthroplasty for hallux rigidus. Information from peer-reviewed journals as well as non-peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, and posters was also considered. In an effort to procure the highest quality studies available, studies were eligible for inclusion only if they involved consecutively enrolled patients undergoing isolated Valenti arthroplasty, if they evaluated patients in person at mean follow-up > or = 12 months' duration, and if they included details of complications after Valenti arthroplasty requiring surgical intervention. Three studies involving isolated Valenti arthroplasty were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Therefore, a total of 44 isolated Valenti arthroplasties were identified that met the inclusion criteria, with 2 (4.6%) undergoing surgical revision in the form of Keller resection arthroplasty (n = 1) and 1 plantarflexory base osteotomy (n = 1). No studies provided detailed information regarding complications specific to the exact grade of hallux rigidus in patients who underwent isolated Valenti arthroplasty. The results of this systematic review make clear the low incidence of revision surgery required after isolated Valenti arthroplasty for hallux rigidus. However, there is still a need for methodologically sound prospective cohort studies that focus on the use of isolated Valenti arthroplasty for specific grades of hallux rigidus and compare this procedure with other accepted forms of surgical treatment for moderate to severe hallux rigidus.