Joint-preserving procedure for moderate hallux rigidus

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Podiatry
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Hallux rigidus is a complex degenerative joint disorder affecting the big toe.
• Numerous surgical interventions exist, yet an optimal technique remains undefined.
• Individual patient characteristics, including arthritis severity and pain patterns, are crucial for successful outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a personalized surgical approach for hallux rigidus management.
• To differentiate treatment strategies based on pain presentation and joint involvement.
• To highlight the benefits of specific procedures for distinct clinical scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Review and clinical experience in managing hallux rigidus.
• Individualized assessment of arthritis degree, metatarsal index, and pain characteristics.
• Comparison of outcomes for cheilectomy versus decompressive osteotomy.

Main Results:

• Cheilectomy demonstrates good and reliable results for patients with isolated dorsal pain.
• Decompressive osteotomy is the preferred method for combined or generalized joint pain, restoring biomechanics and allowing tissue remodeling.
• This approach addresses the most common presentation of hallux rigidus effectively.

Conclusions:

• Personalized treatment selection is paramount for optimal hallux rigidus management.
• Cheilectomy and decompressive osteotomy offer distinct advantages based on patient-specific pain patterns.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes of hallux rigidus.