Intermediate-term results following first metatarsal cheilectomy

Hallux rigidus is a term describing degenerative joint disease (DJD) to the first metatarsal phalangeal joint (MTPJ). It is the most common DJD encountered in the foot and is the second most common pathology of the great toe behind hallux valgus. The goal of a cheilectomy is to relieve pain and increase MTPJ motion. Critical evaluation of the cheilectomy must include longevity of desired results. The primary goal of this study was to determine how long a cheilectomy can be expected to last before an arthrodesis or joint destructive procedure is performed, if ever. We examined 189 cheilectomies with a mean radiographic follow-up of 235 days and mean chart review follow-up of 1184 days (3.2 years). Analysis showed 5 repeat cheilectomies, 1 interpositional arthroplasty, and only 2 arthrodeses subsequently performed. This retrospective study provides intermediate term evidence that cheilectomy is an appropriate procedure for stages 1, 2, and 3 first MTPJ DJD with reliable, lasting results.