Open, Arthroscopic, and Percutaneous Cheilectomy for Hallux Rigidus

Cheilectomy consists of excision of the dorsal exostosis and part of the metatarsal head. It is typically performed for patients in the earlier stages of hallux rigidus presenting with dorsal pain and dorsiflexion stiffness in the absence of through-range symptoms, rest pain, and plantar pain and with negative result on grind test. If joint motion-preserving surgery is appropriate, then cheilectomy is generally considered to be the first-line surgical choice. In addition to the standard open technique, minimally invasive surgery in the form of either percutaneous or arthroscopic surgery is available. The indications, surgical techniques, and outcomes are discussed.