[Hallux metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis: retrospective comparison between blocked plate and cannulated screws]

There are multiple methods and implants used for the metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis of hallux without evidence in favor of one or the other in the bibliography. The goal was to compare the clinical and radiological results of 2 methods and implants used in our center.

Retrospective review of 37 feet between 2013 and 2017 (22 feet by plate and 15 by cannulated screws). Clinical and radiological variables were collected and the AOFAS and Manchester-Oxford scales were applied. Variables were studied descriptively and analytically through the SPSSv15 program.

The group intervened by plate was composed of 77% of women, with an average age of 65 years and a distribution by diagnosis of severe hallux valgus (HV) (36%), hallux valgus relapse (HVR) (36%) and hallux rigidus (HR) (28%), compared to 80% of women, 68 years old and HV (34%), HVR (46%) HR (20%) in the group of cannulated screws. No significant differences were found in the correction of angles for HV or HVR. The rate of painful pseudoarthrosis was 13% in both and the re-intervention was 18% in the plate group and 26% in the screw group. Both the AOFAS and M-O scales were better in the plate group 63.8 vs 52.6 (p = 0.07); 30.1 vs 41.0 (p = 0.10); as well as patient satisfaction 86% vs 66% (p 0.05) and postoperative pain 3.68 vs 5.58 (p 0.05).

Small study groups, not implant randomization, both options are functional without being able to find a preferred one.