First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthroscopy of 36 Consecutive Cases

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY In this study, we retrospectively reviewed a consecutive case series of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthroscopies performed in our department over a span of six years. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of arthroscopic treatment for various first MTP joint pathologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 36 patients that underwent first MTP joint arthroscopy between January 2014 and December 2019 were reviewed. The mean age at the time of surgery was 38.3 years (range, 14-65), with no gender predominance (19 males). All arthroscopies were performed by a single surgeon using a 2.7 mm arthroscope with a 30° viewing angle as well as other standard instruments with a diameter equal to or smaller than 3.5 mm. Postoperative results were assessed by a satisfaction questionnaire obtained during the telephone interview. For patients with sesamoid bone pathology ability to return to sports activities was also evaluated. RESULTS The far most common indication, in even twenty-nine patients, was hallux rigidus, five patients were treated for nonunion of sesamoid bone fracture, one patient had an osteochondral defect of the first metatarsal head and one was treated due to the development of arthrofibrosis following the open corrective procedure of hallux valgus. The mean follow-up was 31.2 months. Thirty-four patients responded to the satisfaction questionnaire. Thirty patients (88.2%) were either satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure and thirty-one (91.2%) of them stated that they would undergo the same procedure again. The satisfaction rate for patients with early stages of hallux rigidus (grade 1 and 2) was 90.4%. Only one patient in this group (2.8%) required open revision surgery due to recurrence of pain and joint stiffness. All patients with nonunion of sesamoid bone fracture were very satisfied with the procedure, and three out of four patients (75%) who were also competitive athletes resumed their sports activity at the same or improved level after the arthroscopy. Regarding arthroscopy-related complications we observed four cases (11.1%) of iatrogenic injury to dorsal sensory nerves of the great toe, resulting in only one permanent sensory impairment. DISCUSSION Considering the high satisfaction rate and low rate of complications in our study, as well as those published in the literature, we can suggest that arthroscopy of the first MTP joint is a safe and effective procedure. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopy of the first MTP joint certainly has a place in the treatment of some pathological conditions of the first MTP joint, and in our opinion, it should be first-line surgical therapy for the initial stages of hallux rigidus and sesamoid bone pathology. Key words: arthroscopy, metatarsophalangeal joint, great toe, hallux rigidus, cheilectomy, sesamoid bone, sesamoidectomy.