Arthrodesis vs arthroplasty for moderate and severe Hallux rigidus: Systematic review

Hallux rigidus is the most frequent arthritis of the foot, due to multiple factors. Arthrodesis and interposition arthroplasty are treatments considered in advanced stages of the disease, when conservative treatment has failed. Although arthrodesis may be considered the technique recommended by multiple authors, for patients in whom joint mobility is to be preserved, arthroplasty could represent a reliable alternative. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate and compare the clinical outcomes and complications of arthrodesis and interposition arthroplasty for moderate and severe stages of hallux rigidus.

For this systematic review we searched COCHRANE, EMBASE, PUBMED databases. Twenty-six research papers were obtained, with a total of 1348 feet, which were included for qualitative analysis. The following groups were included: Cartiva hemiarthroplasty (286), double stem silicone arthroplasty (276), total metallic arthroplasty (394) and arthrodesis (392).

In the arthrodesis group, the AOFAS-HMI score was the most used, ranging from 36 to 45 in the preoperative period and from 79 to 89 in the postoperative period. The greatest improvement in the VAS PAIN score was from 86 to 4. The fusion rate was 98.6% of the total number of cases, the most frequent complication was pain due to material discomfort. In the total metallic arthroplasty group, the ROTO-GLIDE system reported an AOFAS score of 95 points, with low complication rates; but, with the TOEFIT-PLUS and BIOMED-MERCK systems, despite the good postoperative value, they report 37% and 15% revision due to aseptic loosening in the series with the longest follow-up, respectively. The Cartiva group showed a significative increase in FAAM ADL and FAAM SPORT from 59.4 to 90.4 and from 60.9 to 89.7, respectively; similarly, 20.5% implant removal and conversion to arthrodesis were reported. Finally, the double stem silicone arthroplasty group, in the series with the longest follow-up, it manages to improve the MOXFQ score from 78.1 to 11.0, with an average range of mobility of 22.3 degrees. Lysis was reported in 10% of cases.

Arthrodesis has proven to be the best option for the treatment of advanced hallux rigidus. Arthroplasty can be a valid option for patients who demand to maintain the range of mobility of the joint; however, it is important to inform about the complications that may arise in the short and medium term.

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