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Managing Hallux Rigidus in the Elite Athlete
Christopher D Murawski1, Robert B Anderson1
1Foot & Ankle Institute, OrthoCarolina, 2001 Vail Avenue, Suite 200B, Charlotte, NC 28207, USA.
Foot and Ankle Clinics
|July 27, 2024
Summary
Hallux rigidus management for athletes involves conservative options like medication and orthotics. For limited athletic performance, surgical interventions such as cheilectomy offer predictable returns to sport, while other procedures have less certain outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Podiatry
Background:
- Hallux rigidus poses challenges for competitive and elite athletes.
- Conservative management is the primary approach for hallux rigidus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline management strategies for hallux rigidus in athletic populations.
- To discuss the efficacy of various treatment options for athletes.
Main Methods:
- Review of nonoperative strategies: anti-inflammatory medications, injections, footwear modifications, orthotics.
- Evaluation of surgical options: cheilectomy, proximal phalangeal osteotomy, arthroplasty, arthrodesis.
Main Results:
- Nonoperative measures are the mainstay of conservative hallux rigidus treatment.
- Joint-sparing cheilectomy allows predictable return to elite sport.
- Proximal phalangeal osteotomy may be added when needed.
- Arthroplasty and arthrodesis offer less predictable outcomes for persistent or progressive hallux rigidus.
Conclusions:
- Hallux rigidus requires tailored management in athletes.
- Surgical intervention, particularly cheilectomy, can facilitate a return to high-level athletic activity.
- Advanced surgical techniques should be considered for refractory cases with caution regarding outcome predictability.
