Dorsal wedge osteotomy in the treatment of hallux rigidus

The results of 18 dorsal wedge osteotomies in the treatment of hallux rigidus are presented. Patients were retrospectively interviewed and examined, and an assessment was made in a number of key functional areas. Good or excellent results were obtained in 14 or 18 cases at a mean follow-up time of 4 years with only one patient requiring further surgery. Pain (p = 0.00014), activity levels (p = 0.0019), footwear difficulties (p = 0.0016), and joint range of motion (p = 0.0001) were all significantly improved; tiptoeing was the only activity assessed (p = 0.23) for which the improvement was not significant. These results compare well with other published series. We recommend dorsal wedge osteotomy as a useful alternative in the treatment of hallux rigidus.