Abstract:

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the radiological, clinical, and functional results following the application of hemiarthroplasty in patients with grade 3 or 4 first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis. Methods: Twenty-one feet of nineteen patients who were who were diagnosed as grade 3 or 4 hallux rigidus and treated with hemiarthroplasty, between January 2013 and December 2015, were retrospectively evaluated. Functional results [visual analog scale (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Short Form-12 (SF12) physical and mental scores], clinical results (ranges of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion), and radiological results (osteolysis, loosening, hallux valgus angles (HVA), and intermetatarsal angles (IMA)) were evaluated at their follow-up. Results: The average follow-up period was 24 (range: 12-66) months. The average ranges of flexion was increased from 6° (range: 0°-20°) to 8° (range: 0°-20°) and ranges of extension from 4° (range: 0°-10°) to 7° (range: 0°-30°), postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative values of the average IMA (9° vs. 11°) and HVA (18° vs. 13°) did not change significantly. The average AOFAS scores increased from 72 to 96 (p=0.003). The mean VAS, SF12-MCS, and SF12-PCS scores were 7.8 (range: 4-10), 42.7 (range: 33.8-55.7), and 51.1 (range, 36.7-61.2), postoperatively and comparisons to their preoperative values were not significant. Radiographic follow-up did not show findings of osteolysis around the prosthesis or loosening in any patient. Conclusion: In the treatment of hallux rigidus with hemiarthroplasty, although postoperative range of movement was found to be limited, patient satisfaction and pain levels were improved in all patients.