First metatarsophalangeal fusion using joint specific dorsal plate with interfragmentary screw augmentation: Clinical and radiological outcomes

Background: This study reports the outcome of a plating system for arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MTPJ) that incorporates a lag compression screw within a low profile titanium plate with a predetermined contour. This is the first report of the outcomes of this implant from a non-affiliated centre. Patient and methods: This is a prospective cohort study of 40 consecutive primary 1st MTPJ arthrodesis procedures. The mean age of the cohort was 56 years (range, 20-74 years). The diagnosis was hallux rigidus in 31 patients and inflammatory arthropathy in 7 patients. Results: All patients achieved clinical union at 6 weeks and radiological union was confirmed on plain radiographs between 6-16 weeks. One case of hardware removal was reported. Conclusion: The cohort achieved consistently satisfactory results with a reliable and reproducible MTPJ position and a 100% union rate. There was a low rate of hardware removal. (C) 2017 European Foot and Ankle Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.