Arthroplasty of rheumatoid metatarsophalangeal joints - An outcome study

Deformity of the forefoot is a common disabling problem in chronic rheumatoid arthritis. The most common deformities are hallux valgus, cockup toes, and depressed metatarsal heads. Resection arthroplasty has been improved by adding reconstructive procedures, for example, medial capsular arthroplasty in the great toe and plantar plate arthroplasty of the lesser toes with longitudinal pinning of all toes for 4 weeks. Results were compared with a series of silicone double hinge implants without grommets in the great toe and resection of lesser metatarsal heads and pinning. Patients were evaluated by questionnaire to evaluate outcome. There was no significant difference in the two series of patients. Overall good results were 85% to 95% and slightly favored the group without implants. These results were equal to those reported in the literature for patients who underwent fusion of the great toe and resection arthroplasty of lesser toes.