Percutaneous First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion

Abstract

The first metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint fusion is a very useful procedure in forefoot surgery and is still the gold standard for the treatment of severe and painful hallux rigidus. Normal walking and running are possible after MTP1 fusion, the first ray mobility being essentially in the interphalangeal (IP) joint with a compensatory hypermobility in dorsal flexion. Percutaneous MTP1 fusion is a simple procedure providing comparable results to fusions performed with open techniques. Postoperative cares are simplified with an immediate full weight bearing on rigid flat shoes and quick return to normal walking. Bone preparation is an important step and requires an experience in percutaneous forefoot surgery. Arthrodesis positioning and fixation with this percutaneous procedure are simple with possibility of clinical and radiological control. The indications for percutaneous MTP1 fusion are very large and only severe bone loss or osteoporosis represent the limits for this technique.