Keywords
hallux rigidus - dorsal bunion - cheilectomy
Introduction
Hallux rigidus (HR) is a degenerative and painful condition of the first metatarsophalangeal
joint which presents a restricted range of motion with progressive formation of osteophytes.[1] It is the most common osteoarthritis of the foot, affecting 1 in 40 people older
than 50 years of age, with a 2:1 female predilection.[2]
[3] Up to 45% of adults have radiographic degenerative changes in the first metatarsophalangeal
joint, but only 10% have symptomatic HR.[4]
[5] Initially described by Davies-Colley[6] in 1887 as hallux flexus, months later Cotterill[1]
[3]
[7] introduced the term hallux rigidus.
The first metatarsophalangeal joint is a hinge joint with a greater range of dorsiflexion
(40°–100°) than of plantar flexion (3°–43°). The range of motion on tiptoes is of
65°, but during walking it is only of 38°. When running, a range of up to 60° may
be necessary.[8] It is important to differentiate it from hallux limitus or functional HR, in which
the dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is normal but decreases when
weight is loaded, mainly due to alterations in the achilles-calcaneus-plantar system
and/or the medial column of the foot.[9] A total of 60% of the cases have a family history, and 80% are bilateral.[6]
[10]
Inflammatory arthropathies, due to crystals and anatomical variations such as a long
first metatarsal primus varus, or primus elevatus,[8] could be triggering conditions. Acute trauma or repetitive microtraumas could play
a role in unilateral involvement.[1] Scarring of the joint capsule with abnormal centers of rotation results in altered
compressive forces on the joint, with decreased range of motion[.11] ([Fig. 1])
Fig. 1 Dynamic alterations that produce and contribute to the pathophysiology of hallux
rigidus.
On the other hand, it is difficult to establish whether the degenerative changes observed
after corrective hallux valgus osteotomies (OTTs) are caused by the surgery itself
or are the consequence of a preoperative deformity. In theory, correction of the incongruity
improves the biomechanical conditions of the joint and the degenerative changes should
not progress, but if an aggressive dissection is performed around the neck of the
metatarsal bone, or a very distal OTT, the arterial supply can be damaged, evolving
towards avascular necrosis of the head of the first metatarsal bone, with chondrolysis
and progressive joint incongruity. Something similar occurs when contact forces increase
at the joint level after malunion.[12]
Presentation
The patients present with pain in the extremes of movement, particularly at maximal
dorsiflexion, such as it occurs when climbing stairs, running, or wearing high heels.[6] As the disease progresses, the pain is aggravated by daily activities, wearing flat
shoes, and at rest. Transfer metatarsalgia and neuritis pain are due to impingement
of the medial branch of the superficial peroneal nerve by dorsal osteophytes.[3]
[13]
[14] These, in turn, generate a dorsal prominence over the metatarsophalangeal joint
called the dorsomedial bunion.[3]
[13]
[14] ([Fig. 2])
Fig. 2 Structural alterations found in hallux rigidus.
The axial compression test of the metatarsophalangeal joint or axial grind test is
positive if it causes pain. Pain in the middle range of motion indicates the presence
of advanced osteoarthritis.[13]
There are subtle gait disturbances to prevent full metatarsophalangeal dorsiflexion,
showing early toe-out or increased foot progression angle. The foot supinates, which
increases the load through the minor rays that lead to lateral metatarsalgia with
compensatory hyperextension of the interphalangeal joint, generating hyperkeratosis
under it.
In patients with functional HR, there is increased dorsiflexion of the hallux when
the foot is examined in plantar flexion, as this relaxes the gastrocnemius and removes
the restraining factor.[13] It is important to evaluate the presence of gastrocnemius shortening with the Silfverskiold
test, since there is a correlation between its presence and forefoot overload.
Imaging
Although the diagnosis is clinical, evaluation with anteroposterior (AP), lateral,
oblique foot and axial X-rays of the sesamoid bones enables the establishment of the
most appropriate treatment.
The AP radiograph ([Fig. 3]) shows irregular narrowing of the joint space by osteophytes, with the metatarsal
head larger and flattened.[13] Dorsal osteophytes can obstruct the AP view of the joint, leading to overestimation
of the disease, with inaccurate assessment of the remaining cartilage and joint damage.[15]
[16] On the oblique view, the true joint space is observed. Moreover, subchondral bone
cysts and joint sclerosis may be observed.
Fig. 3 Anteroposterior radiograph showing narrowing of the joint space, dorsal osteophytes,
and deformity of the head of the first metatarsal bone.
The lateral radiograph ([Fig. 4]) shows dorsal osteophytes projecting proximally as “dripping candle wax”. The base
of the proximal phalanx may appear larger and with a dorsal osteophyte parallel to
the metatarsal head. There may be elevation of first metatarsal bone in relation to
smaller metatarsal bones, which is called metatarsus primus elevatus, the sesamoids
appear longer, and the distance to the base of the proximal phalanx decreases as the
osteoarthritis progresses.[15]
Fig. 4 Lateral radiograph showing narrowing of the joint space, dorsal osteophytes, and
elevation of the first metatarsal bone.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are not routinely necessary,
except in cases of normal radiographs with suspected osteochondral injury.[17]
Classification
The Hattrup and Johnson[18] and Coughlin and Shurnas[10] classifications ([table 1]) are among those used to evaluate HR, and they incorporate clinical findings (percentage
of passive dorsiflexion) and radiographic criteria, providing guidelines about management.
Table 1
|
Grade
|
Examination findings
|
Dorsiflexion (degrees)/% of loss compared to the contralateral side
|
Radiographic findings
|
|
0
|
Stiffness without pain
|
40°–60°/10–20%
|
Normal
|
|
1
|
Occasional mild pain at extremes of motion
|
30°–40°/ 20–50%
|
Mild dorsal osteophyte, normal joint space
|
|
2
|
Moderate and more constant pain, pain prior to the maximum range of motion
|
10°–30° / 50–75%
|
Moderate dorsal osteophyte, < 50% of joint space narrowing, flattened metatarsal head, > 25%
of the dorsal joint compromised on lateral X-ray
|
|
3
|
Significant stiffness, pain at extreme range of motion, no pain at midrange of motion
|
≤ 10°/ 75–100%
loss of plantar flexion in the metatarsophalangeal joint (normal: ≤ 10°)
|
Severe dorsal osteophyte, > 50% of joint space narrowing, enlarged sesamoid +- cysts
|
|
4
|
Significant stiffness, pain at extreme range of motion, pain at midrange of motion
|
Same as grade 3
|
Same as grade 3
|
Treatment
Treatment begins with conservative management, which aims to relieve pain and achieve
adequate function, with up to 55% of success.[3]
[6]
[8]
[19] This includes weight management, if necessary.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation and joint pain, but do not
improve the long-term results, in addition to having gastric, renal and cardiac side
effects. Intra-articular corticosteroid injection reduces pain to a limited extent
and may adversely affect the joint cartilage; therefore, its use is not recommended.[20] Intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid has shown promising results but requires
more studies to establish its long-term effect.[21]
Shoe modifications, such as a Morton extension insole made of rigid material, may
be helpful in reducing dorsiflexion and stress on the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
In cases in which there is a symptomatic dorsal osteophyte,[22] wide and tall shoes can relieve pressure. Shoes with heels should be avoided.
The changes in daily activities decrease pain, avoiding excessive load in dorsiflexion
when climbing stairs or running.
When all else fails, the surgical treatment is indicated.
Surgical Treatment
The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, restore function, maintain stability of the
first metatarsophalangeal joint, and improve quality of life. The surgical techniques
can be divided into joint-sparing and non-joint-sparing. It is also possible to consider
the release of the gastrocnemius as an adjuvant procedure.[9]
Joint-sparing techniques ([Fig. 5]).
Fig. 5 Scheme of joint-sparing techniques for the resolution of hallux rigidus.
Cheilectomy
Described by DuVries[3]
[6] in 1959, it consists of the removal of dorsal osteophytes and up to 30% of the metatarsal
head so that it does not generate instability due to dorsal subluxation of the proximal
phalanx. It is indicated in patients with HR of grades 1, 2 and some selected patients
with grade 3. It provides an improvement of up to 60° of dorsiflexion of the first
metatarsophalangeal,[23] with benefits regarding gait function. There may be recurrence of dorsal exostosis
in up to 31% of the cases.[24] With less than 50% of the joint viable, cheilectomy is contraindicated.[2]
[6]
[8] The long-term results are good to excellent in 72% to 100% of the patients,[25] with 70% of patients free of pain after 6 years of follow-up[26] and low rates of conversion to arthrodesis. It can also be performed arthroscopically.[27]
Proximal Phalanx Osteotomy
Proximal Phalanx Osteotomy
Moberg OTT:[2]
[13] it is a dorsal closing wedge osteotomy of the proximal phalanx. First described
by Bonney y Macnab[6] in 1952, it simulates an increase in dorsiflexion that facilitates the take-off
phase or third rocker, and shifts the center of pressure on the first metatarsal head
in a plantar direction, reducing the force acting on the joint surface. A cheilectomy
may be added. It is a good option for young patients with mild to moderate HR, and
it has low rates of complications and revision, with high patient satisfaction.[28]
Distal Metatarsal Osteotomy
Distal Metatarsal Osteotomy
Youngswick OTT: it is a modified chevron OTT. After performing the 60° V-shaped OTT,
a second OTT is performed parallel to the dorsal one, which results in shortening
and plantar translation of the first metatarsal head, decompressing the joint, reducing
pain, and eliminating dorsal impingement.[6]
[19] It is indicated in cases of functional HR with an elongated first metatarsal bone,
requiring shortening and plantar flexion of the head.[16]
[29]
Reverdin Green OTT: it is a modification of the previous procedure. After performing
the V-shaped OTT, a second OTT is performed in parallel at the dorsal end of the first
OTT and the removed bone block is installed at the plantar end of the OTT to translate
the metatarsal head to the plantar aspect. It is combined with cheilectomy.[29]
[30]
Distal oblique sliding OTT: it is characterized by a single dorsodistal to proximal
plantar oriented OTT line, beginning just proximal to the articular surface. The OTT
angle is of approximately 35° to 45°. The capital fragment is displaced to the plantar
aspect. It shortens the first ray and decompresses the metatarsophalangeal joint.
Dorsiflexion improves from 22° to 45°, but it leads to excessive pressure under the
lesser metatarsal heads, decreased forefoot supination, and sesamoid pain, as well
as transfer metatarsalgia.[6]
[29]
[30]
Non-joint-sparing Techniques ([Fig. 6])
Non-joint-sparing Techniques ([Fig. 6])
Fig. 6 Scheme of non-joint-sparing techniques for the resolution of hallux rigidus.
Arthrodesis: the standard in the treatment of severe HR,[6] it improves pain because it eliminates the residual layer of cartilage, sacrificing
joint movement. It is indicated in grade-3 and -4 HR in patients with a high level
of physical activity, in cases of concomitant hallux valgus, hallux varus, and rheumatoid
arthritis, and as a rescue procedure in recurrence after joint-preservation procedures.
The optimal position of the fusion is neutral rotation, 5° to 15° of valgus, and 10°
to 15° of dorsiflexion. Excessive valgus increases the risk of interphalangeal joint
degeneration. Increased dorsiflexion causes pain at the tip of the toe, over the interphalangeal
joint, and below the metatarsal bone. Excessive plantar flexion increases distal hallux
pressure.[6] Fixation can be performed with solid, cannulated, Herbert-type double compressive
screws, dorsal plates, or Kirshner wires. Biomechanical studies[31]
[32] have shown that the dorsal plate and the double compressive screw are superior to
a 4-mm cancellous oblique screw both in strength at failure and in initial stiffness.
If the shortening of the first metatarsal bone is greater than 5 mm, as seen in revisions,
a graft is added.
Better results have been shown in terms of satisfaction, functional scores and lower
pain scores on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for arthrodesis, with a lower revision
rate compared to that of arthroplasty groups.[33]
Keller arthroplasty: it is the resection of the base of the proximal phalanx that
decompresses the joint and increases its dorsiflexion while sacrificing stability.
Its complications include weakness when walking off, transfer metatarsalgia to the
second and third rays, and cock-up deformity in up to half of the patients. It is
a simple procedure with short rehabilitation that provides pain relief and normal
mobility in four to six weeks. It is indicated in elderly patients with little demand
and contraindicated in patients with pre-existing rigid hyperextension deformity of
the metatarsophalangeal joint.[3]
[6]
[8]
[34]
[35]
[36]
Interposition arthroplasty: this procedure combines the Keller resection arthroplasty
with the implantation of a biological spacer in the joint, which can be a capsular
autograft, meniscal allograft, regenerative tissue matrix, or tendon autograft. It
maintains length, and improves joint stability and movement compared to the Keller
arthroplasty. It has complications similar to those of the Keller arthroplasty.[3]
[34] Joint capsule interposition, described more than 20 years ago, has shown excellent
results.[37]
[38]
Prosthetic arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: prosthetic implants
are classified according to the material (silicone or metal) and anchoring system
used. The contraindications for their use are active infection, insufficient bone
stock, severe joint deformities, and sesamoid arthritis. The complications, even with
state-of-the-art implants, are infection, bone overgrowth, loosening, and persistent
pain.[39] It is not yet possible to demonstrate its superiority over arthrodesis, and it shows
lower satisfaction rates, higher pain scores, and worse functional results.[6]
[16]
[33]
Hemiarthroplasty: it consists of a unipolar implant designed to replace the articular
surface of the metatarsal head or the base of the proximal phalanx. It requires lower
levels of bone resection and maintains the length of the first ray. There is great
disparity in relation to the results obtained.[1]
[3]
[6]
[16]
[39] In recent years, the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel spacer (Cartiva, Inc., Alpharetta,
GA, US) has been used, which would act as synthetic cartilage in the head of the first
metatarsal bone, but the short- and medium-term follow-ups[40]
[41]
[42] only provide limited recommendations on the benefit of its use, as it is, in general,
in hemiarthroplasty techniques, and it is not free of complications such as implant
subsidence and fragmentation, infection, and osteolysis.[43]
Conclusions
Given the progressive aging of the population, it is expected that cases of degenerative
pathologies will also increase. The main degenerative pathology in the foot is HR.
Pain in the first metatarsophalangeal joint accompanied by a decrease in its range
makes the diagnosis of an advanced stage evident; however, its identification in earlier
stages is key to providing a less radical treatment, as is the current standard in
the severe degree as is the arthrodesis.
