Surgery of the Forepart of the Foot in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a surgical approach to treatment of severe forefoot deformities of rheumatoid arthritis. Briefly, the surgery consists of base of the first metatarsal osteotomy to correct metatarsus primus varus, and metatarsal head resection beginning with the fifth metatarsal and carried around in crescentic fashion through the necks of the other metatarsals, so that as an end result the great toe is the longest, the second next to the longest, etc. The short extensor tendons are dissected to their insertions and, since they have drifted laterally into the “valleys” pulling the toes into lateral drift with them, they are usually sacrificed. The long extensor tendons are appropriately lengthened to proper tension. All the toes are straightened by plantar capsulotomies, dermotomies, and long flexor tenotomies, and the toes held straight with C-.045 wire in shishkabob fashion. Then, under direct vision, each wire is drilled up into the metatarsal shaft, aligning the toes into parallel cosmetic fashion. In the early cases, a single stem silastic implant was utilized but for the past 5 years now the double stem silastic implant is employed for the first MTP joint and is inserted “upside down” in order to give its greater power towards the floor. A cast is not used, but the patient ambulates on a well-padded bandaged foot by the second or third day. Twenty patients (40 feet) were operated upon (17 females and 3 males, ages 28 to 72 years, average 47 years), with a follow-up of 3 to 5 years. Pain relief has been remarkable. Good great toe function has been obtained in all cases with excellent power to the floor and a satisfactory range of dorsiflexion ability. About 67% have developed some mild recurrence of hallux valgus, but none so severe that it has been disabling. All patients have been pleased with their final results.