Results After Cheilectomy in Athletes with Hallux Rigidus

Abstract

From 1987 to 1993, 20 athletes (22 feet) underwent cheilectomy for Regnauld grade I, grade II hallux rigidus. Average age was 31 years (10 men and 12 women); mean follow-up was at 5.1 years. All patients performed high-level sports (judo, track & field, soccer, and skating). Indications for surgery included failure of nonsurgical treatment with persistent pain during sports activities, shoefitting problems, and recurrent bursitis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results clinically, radiographically, and objectively, using dynamic and static pedodynographic measurements. After a mean follow-up of 5 years, cheilectomy was demonstrated to be a reliable treatment method in athletes with Regnauld grades 1 and 2 hallux rigidus. Functionally, 14 excellent, seven good, and one fair result were noted. Radiological progression was noted in 7 of 13 patients, with a follow-up of >4 years. Postoperative dynamic pedodynographic findings demonstrated moderate but significant changes in peak pressures under the first metatarsal head, the hallux, and in the center of pressure distribution under the forefoot.

Hallux rigidus: A case report of successful chiropractic management and review of the literature

“…Diagnosis of HR is based on the presence of pain and stiffness in the first MTP joint and physical findings of restricted joint motions, especially dorsiflexion (to <30°), increased joint bulk (due to capsular thickening, swelling and osteophytes) dorsally and associated synovitis (swelling, pain and tenderness) (2). However, the following conditions may confuse the clinical situation at times.…”

“…HR disability is greater than that seen with HV (2). It is a degenerative arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint (3).…”

“…It is common in adults, but occurs in children only very occasionally and has equal gender incidence in adults (8). It has become a significant concern of athletes, coaches and physicians (2). Most of the literature concerning HR focuses on its operative treatment.…”

Comparison of Hallux Rigidus Surgical Treatment Outcomes Between Active Duty and Non–Active Duty Populations

“…In an exhaustive review of the literature, we found no published outcome studies looking at hallux rigidus surgery in active duty military and scarce published studies looking at athletes. Mulier et al 20 published a study looking at athletes who had a cheilectomy procedure performed, and with a 5-year follow-up, they reported that 10% of the patients were unable to return to their sport because of the procedure and had an RTA of 11.5 weeks.…”

Joint Salvage Techniques for Stage III/IV Hallux Rigidus

“…A study on the outcome of cheilectomy on high level athletes demonstrated 95% good or excellent results, and found the procedure to be reliable in this population because it increases joint motion, maintains stability, avoids loss of purchase power, and permits an early return to sport activity [Mulier et al, 1999]. Mann and Clanton reported 90% patient satisfaction with the procedure and an average 20° of dorsiflexion improvement [Mann & Clanton, 1988].…”