Operative outcomes of hallux valgus with painful osteoarthritis of the lesser tarsometatarsal joints

Background: Hallux valgus is sometimes accompanied by osteoarthritis of the lesser tarsometatarsal joint. However, information on the operative procedures and outcomes for the treatment of hallux valgus with osteoarthritis of the lesser tarsometatarsal joint simultaneously is limited. We aimed to describe this operative procedure and evaluate the outcomes of the treatment of hallux valgus with osteoarthritis of the lesser tarsometatarsal joint. Methods: Fifteen patients (17 feet; average age, 66.9 years; average follow-up, 59.4 months; and minimum follow-up, 24 months) with symptomatic hallux valgus accompanied by painful osteoarthritis of the lesser tarsometatarsal joint were enrolled. All feet showed osteoarthritis of the second and/or third tarsometatarsal joint on dorsoplantar weight-bearing radiograph. The operative procedure included a proximal osteotomy of the first metatarsal and arthrodesis of the lesser tarsometatarsal joint with an autologous bone graft. Results: The mean Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score significantly improved from 54.8 points preoperatively to 91.7 points postoperatively (P <0.001). The mean postoperative visual analog score (15 feet) was 1.0 (0-3.9). Preoperative midtarsal pain disappeared in 14 feet and decreased in one foot postoperatively. Preoperative metatarsalgia was found in five feet, of which, it disappeared in two feet, decreased in two feet, and transferred to another region in one foot at the latest follow-up. The mean hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles were 42.4 degrees and 18.4 degrees preoperatively, which decreased significantly to 12.5 degrees and 6.9 degrees postoperatively, respectively (P <0.001, all). Recurrence of hallux valgus (hallux valgus angle >= 20 degrees) was observed in two feet (11.8%). Nonunion of the third tarsometatarsal joint was observed in one foot (3.1% among 32 joints). Conclusions: The clinical and radiographic results indicated that operative treatment for hallux valgus with painful osteoarthritis of the lesser tarsometatarsal joint significantly improves forefoot and midfoot pain and function and has low complication rates. (c) 2022 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.