Background This study aims to investigate and report the outcomes of various management modalities used for hallux rigidus, a common form of degenerative joint disease affecting the foot and ankle. The research focuses on understanding the pathophysiology, classification systems, and nonoperative approaches such as medical therapy, intra-articular injections, shoe modifications, and physical therapy. Surgical techniques, including joint-sparing and joint-sacrificing procedures, are explored, considering factors such as disease stage and patient preferences. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh. The study included all patients who were diagnosed with hallux rigidus from the period 2016 to 2022. Data were collected through the BESTCare system at KAMC. All the data were collected through Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington) and transferred for analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25 (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). Frequencies and percentages were used to detail categorical variables, whereas continuous variables were examined by the mean and standard deviation. A p-value of <0.05 was considered to report the statistical significance. Results A total of 84 patients were included. The majority were women (60.7%). Diabetes and hypertension were prevalent comorbidities, affecting 21.4% and 35.7% of patients, respectively. Nonoperative management was the most common approach (66.7%). Complications were minimal (2.4% infections, 1.2% metatarsalgia), and 67.9% of patients reported no persistence of symptoms after treatment. Conclusion The low complication rates and the lack of significant associations between treatment modalities and outcomes suggest the generally safe and effective nature of the employed interventions. These findings can guide clinicians in making informed decisions regarding the management of hallux rigidus, while also highlighting areas for further research to improve treatment strategies and outcomes.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome after cheilectomy and proximal phalangeal biplanar osteotomy for patients with mild and advanced stages of hallux rigidus.

A total of 105 feet (grades 0-4) were treated with cheilectomy and a Moberg-Akin osteotomy of the proximal phalanx. All patients were clinically assessed preoperatively and followed up for 12 months by range of motion, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Short Form 36 (SF-36) score, and weightbearing radiographs.

This operative procedure resulted in a statistically significant positive effect on mobility of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (P = .001), VAS pain score (P < .001), AOFAS score (P < .001), and SF-36 score (P < .001).

Cheilectomy and biplanar osteotomy of the proximal phalanx was an effective procedure for hallux rigidus with a positive effect on clinical and radiological outcome.

IV, case series.

Hallux rigidus is a degenerative disease of the first metatarsalphalangeal (MTP) joint and affects 2.5% of people over age 50. Dorsal osteophytes and narrowed joint space leads to debilitating pain and limited range of motion. Altered gait mechanics often ensued as 119% of the body force transmit through the 1st MTP joint during gait cycle. Precise etiology remains under debate with trauma being often cited in the literature. Hallux valgus interphalangeus, female gender, inflammatory and metabolic conditions have all been identified as associative factors. Clinical symptoms, physical exam and radiographic evidence are important in assessing and grading the disease. Non-operative managements including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, intra-articular injections, shoe modification, activity modification and physical therapy, should always be attempted for all hallux rigidus patients. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, maintain stability of the first MTP joint, and improve function and quality of life. Operative treatments can be divided into joint-sparing vs joint-sacrificing. Cheilectomy and moberg osteotomy are examples of joint-sparing techniques that have demonstrated great success in early stages of hallux rigidus. Arthrodesis is a joint-sacrificing procedure that has been the gold standard for advanced hallux rigidus. Other newer procedures such as implant arthroplasty, interpositional arthroplasty and arthroscopy, have demonstrated promising early patient outcomes. However, future studies are still needed to validate its long-term efficacy and safety. The choice of procedure should be based on the condition of the joint, patient's goal and expectations, and surgeon's experience with the technique.

A proximal phalangeal dorsiflexion osteotomy (Moberg osteotomy) is commonly used to treat hallux rigidus, but the mechanical explanation for its effectiveness is unclear. The purpose of our study was to test the effect of a Moberg osteotomy on first metatarsophalangeal joint contact mechanics.

Ten cadaveric first ray specimens were dissected, with the medial band of the plantar aponeurosis preserved at its origin, and placed in a custom testing apparatus. Forefoot loads during mid-stance with the first metatarsal positioned at 10 degrees were simulated using a custom-made loading jig while contact mechanics were acquired with a thin pressure-sensitive sensor. A Moberg osteotomy was performed starting 9 mm distal to the proximal phalanx with excision of a 3-mm wedge of bone and fixated with a 2-mm Kirschner wire. The effect of the Moberg osteotomy was tested by reapplying the forefoot loads and acquiring the joint pressures. The center of pressure, peak pressure, and contact area were calculated. Paired t tests were performed to determine if the Moberg osteotomy affected joint contact mechanics.

The Moberg osteotomy shifted the center of contact pressure on the proximal phalanx surface more plantarly (P < .01). However, the Moberg osteotomy did not affect the peak pressure (P = .62) or the joint contact area (P = .96).

There were no differences in peak pressure or first MTPJ contact area, but a plantar shift in the center of pressure occurred after the Moberg osteotomy.

The plantar cartilage, which is often spared from arthritic changes, may be preferentially loaded and the potential edge loading following cheilectomy may be avoided with the Moberg osteotomy secondary to the plantar shift of center of pressure.