Hallux rigidus is a degenerative condition of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint that can significantly impair function and quality of life. The introduction of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel implants, such as Cartiva, offered an alternative to arthrodesis by preserving joint motion. However, failures of these implants, often resulting in bone loss and joint instability, present a challenge for revision surgery.

We report the case of a 43-year-old woman with persistent pain and functional limitations after a failed PVA hydrogel implant in the first MTP joint. The revision surgery involved a biologic resurfacing using the Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS) with a graft harvested from the ipsilateral femoral condyle, complemented by interpositional arthroplasty with a dermal graft and a proximal phalanx closing wedge osteotomy to correct residual hallux valgus.

At the 3-year follow-up, the patient-reported complete resolution of pain and returned to full activity with improved range of motion (40 degrees dorsiflexion, 15 degrees plantarflexion). Radiographic evaluation demonstrated graft incorporation and restoration of joint space, confirming the success of the procedure.

This case highlights the potential of OATS combined with interpositional arthroplasty as a viable option for revision surgery in complex cases of failed synthetic cartilage implants in hallux rigidus. By addressing bone loss and preserving joint function, this approach provides a patient-specific alternative to traditional arthrodesis. Further studies are warranted to establish the long-term efficacy of this technique in similar cases.

Level V, case report.

In this review paper, we present the common etiology, presentation, diagnosis, and management of the following three common bunion formations: dorsal bunion, tailor's bunion, and hallux valgus (HV). Bunions are common pathologies that present to a variety of clinics, so it is important for providers to have a base understanding of these in order to provide the best care to patients. Many of these bunion formations have a variety of causes which allow providers to manage them before surgical intervention is required. The aim of this review paper is to bring attention and expanded insight on these common bunion presentations in order to minimize morbidity early on. The information provided in this review will allow both primary care and subspecialty physicians with the knowledge to accurately diagnose and optimally manage these bony deformities of the lower extremity.

The first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) and the first ray are crucial in walking, particularly during propulsion. Limitation in this joint's sagittal plane motion, known as hallux limitus, can cause compensatory movements in other joints. Some studies assessed the impact of various foot orthoses designs on the foot biomechanics; however, a comprehensive understanding is lacking. This study compared the effects of two custom-made foot orthoses (CFOs) on the foot joint kinematics and kinetics in patients with structural hallux limitus (SHL). In this quasi-experimental study, 24 patients with hallux limitus were assessed in three conditions: (i) barefoot, (ii) shod with a cut-out custom foot orthosis (cut-out CFO), and (iii) shod with an anterior forefoot-stabilized element custom foot orthosis (AFSE CFO), fitted into a minimalist neoprene shoe. Multi-segment foot kinematics and kinetics were assessed during the stance phase of the gait. A decrease in ankle and midfoot inversion, as well as in ankle plantarflexion, was found in both orthotic conditions. Regarding the first MTPJ, a greater dorsiflexion was observed with the patient being barefoot compared to both of the conditions under study. From the current finding, it should be concluded that neither of the custom foot orthoses produced the predefined functional effects.

In the field of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for the treatment of hallux valgus (HV), different techniques have begun to emerge in the literature concerning the distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone, the synthesis or not of the metatarsal head, the possible association with lateral soft tissues release (LSTR) and osteotomy of the base of the first phalanx.

To evaluate the role of LSTR on percutaneous HV correction, evaluating functional and radiographical results.

From January 2012 to May 2016 a total of 396 patients with mild to moderate symptomatic HV treated with the MIS technique were included in this retrospective study. The technique provides no internal fixation (WOS). Patients were divided into the LSTR group and no LSTR group (LSTR N). This surgical procedure (LSTR) was reserved for insufficient HV angle (HVA) correction during fluoroscopic control. Patients were evaluated at each follow-up by two other authors after appropriate training by senior authors (first practitioners). Clinical evaluation was performed before surgery, 6 mo after surgery, and 48 mo follow-up. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate pain and function, and complications were recorded. In addition, the incidence of relapses and the degree of joint range of motion (ROM) with the association with the LSTR (capsule, adductor tendon, phalanx-sesamoid ligament, and the deep transverse metatarsal ligament) were evaluated. Radiological parameters included HVA and intermetatarsal angle (IMA). Patient satisfaction was assessed. Student t-test and Fisher exact test were used to assess statistical analysis.

From our study it is clear that no differences in term of HVA, VAS, IMA correction, rate of complications, and AOFAS score were found between groups, while a significant improvement of the same variables was found in each group between pre and postoperative values. A significant improvement in ROM at 6 mo (P = 0.018) and 48 mo (P = 0.02) of follow-up was found in LSTR N group. Complications were rare in both groups.

LSTR procedure on percutaneous HV correction seems to increase postoperative joint stiffness with a comparable incidence of relapse and a low incidence of complications.

Brachymetatarsia (BM), or hypoplastic metatarsal, is an abnormal shortening of one or more metatarsal bones with a female-to-male ratio of 10.53:1. Different causes are described in the literature, such as congenital, acquired, or iatrogenic, associated with different conditions and syndromes. Its presence may develop deformity and pain; however, often feet are pain free and the major worries of patients are cosmetics. Non-operative treatments aim to improve the comfort of metatarsal heads and the possible dorsal conflict through comfortable shoes or the use of specific orthotics. The surgical treatment is anything but straightforward, with "one-stage" or "two stage" techniques, the latter better called "by gradual distraction". One-stage procedures are more rapid techniques but have limited ability to restore the desired length due to neurovascular compromise caused by acute lengthening. Insufficient correction is also possible. On the contrary, by gradual distraction procedures allow gradual distraction lengthening of more than 1.5 cm, but require the use of an external fixator, with a higher risk of complications in more than about 50% of surgeries. The adjacent metatarsal shortening should be considered in combination with other techniques, to diminish the excessive lengthening. In each case, surgeries should be always decided on each patient's concerns, deformities, and clinical needs.