In-vivo first metatarsophalangeal joint mechanics following cheilectomy: MRI and gait alterations

Introduction Cheilectomy surgery has been shown to provide pain relief for patients with hallux rigidus [1], however limited data exists regarding the effectiveness of this surgery in reestablishing normal first metatarsophalangeal (1st MTP) joint kinematics. A recent dynamic gait study has reported only modest improvement in 1st MTP motion following surgery, thus implicating the persistence of altered joint mechanics [2]. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo joint motion changes using MRI under 1st MTP loaded conditions in patients who received cheilectomy surgery. These data were compared to dynamic alterations during gait measured in a second cohort of subjects who previously underwent surgery.