Foot Function After Fusion of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint

Background: We measured with a validated score the operative outcome in patients without concomitant foot surgery who underwent fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint for hallux rigidus (HR) and hallux valgus (HV). We also examined whether there is a correlation between foot function and hallux position to try to formulate an optimum fusion angle. Materials and Methods: Between 2002 and 2005, a consecutive series of 62 patients underwent crossed screw fusion of the first MTP joint (27 HR and 35 HV) without concomitant surgery of the same or contralateral foot or had previous surgery of the same foot. Foot function was measured by the Dutch Foot Function Index (FFI) pre- and postoperatively. Hallux valgus and dorsiflexion angles were measured on standing radiographs before operation and at followup. Results: Postoperatively the median hallux valgus angle was 14 (range, −2 to 33) degrees and the median dorsiflexion angle was 23 (range, 7 to 45) degrees. The median FFI score improved from 38 (ra...