Background: This study reports the outcome of a plating system for arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MTPJ) that incorporates a lag compression screw within a low profile titanium plate with a predetermined contour. This is the first report of the outcomes of this implant from a non-affiliated centre.
Patient and methods: This is a prospective cohort study of 40 consecutive primary 1st MTPJ arthrodesis procedures. The mean age of the cohort was 56 years (range, 20-74 years). The diagnosis was hallux rigidus in 31 patients and inflammatory arthropathy in 7 patients.
Results: All patients achieved clinical union at 6 weeks and radiological union was confirmed on plain radiographs between 6-16 weeks. One case of hardware removal was reported.
Conclusion: The cohort achieved consistently satisfactory results with a reliable and reproducible MTPJ position and a 100% union rate. There was a low rate of hardware removal.
Level of evidence: Level IV evidence. Prospective cohort study.
Keywords: Anchorage MTPJ fusion cross plate; First MTPJ fusion; Hallux MTPJ arthrodesis.
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