Abstract:

The fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a well described procedure that has been shown to have a dramatically positive effect on pathology of the joint. These include a variety of indications such as hallux rigidus, hallux valgus and rheumatoid arthritis. There are a myriad of methods described in the literature on how this fusion can be achieved. These range from simple Kirschner wire fixation, dorsal plates with or without screws, to the sole use of screw fixation. This study is aimed at analysing the success of crossed compression screws with regards to union and complication rates. There were 42 patients included in the study and at there was a 100% rate of union and no cases of infection within the entire cohort. There was one case of hardware removal (2.3%). The average to union was 3.2 months and the average follow up time was 3 months (6 weeks to 18 months). This study reveals headless crossed compression screw fixation of the MTPJ yields excellent rates of non-union and low rate of complications.