Maintenance of Correction of First Tarsometatarsal Joint Arthrodesis Using the First Metatarsal to Intermediate Cuneiform Cross Screw Technique: A Retrospective Review

CATEGORY: Bunion INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: The Lapidus procedure is common for the treatment of moderate to severe hallux abductovalgus deformity. Standard fixation consists of a combination of crossing screws and plates. Despite arthrodesis of the first tarsometatarsal joint, recurrence of the deformity remains a concern. A recently described construct adds an additional point of fixation from the plantar medial first metatarsal to the intermediate cuneiform. This construct is termed the cross screw intermediate cuneiform construct. The purpose of this study is to determine the long-term angular maintained correction of the 1st and 2nd intermetatarsal angle, hallux abductus angle, and tibial sesamoid position after undergoing a 1st tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis utilizing the cross screw intermediate cuneiform construct to correct and maintain the hallux abductovalgus deformity. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center chart and radiographic review was performed of all patients with HAV treated with a 1st tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis with cross screw intermediate cuneiform construct fixation by the senior author. The study period was from June 1st, 2016 to June 1st, 2017. Patients who underwent 1st tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis for a primary diagnosis of HAV were studied. Three observers independently reviewed radiographic data including preoperative weight bearing, 1st weight bearing, and final weight bearing plain films radiographs. Preoperative films were used if they were within 3 months of the surgery, and the radiographic time line for the post-operative intervals were at 12 ± 2 weeks, 18 ± 4 weeks, 26 ± 4 weeks, 52 ± 12 weeks, and the final follow-up visit. Radiographic data evaluated were initial improvement and long-term maintenance of intermetatarsal ankle, hallux abductus angle, and tibial sesamoid position. RESULTS: Forty-five patients met inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Mean follow-up time was 9.76 months (SD ± 7.62). Bony union was achieved in 43 of 45 patients (95.6%). Two patients required revision bunionectomy as result of recurrence (4.4%). Other complications included symptomatic hardware in 2 patients requiring hardware removal and neuritis in 2 patients. Average preoperative IMA was 15.95º (±2.55), HAA was 31.14º (±6.19), and tibial sesamoid position was 4.36 (±1.07). Final average improvement of IMA was 6.26º (±2.9), HAA was 13.89º (±7.02), and tibial sesamoid position was 2.07 (±1.34) positions. Average loss of IMA correction was 1.70º (±1.64), HAA was 2.45º (±4.6), and tibial sesamoid position was 0.8 (±0.82) positions. Wilcoxon signed rank test showed statistical significance in all radiographic parameters both in initial improvements and loss of correction (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: The current study shows the cross screw intermediate cuneiform construct for 1st tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis has good union rates, a low complication rate, and maintains correction. Further clinical and comparative studies may yield additional useful information.