Silicone Arthroplasty as an Alternative to Arthrodesis in the Metatarsophalangeal Degenerative Disease of Hallux Valgus-A 5-Year Observational Study.

Background: Arthroplasty is gaining more and more popularity in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the metatarsophalangeal I joint (MTP1). The aim of our study was to evaluate the early and long-term objective clinical and radiographic results, as well as the subjective results, of MTP1 arthroplasty in comparison to MTP1 arthrodesis among patients with OA and a valgus deformity of their MTP 1 joint. Methods: Patients with OA MTP1 were examined before surgery and in the 5-year period after surgery. The inclusion criteria for the study were OA of the MTP1 joint and a non-axial position of the toe in valgus between 20 and 40 degrees. Prostheses were created for the patients with higher demands for mobility of their MTP 1 joint and arthrodesis was carried out for those with lower expectations. The treatment outcomes were assessed by clinical examination, radiography, the AOFAS scale, the SEFAS scale, and using patient-related outcome measures (PROM). Results: A total of 39 people, 37 women and 2 men, aged 55 to 67 years old (average, 61 years old) participated in the study. During the follow-up period, there were no complications in the form of infection or a loosening of the implant after both arthroplasty and arthrodesis. The follow-up examination 60 months after the surgery showed an improvement in scores (>20 points) on both the AOFAS and SEFAS scales. All patients, after surgery, reported reduced pain. Conclusions: The use of a silicone prosthesis in the surgical treatment of degenerative changes in the MTPI joint, with appropriate indications and excluding cases with large hallux valgus, gives better results than arthrodesis.

Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis. Conservative and Surgical Treatment. A Diagnostic-Therapeutic Algorithm.

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (carpometacarpal arthritis / CMC-1 arthritis) is a common cause of chronic thumb pain and may significantly worsen patients' quality of life. The thumb is the most important digit of the hand. A diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm for CMC-1 arthritis should be widely known and based on up-to-date evidence-based medical knowledge. The literature describes many medical and surgical treatment approaches. The methods used vary between hospitals and clinics. They also depend on patients' financial capabilities and many other factors.Medical (conservative) treatment appears to be effective in 60% of cases, in particular when the synergy of combining several treatment methods is taken advantage of. The most commonly performed surgical procedures in CMC-1 arthritis fall into two major groups, namely trapeziectomy or arthroplasty. However, there is no proof of superiority of one surgical treatment method over the others, and all of them have their advantages and disadvantages.This paper aims to present the most up-to-date knowledge about: (1) conservative and (2) surgical treatments for CMC-1 arthritis and (3) to propose a diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm for this condition. It is based on the latest literature (mainly works published in the last 5 years) acquired from databases such as PubMed, Clinical Key and Science Direct. The article is the second of a two-part series that presents a diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm for CMC-1 arthritis. The authors believe that it may contribute to broadening knowledge about CMC-1 arthritis, optimizing the therapeutic process and improving care for patients with CMC-1 arthritis in Poland.

Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis Anatomy, Biomechanics, Epidemiology, And Diagnosis.

Arthritis is the most common joint disease. It impairs patients quality of life on account of the associated chronic pain and loss of joint function. The thumb is the most important digit of the hand and trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (carpometacarpal arthritis / CMC-1 arthritis) may significantly compromise functions of the entire hand. CMC-1 arthritis produces several non-specific symptoms, affecting mainly postmenopausal women. The risk of developing CMC-1 arthritis increases with age.Considering these facts, knowledge about the etiopathogenesis and diagnosis of CMC-1 arthritis should be widely disseminated and based on evidence-based medicine. The first step in the diagnostic work-up is a detailed history and clinical examination where the use of more sensitive tests than the grind test, e.g. the pressure-shear test, is recommended. It is advisable to widen the classic radiographic views with additional thumb projections such as Roberts view. The use of magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography is only advised in special individual cases.This paper aims to present the most up-to-date knowledge about: (1) the anatomy and biomechanics of the trapeziometacarpal joint, (2) the epidemiology of CMC-1 arthritis and (3) its diagnosis. It is based on the latest literature (mainly works published in the last 5 years) acquired from databases such as PubMed, Clinical Key and Science Direct. The article is the first of a two-part series that presents a diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm for CMC-1 arthritis. The authors believe that it may contribute to broadening knowledge about CMC-1 arthritis, optimizing the therapeutic process and improving care for patients with CMC-1 arthritis in Poland.