Treatment With Autograft Interposition Arthroplasty in Advanced Hallux Rigidus

Hallux rigidus is a term that is used to describe restricted motion of the hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint secondary to degenerative arthritis. In the early stages of disease, cheilectomy is recognized as the treatment of choice for improving joint motion and functional outcomes. Traditionally, arthrodesis has been employed for its benefit in reducing pain as well as for controlling deformity in advanced hallux rigidus by eliminating MTP joint motion. However, we present an alternative to fusion; an interposition arthroplasty technique using the dorsal MTP joint capsule and extensor hallucis brevis tendon as interposed tissues. This technique has demonstrated efficacy in reducing arthritic pain and improving bony contour via osteophyte debulking, all while preserving MTP joint motion in active patients.