Osteochondral fresh allograft transfer of the first metatarsal can be an accepted surgical management option for early stages of hallux limitus. This study consisted of evaluating clinical outcomes with patients who underwent this procedure. Thirteen (N=13) patients were included in this study, 10 (76.9%) were female and 3 (23.1%) were male. The mean age was 52.2 (range, 27-61) years and the mean body mass index was 25.3 (range, 33.8-19.4) kg/m2. Intraoperative evaluation of osteochondral defects of the first metatarsal demonstrated a mean diameter size of 8.2 mm. Ten (76.9%) patients had a concomitant cheilectomy procedure performed. The mean follow-up was 41.0 (range, 3.5-89.1) months. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale questionnaire and patient satisfaction survey were completed. The mean AOFAS Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal score, which was determined postoperatively, was 71.2 (range, 55-85) of 100. Four (30.8%) patients with overall scores below 60 (range, 55-59) reported moderate daily pain at the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Mean AOFAS pain score was 26.9 (range, 20-30) of 40. Mean AOFAS function score was 30.8 (range, 24-35) of 45. Mean AOFAS alignment score was 13.4 (range, 8-15) of 15. There was statistical significance in mean AOFAS total score when comparing hallux limitus grade 1 versus grade 2, as well as when comparing grade 1 versus grade 3, p < .05. There was no significance in mean AOFAS total score when comparing number of plugs used, body mass index, and size of defect. However, an overall improvement in preoperative symptoms and patient satisfaction was documented and therefore osteochondral fresh allograft transfer can be considered a reasonable option in treating defects found at the first metatarsal head.
Keywords: allograft transfer; first metatarsal head; hallux limitus; osteochondral defect.
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