Evaluation of Clinical and Functional Results After Operative Correction of Lesser Toe Deformities

Evaluation of Clinical and Functional Results After Operative Correction of Lesser Toe Deformities

The plantar plate is an important static stabilizer of lesser metatarsophalangeal joints, and disruptions of the plantar plate can lead to significant instability and lesser toe deformities.Our study proposes an inexpensive and versatile method for plantar plate repair

A torn plantar plate is small and difficult to access using regular instruments in a restricted operative field. A unique method for plantar plate repairs was used to repair various configurations of plantar plate tears with standard operative instruments that is available in most operating rooms. A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent operations for lesser MTPJ instability between September 2015 and December 2019. The outcome analysis included the Lesser Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale from the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score, the Visual Analogue Scale score for pain and satisfaction, and answering the question "Would you recommend this procedure to other patients?"

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of lesser metatarsophalangeal joint instability
• Clinical diagnosis of metatarsalgia
• Lesser metatarsophalangeal joint instability clinical grades of II to III, which were determined using the drawer test.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous operatve treatment of the affected lesser metatarsophalangeal joint.
• Rheumatioid arthritis.
• Neurologic disorders (e.g., parkinsonism, Charcot's neuroarthropathy…etc.).
• Postoperative follow-ups of less than 12 months