Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint has been
established as the “gold standard” for the treatment of several
first ray disorders, due to its perceived efficacy and the consistently
reported good results in the literature. Arthrodesis is a commonly
performed procedure for the treatment of end stage arthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis with severe deformity, selected cases of severe hallux valgus
(with or without signs of degenerative joint disease), as well as a
salvage procedure after failed previous operation of the first ray. The
goals of a successful 1st MTP arthrodesis are pain alleviation and
deformity correction in order to restore a comfortable gait pattern and
to improve shoe wear. Several techniques have been reported with several
proposals regarding the preparation of the articular surfaces and the
method of definitive fixation. As with any given surgical procedure,
various complications may occur after arthrodesis of the 1st MTP joint,
namely delayed union, nonunion, malunion, irritating hardware, etc
