Surgical Treatments and Clinical Outcomes for Idiopathic Osteoarthritis of the Tarsometatarsal Joints

Jung, Hong Geun; Byun, Woo Sup; Myerson, Mark S; Schon, Lew C

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to identify the subtypes of idiopathic osteoarthritis of the tarsometatarsal joints based on accompanying hindfoot, midfoot, or foot deformities and their corresponding surgical options and also to evaluate the overall clinical results.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study included 59 patients (67 feet) with idiopathic tarsometatarsal joint osteoarthritis. Tarsometatarsal fusion was performed for tarsometatarsal joint and accompanied secondary change was divided into subtypes and various bony reconstruction was carried out. The patients were evaluated with the AOFAS midfoot score and FFI. The average patient age was 60.2 years with 40.6 months follow-up. Fifty-four feet (80.6%) had been treated with realignment fusion. Twenty-six feet had first and second tarsometatarsal joint fusion, and 20 feet had first tarsometatarsal fusion only. Six subtypes were identified based on associated foot deformities: 1) in-situ without deformities (18%), 2) pes planovalgus (45%), 3) rockerbottom (15%), 4) cavus foot (1%), 5) hallux valgus (12%), and 6) hallux valgus with pes planovalgus or rockerbottom (9%). Plantar-medial closing-wedge resection was used in 10 feet to correct rockerbottom. For pes planovalgus, a medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy was done. Lateral column lengthening with medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy was done for severe pes planovalgus, and triple arthrodesis was done for rigid pes planovalgus. Hallux valgus was corrected with the Lapidus procedure (85.7%).
RESULTS
AOFAS midfoot scores improved from preoperative 34.1 points to postoperative 83.9 points (p<0.05). The Foot Function Index postoperatively also showed significant improvement (p<0.05), with a high satisfaction rate (86.6%). There were 29 complications, most commonly sesamoid pain.
CONCLUSION
Idiopathic tarsometatarsal OA feet can be classified into six categories. Pes planovalgus feet should be treated with medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy, lateral column lengthening, or triple arthrodesis in addition to tarsometatarsal joint realignment fusion. Rockerbottom and hallux valgus deformities should also be addressed.