Carl T. Hasselman, MD

When doing arthroplasty for later stages of hallux rigidus (stages 2 and 3), think of the joint as an upside down knee replacement but you walk on the “patella joint.” The three keys to successful replacement are proper joint alignment, immediate rigid fixation of the components and appropriate soft tissue releases. If these three requirements are done, you and the patient will be pleased with the outcomes of joint replacement for the first metatarsophalangeal joint.