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May 11, 2022
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Joint arthrodesis, resection arthroplasty had similar outcomes for lesser toe deformities

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Published results showed proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis had no clinical differences when compared with joint resection arthroplasty for correction of lesser toe deformities.

“The goal of this randomized study was to compare clinical outcomes after lesser toe deformity correction with either proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis or PIP joint resection arthroplasty,” Sebastian Scheidt, MD, told Healio.

OT0422Scheidt_Graphic_01
Data were derived from Scheidt S, et al. Orthopedics. 2022;doi:10.3928/01477447-20220105-08.

Scheidt and colleagues randomly assigned 37 patients with lesser toe deformity to undergo either PIP joint arthrodesis or PIP joint resection arthroplasty. Researchers evaluated the numeric rating scale score, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score, osseous consolidation and clinical outcomes preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively.

Sebastian Scheidt
Sebastian Scheidt

Results showed significant improvements in both groups at 6 months postoperatively. Although the arthrodesis group had significantly higher osseous consolidation, researchers found this difference did not affect clinical outcomes, with pain on the numeric rating scale reported as 0 for both the arthroplasty and arthrodesis groups at 6 months postoperatively. The arthroplasty group had an AOFAS score of 83 and the arthrodesis group had an AOFAS score of 80, according to results. Researchers noted no differences in signs of inflammation or axis correction between the groups, as well as no clinical differences between toes with and those without radiologically osseous fusion.

“In summary, for correction of lesser toe deformities, PIP joint arthrodesis and PIP joint resection arthroplasty deliver good to excellent outcomes without major clinical differences in outcomes,” Scheidt said. “Orthopedics surgeons may reconsider their surgical technique for lesser toe deformity as PIP joint resection is easy to perform, has a flat learning curve and produces equal patient outcomes alongside with shorter operation times and lower costs.”