Analysis of the effects of arthrodesis of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint on gait cycle: results of a GAITRite® treadmill test

Introduction Approximately 80% of patients are satisfied with the outcome of arthrodesis of the hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The hypothesis of this study was that MTP arthrodesis does not influence the walking cycle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MTP arthrodesis on gait cycle and to measure the functional outcome of MTP arthrodesis after a minimum of two year follow-up. Method This was an observational prospective cohort study performed at a single centre that included 26 patients (32 ft) who underwent unilateral or bilateral MTP arthrodesis during the period 2004–2014. An X-ray assessment based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was performed pre-operatively and at the last follow-up (average follow-up duration 8.3 years). The walking cycle was analysed at the final follow-up using a GAITRite ® treadmill test. Results Twenty unilateral and six bilateral MTP arthrodeses were included in this study. The average age of the patients was 70 years. No significant difference was found in the walking cycle between the operated and non-operated sides for unilaterally MTP arthrodesis. However, we observed a non-significant increase in the percentage of contact time after MTP arthrodesis (65% on the operated side vs. 63% on the non-operated side). We also observed a significant decrease in the average walking rate, and a decrease in walking speed, in cases of bilateral MTP arthrodesis compared with normal walking cycle data from a laboratory study. Conclusions MTP joint arthrodesis does not appear to have any effect on the walking cycle, but reduced patient pain and increased the walking distance. The patients reported satisfaction with the surgical outcomes and would recommend it to a relative with the same pathology.