Open cheilectomy is an established surgical treatment for hallux rigidus. Cheilectomy is now being performed using minimally invasive (MIS) techniques. In this prospective study we report the outcome of minimally invasive cheilectomy comparing the results with a matched group who had cheilectomy using standard open procedure
Methods
Prospective study of 47 patients. 22 patients had MIS cheilectomy between March 2009 and September 2010. We compared the outcome with a matched group (25 patients) who had open cheilectomy. Functional outcome was assessed using the Manchester Oxford Foot and ankle questionnaire (MOXFQ). The MOXFQ is a validated questionnaire designed to be self-completed and used as an outcome measure for foot surgery. Patients' satisfaction and complications were recorded.
Results
In the MIS group, the median follow up was 11 months (4–23). The median preoperative MOXFQ score was 34/64(23) and the median postoperative score was 19/64 (p = <0.02). In the open group the median follow up was 17 months (9–27). The median preoperative MOXFQ score was 35/64 and the median postoperative score was 7.5/64 (p = <0.0001). The metric score of the three domains of the MOXFQ showed statistical improvement in both groups. The improvement didn't reach statistical significance between the open and MIS groups. There were three failures in the open group (Fusion) compared to none in the MIS.
