Age-based outcomes of cheilectomy for the treatment of hallux rigidus.

The results of cheilectomy, performed on 67 consecutive patients with hallux rigidus resulting in primary extraarticular symptoms are presented. Four patients who underwent subsequent fusion were rated as failures. Follow-up evaluation, averaging 65 months (28-117) on 53 additional patients available for follow-up, revealed an average AOFAS score of 80. with 91% of the patients stating that they were currently better than before surgery. There was a statistically significant higher mean score (89) in patients over 60 years of age at the time of surgery. There were no differences between other age groups, preoperative grade, duration of symptoms, or length of follow-up. Cheilectomy should be the treatment of choice for hallux rigidus with predominantly extra-articular symptoms, especially in patients over 60 years of age.