Course of damage to the hallux over 5 years after forefoot resection arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

A retrospective study of 34 feet from 20 consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis was performed to investigate the development of damage to the hallux over 5 years after forefoot resection arthroplasty. Radiographically we analysed changes in two valgus angles and the interphalangeal joint (IP) damage of the hallux. These parameters were measured preoperatively, 12 months postoperatively, and at the latest follow-up. Although the average HVA (between the first metatarsal and the proximal phalanx) significantly decreased from 38.7 degrees preoperatively to 8.66 degrees postoperatively, the angle increased to 23.0 degrees during the first 12 months following surgery. Further deterioration of the angle at the last follow-up was not detected (25.3 degrees ; P=0.252). The average IPV (between the proximal phalanx and the distal phalanx) angle significantly increased from 6.65 degrees preoperatively to 12.1 degrees 12 months postoperatively and thereafter slightly increased to 13.3 degrees at the latest follow-up. The average of the Sharp/van der Heijde score of the IP joint significantly increased from 5.71 preoperatively to 8.58 12 months postoperatively and thereafter slightly increased to 9.65 at the latest follow-up. The deterioration and destruction process of the hallux after resection arthroplasty occurred soon after surgery, and the progression of the deformity was temporary.