Forefoot arthroplasty and changes in plantar foot pressures.

The aim of this study was to determine how effective forefoot arthroplasty is at reducing the pressures under the forefoot. The EMED F pressure measuring system was used. Fifteen patients (23 feet) were included in the study. All patients had foot pressure studies performed before and after surgery. Our results show a significant increase in total pressure and pressure-time integral under the foot after surgery. This increase was most marked under the first metatarsal head region (P < .005). However, the midmetatarsal region showed a slight decrease in pressure, but this was not significant. Symptomatically, 13 patients felt improved by the operation. The results suggest that the procedure is successful because it transfers the pressure to areas better able to tolerate it, rather than reduces the total pressure.