Outcomes of Resection and Joint-Preserving Arthroplasty for Forefoot Deformities for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: We investigated the clinical outcomes of resection and joint-preserving arthroplasty for forefoot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Sixteen feet of 14 women (average age, 67.1 years; range, 53-82) underwent resection arthroplasty of the metatarsal head (resection group), and 18 feet of 15 women (average age, 61.3 years; range, 40-73) underwent a metatarsophalangeal joint-preserving procedure with shortening oblique metatarsal osteotomies of the lesser toes (joint preservation group). The mean disease duration in the resection and joint preservation groups was 23.6 and 19.1 years, and the average follow-up period was 37.3 and 33.5 months, respectively. The classification of Larsen was used to assess the severity of destruction of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluation included Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) score and postoperative complications. Results: The number of preoperative radiographic destruction of the MTP joints (Larsen grade II, III, IV, and V) was 0, 29, 39, and 12 joints in the resection group and 13, 67, 9, and 1 joints in the joint preservation group. The mean JSSF score improved significantly from 61.3 to 83.9 points in the resection group (P <.001) and from 62.2 to 90.8 points in the joint preservation group (P <.001). In the resection group, recurrence of callosities and claw toe deformity was observed in 6 and 3 feet, respectively. In the joint-preserving group, recurrence of callosities and hammer toe deformity was observed in 1 foot each. Conclusion: The resection arthroplasty and joint-preserving procedure showed satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, whether both procedures can maintain the good clinical results without the recurrence of forefoot deformity will require longer follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.