title: Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with Vitallium plate fixation.
abstract: Forty-seven patients (58 feet) underwent first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion with a small Vitallium plate (Howmedica, Inc., Rutherford, NJ). Congruous joint surfaces were prepared with either cone-shaped or cup-shaped reamers. At an average follow-up of 19.2 months, 98% (57 feet) were successfully fused. Ninety-three percent (54 feet) noted good or excellent results. Plate removal was necessary in only 7% (4 feet) of cases. Complications included nonunion with plate breakage in 2% (1 foot) and delayed union in 2% (1 foot) of cases. This technique was useful and predictable in achieving successful fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
authors.affiliation: St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise, Idaho.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Coughlin
authors.forename: R V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Abdo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014800:Vitallium
chemical_list: D014800:Vitallium