Arthroscopic Lapidus Arthrodesis

Lapidus arthrodesis is the surgical treatment of choice for symptomatic hypermobility of the medial cuneiform metatarsal joint that is not responding to conservative treatment. The open procedure was criticized for its prolonged healing, high nonunion rate, and the tendency for dorsal angulation of the first metatarsal. We describe an arthroscopic approach that has the advantage of more thorough preparation of the fusion site with minimal bone removal and better control of the arthrodesis position and with less chance of malunion.