Immediate fullweightbearing after tarsometatarsal arthrodesis for hallux valgus correction—Does it increase the complication rate?

• The influence of immediate fullweightbearing after TMT I arthrodesis for hallux valgus correction with a plantar angle stable plate was investigated.
• The immediate fullweightbearing mobilisation had no negative influence on the clinical and radiological results, such as loss of correction or elevating position of the first metatarsal bone.
• The patients treated by immediate fullweightbearing in an arthrodesis boot were significantly sooner fit for work. This result confirms that the immediate weightbearing after TMT I arthrodesis using a plantar plate osteosynthesis should be established as a standard posttreatment.

BackgroundThe arthrodesis of the first tarsometatarsal joint has a high correction potential in the treatment of hallux valgus deformity. Compared to distal correction procedures, a pseudarthrosis rate of 12–20% is quoted, however. In a prospective study the results of two different treatment procedures after correction arthrodesis were compared.MethodsIn 17 cases the patients were mobilised with a short arthrodeses shoe with floor contact (NWB group) and in 17 cases in a short arthrodeses shoe with immediate fullweightbearing (FWB group). Clinical and radiological evaluation was done preoperatively, six weeks and one year postoperatively, including visual analogue pain scale and AOFAS score pre- and one year postoperatively.ResultsThere was no increased complication rate in the group with FWB group. The patients in the FWB group were significantly earlier fit for work.ConclusionImmediate fullweightbearing after TMT I arthrodesis using a plantar plate should be established as a standard posttreatment.