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.