Abstract
Hallux rigidus is a frequent cause of traumatology consultations, and it is the most
frequent osteoarthritis of the foot. It presents clinically with pain and loss of
movement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, with an impact on the quality of
life of the patient. The treatment starts conservatively, and is successful in half
of the cases, with measures such as modification of footwear, weight management and
orthosis designed to limit the movement of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The surgical
treatment in patients with mild to moderate hallux rigidus focuses on removing the
dorsal osteophytes with a cheilectomy, which can be associated with a proximal phalanx
or first metatarsal osteotomy, which improves the range of motion towards a less painful
arch. In high-grade hallux rigidus, the most recommended treatment is still arthrodesis,
which provides pain relief at the cost of altering gait biomechanics0 given the acquired
stiffness. Different arthroplasties (resection, interposition or prosthetic) significantly
improve pain without sacrificing mobility, and are a more physiological alternative
to preserve the biomechanics of the foot in selected patients.
Keywords
hallux rigidus - dorsal bunion - cheilectomy
