First MTP Joint Distraction

Many patients with arthritis of their great toe joint wish to maintain their joint and resist the notion of a joint destructive procedure (fusion or replacement). Thus, joint distraction of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint with external fixation is a joint preservation procedure that is known to decrease pain associated with arthritis. Presented is a case of a 61 year old female with a painful right hallux rigidus and Regnauld classification stage 3 who underwent hinged first Metatarsophalangeal Joint (MTPJ) distraction with external fixation. Joint distraction for later stage arthritis has proven to be a viable treatment method for joint preservation. The utilization of a hinge to maintain motion during external fixation joint distraction of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint along with soft-tissue and osseous realignment procedures makes this technique a successful joint preservation option.