Hallux Rigidus

Original Editor - Tracy Hall

Top Contributors - Admin, Ewa Jaraczewska, Rachael Lowe, Jess Bell, Tracy Hall, Laura Ritchie, Kim Jackson, Ilse De Bode, Simisola Ajeyalemi and Khloud Shreif  

Introduction

Hallux Rigidus is an osteoarthritic degenerative condition of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ-1) characterised by a complete absence of the joint's sagittal plane motion, specifically dorsiflexion at the end stage of the disease. Hallux Limitus (HL) is the earlier stage of this condition with restriction in the saggital plane of motion. This article will discuss multiple conservative management concepts and main operative procedures in the treatment of hallux rigidus.

Clinically Relevant Anatomy

The base of the the first MTP specifically is where the degenerative arthritis is typically found. The joint is covered with articular cartilage, a shiny covering to protect the ends of the bones within the joint. As this covering wears, degeneration occurs until bone is against bone. Bone spurs develop as part of this degenerative process and movement decreases. Normal range of motion is between 65 to 100 degrees.

Aetiology

Structural factors associated with HR and HL are: dorsiflexed first metatarsal relative to the second metatarsal, a plantar flexed forefoot on the rearfoot, reduced first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion, a longer proximal phalanx, distal phalanx, medial sesamoid, and lateral sesamoid, and a wider first metatarsal and proximal phalanx

Mechanism of Injury / Pathological Proces

Hallux Rigidus (HR) is a progressive disorder where the great toe’s motion is decreased over time. Some causes are faulty function or biomechanics and structural abnormalities such as displaced sesamoid bones as a result of Hallux Valgus. Over time this leads to osteoarthritis and reduced range of movement in the joint.

Clinical Presentation

Hallux Rigidus presents with various signs and symptoms including:

• Pain (Burning pain and paraesthesia might be present)
• Stiffness
• Loss of motion
• Plantar calluses
• Joint enlargement

Pain, stiffness and loss of motion are the some signs of hallux rigidus. Burning pain and paraesthesia can be present. Walking, standing and wearing heels aggravate the pain. Symptoms are relieved by rest.

The normal dorsiflexion range of motion of the first MTP joint is at least 65 degrees.  Nawoczenski, et al showed a new standard of “normal” range of dorsiflexion range of motion of the great toe joint should now be set at approximately 45 degrees. However, this dorsiflexion range has only been verified for walking gait, not running.

Diagnostic Procedures

Weight bearing, anterior posterior and lateral radiographs are usually needed to examine the joint. Often non-uniform joint space narrowing, widening or flattening of the 1st MT head is seen. Subchondral sclerosis or cysts, horseshoe shaped osteophytes, lateral greater than medial osteophytes and sesamoid hypertrophy may be seen.

A clinical/radiographic grading system was described by Regnauld and appears mainly in the European literature.

Hattrup and Johnson described a radiographic classification which has become standard, and in fact correlates quite well with the Regnauld grading:

• Grade 1: mild to moderate osteophytes formation but good joint space preservation
  
• Grade 2: moderate osteophyte formation with joint space narrowing and subchondral sclerosis
  
• Grade 3: marked osteophyte formation and loss of the visible joint space, with or without subchondral cyst formation

Coughlin et al modified the Hattrup and Johnson classification to create the Coughlin and Shurnass classification:

• Grade 0:
  • Dorsiflexion 40-60°
  • Normal radiography
  • No pain
• Grade 1
  • Dorsiflexion 30-40°
  • Dorsal osteophytes
  • Minimal/ no other joint changes
• Grade 2
  • Dorsiflexion 10-30°
  • Mild to moderate joint narrowing or sclerosis
  • Osteophytes
• Grade 3
  • Dorsiflexion less than 10°
  • Severe radiographic changes
  • Constant moderate to severe pain at extremities
• Grade 4
  • Stiff joint
  • Severe changes with loose bodies and osteochondritis dissecans

Examination

• Look for other features of systemic arthropathy.
• Assess the overall foot shape, range of ankle dorsiflexion and function of the other foot joints Identify sites of tenderness – is the osteophyte symptomatic?
  
• Evaluate the severity of rigidity and the residual arc of movement.  Is pain provoked mainly by dorsiflexion, plantarflexion or throughout the range of movement?
  
• Check the alignment of the great toe, looking for IPJ hyperextension or hallux rigidus with valgus.  Are there any lesser ray problems?
• 1st MYP joint extension should be tested actively and passively with the patient in standing with a flexed knee
  

Outcome Measures

• Visual analog scales
• AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) scores
• Subjective self assessment score
• MTP dorsiflexion
• MTP total motion

Management / InterventionNonsurgical or conservative approaches:

Treatment for mild or moderate causes of Hallux rigidus includes anti-inflammatory NSAIDS medications that are often prescribed and usually start to relieve some symptoms with in three to four days. Glucosamine chondrointin sulfate, vitamins and minerals are recommended. Molded stiff inserts with rigid bar or rocker bottom shoes usually begin to help with in a few weeks. Shoes with a large toe box and cessation of high heels , kneeling or excessive squatting may help. Cortisone injections give relief with in 24 hours but often are only temporary.

Physical therapy to provide joint mobilizations, manipulation, range of motion, muscle reeducation, strengthening of the flexor hallucis longus muscles as well as the plantar intrinsics muscles of the feet can improve stability of the 1st MTP. Gait training for stage 1 and 2 (protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation) is often helpful to reduce the inflammation during initial stages. All of these measures can be of value to the patient even if he or she ultimately undergoes surgery.
Runners with stage II and greater hallux rigidus may need to switch to lightweight day hikers and switch from asphalt to dirt trails for long distance running.
Using rocking-soled shoes may also improve the step length of people with a hallux rigidus (level of evidence: 5).

The primary goal of foot orthotic therapy or shoe modification should be blocking or shielding the hallux from dorsiflexion at the first metatarsal.

(level of evidence: 5)

(level of evidence: 5)

Surgical therapy:

The indication for surgery is intractable pain isolated to the first metatarsophalangeal joint that is refractory to shoe modification, use of rigid shoe inserts, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and modification of activities. Choice depends on the stage of involvement, the limitations in range of motion, the activity level of the patient and the preferences of the surgeon and patient.

Types of surgery include:

• Cheiloectomy - A procedure to remove bone spurs at the top of the joint allowing greater toe extension and improved walking. Usually beneficial for mild to moderate disease with less than 50% of joint affected usually grade 1 and grade 2.
  

• Dorsiflexion phalangeal osteotomy - In patients with a reasonable range of motion, a dorsal wedge osteotomy of the phalanx increases dorsiflexion at a theoretical cost of loss of plantar flexion. Mild to moderate cases occasionally require this procedure.

• Metatarsal Osteotomy – a slice is removed from the dorsal limb to slide the head down and proximally. The Place for these procedures is uncertain and more complex than cheilectomies. These procedures are intended for use in early hallux rigidus

• Excision Arthroplasty or Keller procedure- The Keller procedure is when resection of the base of the proximal phalanx and soft-tissue reconstruction is performed with the intention to decompress the joint and improve pain and range of movement. The Keller procedure may lead to great toe weakness, cock-up deformity and metatarsalgia.

• MTP Arthrodesis -  This is a procedure is performed to fuse the joint surfaces and is a favored procedure. Suitable for most cases and severity but usually grades 3 and 4 are recommended .Suitable as salvage when other procedures have failed (for example Keller procedure) Arthrodesis of the first MPJ consistently show superior results and patient satisfaction in comparison to other surgical options. While cheilectomy may be beneficial for early stages of hallux rigidus, arthrodesis of the first MPJ appears to be the best option for the relief of symptoms with stage III and stage IV hallux rigidus in active, athletic patients.

• Artificial joint replacement- A procedure to replace joint surfaces with a plastic or metal surface. This technique of soft-tissue interposition arthroplasty gave excellent pain relief and reliable function of the hallux, and is an alternative treatment to MTP arthrodesis in select cases of severe hallux rigidus.  The downside to this is the joint may not last a life time and there is currently no study documenting the long-term performance of any first MTP joint prosthesis in running athletes

Differential Diagnosis

Turf toe, fracture, gout, rheumatoid arthritis could be some other causes of pain and stiffness in the 1st MTP joint.

Resources

Richie D. How To Treat Hallux Rigidus In Runners. 4 April 2009. Available from: www.podiatrytoday.com/how-to-treat-hallux-rigidus-in-runners. [last accessed 5/6/9]

Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle. Available at www.footankle.com/Hallux-Rigidus.htm [last accessed 24/5/9].