Lapidus arthrodesis for management of hallux valgus--a retrospective review of 106 cases.

One hundred six patients who underwent a Lapidus arthrodesis for a symptomatic hallux valgus deformity, mainly with first ray hypermobility, were retrospectively reviewed. Radiograph and chart reviews were performed in addition to a patient survey completed at a mean 17 months postoperatively. Of the 78 patients who completed the survey, 70.5% were satisfied with the procedure; 80.2% would choose the same method again. Seven percent of patients were dissatisfied. Review of preoperative and 3-month postoperative radiographs showed a mean intermetatarsal angle reduction of 12.4 degrees . The average postoperative sesamoid position was 2.5, a 4.0 reduction from the preoperative mean value of 6.5. The complication rate was 5.7%, including 2 nonunions (1.8%) requiring a repeat surgery, 1 deep-vein thrombosis (0.9%), and 3 patients with complex regional-pain syndrome (2.7%). In 16% of patients, resolution of swelling and subjective complaints took longer than 3 months; 4.7% of patients developed sesamoiditis or metatarsalgia that resolved with conservative measures. Radiographic undercorrection was evident in 4.7% of patients. The results showed that the Lapidus procedure provided reliable correction in cases of severe hallux valgus with intermetatarsal angles >15 degrees and in those patients with first ray hypermobility.