Arthroscopic surgery of the metatarsophalangeal first joint.

Arthroscopic surgery of the metatarsophalangeal first joint was used to treat a dorsal impingement syndrome of the hallux by removing the dorsally located osteophytes. Also, osteochondritis dissecans, painful sesamoid bones resistant to conservative therapy, and hallux rigidus were arthroscopically treated in a prospective study enrolling 24 consecutive patients. Seventeen patients were high-level athletes. Pain, swelling, sports, and work involvement were recorded. The operative technique is described. There was one persistent loss of sensitivity of the hallux. In the dorsal impingement group, 8 of 12 patients had a good or excellent result after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. In patients with osteochondritis dissecans, 3 of 4 showed good or excellent results. In hallux rigidus and sesamoid bone removal the results were less favorable. As in all arthroscopic procedures there was a fast rehabilitation and work resumption. Especially in athletes arthroscopically, treatment of a dorsal impingement syndrome or osteochondritis dissecans can be recommended because of the diminished chance of scar fibrosis.