Surgical Treatment of End-Stage Hallux Rigidus Using a Total All-Ceramic Endoprosthesis: A Short-Term case series and literature review.

INTRODUCTION

Hallux rigidus is a degenerative arthropathy of the first MTP causing significant discomfort and pain to the patient. Treatment options include a conservative and surgical approach. This report and review describe cases of using all-ceramic implants for 3 patients, conceptualized through a comprehensive literature review.

METHODS

This prospective case series reports 3 patients undergoing surgery on implanting an all-ceramic implant to the first MTP with 6-month follow-up. The comprehensive literature review for the use of ceramic implants was done.

CASE SERIES: 3 patients underwent implantation of an all-ceramic first MTP. The AOFAS score was calculated before surgery and during follow-up. Results show improvement in the AOFAS score and preservation of the results over time. The radiographic examination revealed stability of the implant.

DISCUSSION: The results of this case series align with early reports in the literature suggesting promising short-term benefits of ceramic MTP joint arthroplasty. While case series with longer follow-up report controversial results, the limitations of studies and lack of RCTs show the need for additional investigations.

CONCLUSION

Ceramic MTP joint arthroplasty offers significant short-term relief and functional gains. Longer-term follow-up is essential to identify whether these improvements are sustained and assess the risk of complications.