[Resection arthroplasty of the metatarsophalangeal joints after Clayton (10 years of clinical experience) (author's transl)].

57 resection arthroplasties of the metatarsophalangeal joints using the method of Clayton were performed in arthritic and arthrotic deformities of the forefoot. 43 feet were controlled after an average of 5 years postoperatively. The good postoperative position of the toes changes into a progressive shortening, dorsal transposition and frequently valgus direction of the toes during the first year after operation. The deformity is much less than preoperatively. Passive mobility is good, but there is little active motion. The splay foot deformity is reduced in 50% of the cases. No arthritic recurrences were observed, callosities, clavi and mild pain were rarely found. Foot movements, walking ability was improved in all patients and 50% were wearing standard shoes. The results are influenced negatively by errors in resection technique, particularly lack of plantar rounding, exaggerated resection and unfavourable differencies in length of the metatarsal bones, and occasionally by secondary ossifications.