New techniques and alternative fixation for the lapidus arthrodesis

Abstract

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsocuneiform joint is a powerful and durable procedure to help correct moderate to severe hallux valgus and/or first ray hypermobility. However, painful nonunion remains a notoriously high potential outcome. Research regarding locking plates seems promising, and data show lower rates of nonunion. Innovative fixation techniques are new and should be considered in the future as further literature is available on their long-term use. Regardless of the fixation, proper joint preparation and good compression is fundamentally the most important. A case of Lapidus fusion with locking plates after a failed arthrodesis with screws alone is presented.

Keywords: Arthroscopy; External fixation; First metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis; Lapidus procedure; Mini TightRope; Polyaxial and monoaxial locking plates.