Cheilectomy as a first-line surgical treatment option yields good functional results in grade III hallux rigidus

Background: This study aimed to analyze the functional results of cheilectomy in the surgical treatment of grade III hallux rigidus and to evaluate whether cheilectomy is a preferable first-line treatment over other surgical methods. Methods: Of 29 patients with moderate daily physical activity who underwent cheilectomy between 2009 and 2012 on being diagnosed as having grade III hallux rigidus according to the Coughlin-Shurnas grading system, 21 patients (14 women and 7 men; mean age, 59.2 years; age range, 52–67 years) (22 feet) with regular follow-up and complete medical records were included in the study. The patients were evaluated in the preoperative and postoperative periods using a visual analog scale for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society metatarsophalangeal assessment forms. Results: The preoperative mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score of 53 (range, 29–67) improved to 78 (range, 57–92) postoperatively (Wilcoxon test P =.001). The preoperative mean visual analog scale score of 89 (range, 60–100) improved to 29 (range, 0–70) in the postoperative period (Wilcoxon test P =.001). Conclusions: As a simple and repeatable procedure that allows for further joint-sacrificing surgical procedures when required, cheilectomy is a preferable method to be applied as a first-line option for the surgical treatment of grade III hallux rigidus.