RETROSPECTIVE COMPARISON OF TWO DIFFERENT FIXATION METHODS FOR FIRST METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINT ARTHRODESIS

Purpose: Arthrosis of the first MTP joint is a common condition. Among the available arthrodesis methods, plate/screw and screw methods are the current treatment methods of choice. In this study, we investigated whether there is a difference between these two methods. Material and Methods: Thirty-four toes of 32 patients with advanced arthrosis were included in the study. Eighteen arthrodesis were fixed with locking plates/screws and 16 with cross-screws. In the radiological evaluations, malunion and nonunion were examined. Clinical evaluation was made according to AOFASResults: The mean age of the patients was 57.74 +/- 10.079 years and the mean follow-up period was 22.21 +/- 9.108 months. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical scores or union times between the two groups. As complications, superficial skin problems developed in 2 (5.9%) cases, deep infection in 3 (8.8%) cases, and nonunion in 3 (8.8%) cases. There was no statistically significant Conclusion: Plate/screw and cross-screw techniques give similar clinical and radiological results in cases of arthrodesis of the first MTP joint. The cross-screw technique, which can be performed more easily and