Reconstruction of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Following Post-cheilectomy Avascular Necrosis of the First Metatarsal Head: A Case Report

Avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head is a well-known, albeit rare, complication associated with hallux abductovalgus surgery. In this report, we describe the case of a 51-year-old male who developed osteonecrosis of the first metatarsal head 1 year after undergoing an isolated cheilectomy for the treatment of hallux rigidus. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of osteonecrosis following isolated cheilectomy used for the treatment of hallux rigidus. A bone graft substitute with undifferentiated stem cells was used to pack the medullary canals of the first metatarsal and the proximal phalanx. A section of autogenous calcaneal graft was used to perform a bone block distraction arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Level of Clinical Evidence: 4 (The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery 48(1): 61-69,2009)