Automated percutaneous mechanical lumbar discectomy

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis commonly affect the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe. The joint may become predominantly stiff (hallux rigidus) or deformed (hallux valgus).

Conservative treatments include exercise, physiotherapy, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets or cream, and steroid injections into the joint. Surgery may be required in patients with severe symptoms that do not respond to conservative measures. The main surgical options are fusion of the joint (arthrodesis), simple excision of the joint (Keller's procedure) and joint replacement with an artificial implant.

Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint replacement is carried out under general or regional anaesthesia using tourniquet control. An incision is made over the joint and the capsule is exposed by dividing tissue and retracting tendon. The joint surfaces are excised and the medullary canals of the first metatarsal and proximal phalanx are reamed to accommodate the prosthetic joint implant. A preliminary reduction with a trial implant is done to ensure a snug fit and the implant components are then placed in each canal. The joint capsule is closed, and a flexible splint is used postoperatively to maintain the correct position.

The main outcome measures reported were pain relief and patient satisfaction. Three studies reported that 73% (8 out of 11), 79% (46 out of 58) and 100% (7 out of 7) of joints with implants were pain free after mean follow-ups of 17 months, 12 years and 35 months, respectively. Another study including 86 implants reported a statistically significant improvement in pain scores after the procedure. Two further studies reported pain relief in 66% (59 out of 90) of implants and 94% (30 out of 32) of patients (mean follow-ups of 3 years and 8 years, respectively).

Four studies reported that between 74% (29 out of 39) and 88% (7 out of 8) of patients were completely satisfied with the procedure (mean follow-ups of 12 months and 17 months, respectively). For more details, refer to the overview.

Most of the Specialist Advisors stated that this was an established technique. However, there is limited evidence on the durability of the newer implants.

The main complication reported was the formation of osteophytes around the implant. This affected between 4% (2 out of 49) and 71% (41 out of 58) of implants. Fractures were seen radiologically in 0% (0 out of 106) to 29% (21 out of 73) of implants, and frequency of fracture was related to the length of time that the implant had been in place. At the follow-up assessment, between 0% (0 out of 11) and 8% (3 out of 37) of implants had needed to be removed (mean follow-ups of 17 and 70 months, respectively). Other complications included malpositioning of the implant, infection, inflammation, dislocation and persistent pain. For more details, refer to the overview.

The Specialist Advisors stated that potential adverse events included persistent pain, infection, implant loosening, implant fracture, osteolysis, bone over-production, cyst formation, silastic granulomas and transfer metatarsalgia. Some of these complications may necessitate removal of the joint.

Radiological follow-up may demonstrate fracture of protheses or immobility of joints in the long term. However, the influence of these changes on symptom relief remains unclear.