The authors introduce a new incisional approach to surgery of the rheumatoid foot. Advantages and disadvantages are presented. Historical comparisons are discussed, along with refinement of techniques for pan metatarsal head resection.
The rheumatoid foot remains one of the most challenging yet rewarding surgical procedures performed. As foot surgeons, it is imperative to possess a thorough knowledge of all incisional approaches available. One must also understand the inherent complications and sequelae that can result from these surgeries.
The podiatric surgical community has rejected the transverse plantar and dorsal incisional
approaches first described by Hoffman (1) and Clayton (2). Many authors have modified these
transverse incisions to include proximal phalangeal base removal or even digital amputation (35).
Figures 1 through 4 illustrate the more commonly used incisions described prior to 1951(6). The authors submit that all four incisions usually resulted in loss of function, severe morbidity, chronicedema, complicated postoperative course and poor cosmesis. In spite of the improvements and modifications illustrated, they all remain primarily salvage procedures for painfully deformed rheumatoid feet.
Larmon (7) advocated the three longitudinal linear incisional approach to the rheumatoid foot: i.e., overlying the first metatarsophalangeal joint (similar to Keller arthroplasty), then two dorsal incisions within the second and fourth metatarsal interspaces. Although he advocated removing the phalangeal bases, he was the first to abandon the transverse approach. Larmon's logic behind this procedure was to allow for maximum tissue exposure with minimal trauma to surrounding vital structures. This procedure was popular until 1983 when Hodor and Dobbs (6) introduced the five incision approach to the rheumatoid foot. This modification addressed each individual metatarsophalangeal joint separately, through five overlying dorsal linear incisions. Both procedures were major modifications. They provided significant improvements in tissue exposure and decreased patient morbidity. However, the three and five incisional approaches are not without draw backs and potential complications. The authors compare their new modifications with the Larmon (7) - three incisional, and the Hodor and Dobbs (6) - five incisional approaches. Advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed.
Larmon - Three Linear Dorsal Incisions (Fig. 5)
Advantages: Postoperative scar contracture does not affect the digits, early
ambulation postoperatively, limited morbidity with simple wound management, and good cosmesis.
Disadvantages: Limited surgical exposure to metatarsal heads, high incidence of injury to
intermetatarsal neurovascular structures, and large surgical tissue deficit with difficulty preserving
the metatarsophalangeal joint capsule and periosteum .
Conclusion: A good procedure for mild rheumatoid foot with minimal digital
subluxation, however the second and fifth metatarsophalangeal joints cannot be addressed
without damage to skin and vital tissues.
Hodor and Dobbs - Five Incisional Approach
(Fig.6)
Advantages: Provides good access to metatarsophalangeal joints, adequate tissue
exposure with minimal damage to neurovascular structures, early ambulation with limited
postoperative morbidity, good preservation of capsular and periosteal tissues (minimal deadspace
postoperatively) and good cosmesis.
Disadvantages:Skin incisions are in close proximity to one another, especially when
metatarsus adductus is present, higher incidence of skin slough, and scar contractions are linear,
and may contribute to recontraction of the digits postoperatively.
Conclusion:
Used primarily by the authors with fair results, however, the incisions are often in very close
proximity - coverging and diverging to accommodate metatarsus adductus. This leads to possible
tissue necrosis. Scar contraction is an often postoperative complication and contributes to unwanted
loss of digital position.
New Approach - One Linear Two Lazy "S" Incisions
Procedure
The first incision is consistent with the Keller arthroplasty. The surgeon may elect to resect the
proximal
. The new surgical approach; two lazy "S" incisions for lesser metatarsal head exposure and excision.
The Keller incision is the third incision and may be staged depending upon the severity of the patient's
deformity.phalangeal base of the hallux with or without first metatarsal head resection or remodeling.
The authors prefer "U" flap capsular closure without fixation whenever possible; however, single
Kirschner wire fixation and purse string capsular closure is also acceptable. The lesser
metatarsophalangeal joints can present a difficult challenge during rheumatoid foot surgery.
These joints are destroyed by hypertrophic synovial tissue or pannus formation. They are often
painfully dislocated, being pushed through the plantar aspect of the foot by subluxed digits. The
following procedure is useful for pan metatarsal resection with or without Keller arthroplasty.
It can also be used for multiple metatarsal osteotomies and for partial or total metatarsal head
resection.
Second Incision.
The second incision begins distal medial,
overlying the second metatarsophalangeal joint, initiating at the medial base of the second digital
proximal phalanx. It then progresses inferior laterally overlying the third metatarsophalangeal joint.
It extends in a lazy "S" pattern and proceeds along the medial shaft of the third metatarsal
(Figs. 7, 8).
The incision is deepened,
clamping and ligating the dorsal venous structures as necessary. Adequate subcutaneous tissue must
be preserved in order to maintain a viable skin flap. Once skin exposure has been obtained, extensor
digitorium longus tenectomies (approximately 1 cm. of tendon) are performed. The extensor digitorum
brevis tendons are preserved (Figs. 9, 10,). Each metatarsophalangeal
joint is then addressed individually be separate capsular incisions 
(Fig. 11). Capsilar-periosteal incisions are performed over the second and third metatarsophalangeal
joints.
Third Incision.
In similar fashion to the second, this incision begins
at the medial base of the fourth digital phalanx and proceeds inferior laterally (almost transversely) to the
middle of the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint. The incision then curves in a lazy "S" fashion and
continues along the medial shaft of the fifth metatarsal (7-12).
The wound is now deepened avoiding or litigating superficial vessels. Once again, great care is taken
to preserve the tissue underlying the flap and skin is relected and retracted. The long extensor
tendons are again identified and tenectomies are performed. The extensor digitorum brevis tendon
to the fourth digit is left intact(Fig. 13).Each metatarsophalangeal
joint is again addressed individually, and capsular tissue tagged for later closure.
Metatarsal head resection with maintenance of parabolic length is mandatory and easily visualized through both incisions. Digital fusion with preservation of all phalangeal bases is performed on digits 2, 3, and 4.Kirschner wire fixation of these digits is recommended including Kirschner wire stabilization of the fifth digitarthroplasty (Fig. 12). The 0.045inch Kirschner wires are advanced through each respective metatarsal medullary canal and into the metatarsal bases. Usually this provides good stabilization and retraction of surgical dead spaces. In most cases, a surgical drain is not needed providing each metatarsophalangeal joint has been carefully closed and purse stringed. After closing each individual joint capsule, subcutaneous tissue is affected with meticulous care to re-approximate adjacent tissues. Skin edges should be closed with minimal tension. The authors strongly recommend simple interrupted prolene sutures to allow for edematous expansion as well as suture release should it be needed postoperatively. A large gauze dressing is needed as well as mild compressive dressing to control edema. Postoperative shoe with crutches or walker for stability with ambulation is acceptable.
Advantages: Provides for maximum tissue exposure, preservation of vital intermetatarsal
neurovascular structures, minimal tissue deficit postoperatively, scar contracture does not alter
postoperative position of the lesser digits, early ambulation, minimal morbidity, and good cosmesis.
Case Presentations
Disadvantages: Technically difficult to perform, requires meticulous handling of tissue,
incisions require careful planning prior to surgery, and tedious suturing time is required.
Figures 14 and 15 are the preoperative photographs of a 39 year
old rheumatoid arthritic female. The digital contraction with subsequent retrograde buckling, plantar
displacement of the lesser metatarsals and pannus formation is responsible for her chronically painful
fore foot. Figure 16 is the preoperative anteroposterior radiograph;
clearly illustrating significant metatarsophalangeal joint destruction. Preoperatively the patient had been
maintained on oral prednisone (15 mg. daily)for 14 months. On call to the operating room, 100 mg. of
hydrocortisone was administered intravenously. Intraoperatively, and immediately postoperatively an
additional 100 mg. of hydrocortisone was again infused. On the first postoperative day, oral prednisone
therapy resumed and was increased to 40 mg. The patient was discharged from the hospital with a
tapered oral prednisone regiment of 30 mg. for 3 days, 20 mg. for 2 days, and resumption of her 15mg.
daily dosage. The patient was also given a prescription for acetaminophen with codeine #3 if needed
for pain. She presented postoperatively at 3 and 7day intervals with minimal edema or pain.
Postoperative x-rays (Figs. 17 and 18) demonstrate the maintenance
of the metatarsal parabola as well as Kirschner wire fixation into the metatarsal bases. In this individual a
0.062inch Kirschner wire and "U" flap capsular closure were used for the Keller arthroplasty, as
well as minimal bone removal on the fifth metatarsal head. These modifications are the surgeon's
preference for this patient; however, the surgical incision allows for maximum exposure and visualization
for intraoperative decisions. 
Figure 19is a 3week postoperative
photograph. The Kirschner wire was removed from the first metatarsophalangeal joint at 2 weeks to
allow for early mobilization of the joint. The lesser 0.045inch Kirschner wires will be removed at 5 weeks
in order to provide adequate stabilization and subsequent fusion of digits2, 3, and 4. The patient was
able to ambulate unassisted at 8 weeks in athletic shoes and was without fore foot pain.
Figure 20 is a postoperative photograph taken 1year later.
The patient was ambulating comfortably and presented for surgery of her right foot. Four years
postoperatively, she is able to wear conventional shoes with comfort, and remains free of foot pain.
Figures 21 and 22 are preoperative photographs of the left foot of a
47 year-old rheumatoid arthritic female. The patient also found walking unbearably painful; especially
under the second and third metatarsophalangeal joint. The preoperative x-rays
(Figures 23,24) clearly substantiate her complaints. Ironically, in spite of the severe damage to her
forefoot, the first metatarsophalangeal joint was completely pain free with fair to good range of motion.
The patient refused to consent to Keller arthroplasty, which was recommended based on the probable
future destruction of this joint. The authors believed recommending Reverdin Laird bunionectomy was
inappropriate knowing that the joint would probably require future surgery. Metatarsal head resections
of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th were performed, as well as digital arthrodesis. The first metatarsophalangeal
joint was left intact; however, the patient was advised that she would undergo Keller arthroplasty
when needed (Fig. 25). The patient was admitted for same day surgery.
Preoperatively, she had been maintained on an oral prednisone dosage of 5 mg. daily. Intraoperatively,
100 mg. of hydrocortisone was administered intravenously. The patient was discharged with an oral
prednisone regiment of 20 mg. for 2 days;10 mg. for 2 days, and resumption of her daily 5mg. dose
(Figs. 26, 27).
The 6-week postoperative photograph is shown 1 week after Kirschner wire removal
(Figs. 28, 29). Figure30 was taken 14 months postoperatively.
The first metatarsophalangeal joint is functional and asymptomatic. This weight bearing photograph
illustrates good cosmesis obtained from this incisional approach.
Figures 31-33 are the preoperative photographs and x-rays
of the same patient's right foot 2 years earlier. Evidence of an old second metatarsal stress fracture
is seen. The patient's chief complaint was pain under the third and fourth metatarsals as is clearly
evident from the dislocations seen on the x-rays. The first metatarsophalangeal joint is again void
of major joint destruction and the patient did not consent to Keller
arthroplasty. In addition to her chief complaint, she also complains of a prominent and painful tailor's
bunion.
Intraoperatively, the fifth metatarsal head resection resulted in considerable bone removal and dead
space. A 0.045-inch Kirschner wire was introduced through the fifth digit arthroplasty to maintain
stability and the capsule interposed to prevent hematoma (as evidenced by postoperative
radiographs, Fig's.34 and 
35
and the 1-week postoperative photograph Fig. 36). Figures 37 and 38
represent 1-month and 5-month follow-up photographs of the patient's right foot
(Fig's 39, 40).
At 8 months postoperatively, the patient related increasing pain and misalignment of her
left first metatarsophalangeal joint and toe, respectively. She also became increasingly
concerned her right toe would follow the same course. At 8 months postoperatively for the
right foot, the patient elected to bilaterial metatarsophalangeal joint destructive procedures. 
Figure 41 represents the postoperative photograph of both feet. Keller arthroplasty was performed on the right foot. Austin-Keller bunionectomy was performed on the left foot due to an increase in both joint destruction and first metatarsal deviation over the past three years (Fig. 42). The authors recommend staging forefoot reconstruction when patients present with severe bilateral rheumatoid foot pain.
Discussion
In most dorsal incisional approaches to the rheumatoid foot, the surgeon should not expect to
clearly visualize the metatarsophalangeal joint spaces. The joints are usually occluded by the
phalangeal bases which may be articulating with the metatarsal necks or shafts. The deep
linear capsular incisions begin on the digital bases and extend onto the metatarsal shafts.
It is imperative to palpate bone beneath the soft tissue prior to cutting. When attempting
metatarsal head removal, the metatarsal should be cut longer than desired length to facilitate
surgical excision. The desired osteotomy is made proximal to the first cut, removing a small
section of bone (Fig. 39). The free metatarsal head now has
some space to be clamped and tilted into the operative field ( Fig.
40). It is then sharply and carefully dissected out.
This will provide easier metatarsal head removal when plantar adhesions, fibrous and pannus tissue are present. Kirschner wires are removed in 5 to 6 weeks. Digits 2, 3, 4 and 5 are wrapped and splinted to provide additional support. The authors prefer to use 1/4 inch Gauzetex dressing and flexible collodion to create a digital cast. After approximately 8 to 10 weeks, the patient may use a Coban dressing on the digits and forefoot. At this time, a supportive athletic shoe can be worn without discomfort. Normal shoe gear can be resumed after 16 to 20 weeks.
Summary
The new surgical approach to pan metatarsal
head resection provides the best of all prior incisions found in the literature. Good wound
exposure; individual metatarsal head resection; yet, avoidance of the metatarsal interspaces.
Postoperative course and cosmesis are comparable or superior with earlier described
approaches. Minimal scar contraction does not contribute to digital recontraction (a common sequelae
to the five incisional approach). Skin slough is a rare occurrence if the incisions are performed properly.
The rheumatoid foot presents in various grades of severity. The authors recommend surgical
intervention for "end stage" or when advanced joint destructive changes are present.
Pan metatarsal excision can bestaged as the patient's symptoms present. The authors also
recommend digital arthrodesis for both mild and severe rheumatoid feet to prevent recurrence
of digital contraction. The surgeon should be familiar with all possible approaches described in
the literature and choose that approach most beneficial to the patient.
3. Gauzetex, General Bandages, Inc., Morton Grove, Illinois 60053.
4. Coban, 3M Medical Surgical Division, St. Paul, Minnesota551441000.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank Mr. Robert Klopfer for illustrations, and Umberto Salustro for photographic reproduction.
References
- Hoffmann, P. An operation for severe grades of contracted or clawed toes. Am. Orthop. Surg.
9:441448, 191 l.
- Clayton, M. L. Surgery of the forefoot in rheumatoid arthritis.Clin. Orthop. 16: l36 - 140, 1960.
- Fowler, A, W. A method of forefoot reconstruction. J. Bone JointSurg. 418:507-513, 1959.
- Amuso, S. J., Wissinger, H. A., Margolis, H. M., Eisenbeis, C.H., Stolzer, B. L.
Metatarsal head resection in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Clin. Orthop. 74:94 - 100, 1971.
- Gschwend, N. Surgical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Operations on the Foot, pp,
254-260, W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, 1980.
- Hodor, L., Dobbs, B. M. Pan metatarsal head resection: a review and new approach.
J. A. P. A. 73:287 - 292, l983.
- Larmon, W. Surgical treatment of deformities of rheumatoid arthritis of the forefoot and toes. Q. Bull. Northwestern Univ.Med. School. 25:3942, 1951.
Additional References
- Barton, N. J. Arthroplasty of the forefoot in rheumatoid arthritis. J.Bone Joint Surg.
- 55B:126133, 1973.
- Gould, N. Surgery of the forepart of the foot in rheumatoid arthritis. Foot Ankle 3:173179,
- 1982.
- Key, J. A. Surgical revision of arthritic feet. Am. Surg. 79:667 - 672,1950.
- Marmor, L. Resection of the forefoot in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin. Orthop. 108:223 - 227,
- 1975.
- Schwartzmann, J. R. The surgical management of foot deformities in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Clin. Orthop. 36:8695, 1964.
