Clinical and Kinematic Outcomes Based on Bone Graft Utilization for Salvage First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis: A Systematic Review

Motion-preserving options for the treatment of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) osteoarthritis are appealing, but the conversion to arthrodesis in failed cases comes with additional challenges. Loss of first ray length may not only lower arthrodesis success rates but can also cause aberrancies in the biomechanics of the foot and ankle. Selection of the proper graft for the restoration of length is crucial in order to minimize the chance of post-operative complications. The primary objective of this systematic review was to determine the optimal graft type for MTP salvage arthrodesis in terms of clinical outcomes, kinematic outcomes, and bony integration to improve patient care. A systematic review was performed using PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, and Web of Science from database inception until 20 June 2023. Inclusion criteria were articles that examined clinical outcomes, examined different types of bone grafts, discussed impact of bone graft on lengthening, and articles related to first MTP arthrodesis salvage procedures. Data extraction relating to clinical metrics and kinematic metrics was performed and analyzed. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare graft types, such as (1) foot and ankle autograft, (2) non-foot and ankle autograft, and (3) allograft. A total of ten articles met eligibility criteria from 180 articles initially retrieved. Included patients (n = 164) had a frequency-weighted mean age of 55.2 ± 4.6 years with a frequency-weighted mean time from primary to salvage procedure of 36.6 ± 21.9 months and a frequency-weighted mean follow-up time of 42.7 ± 17.4 months. The non-foot and ankle autograft group had a mean length restoration of 4.4 ± 0.1 mm (n = 33, 73.3% reported) whereas the allograft group had a mean length restoration of 7.6 ± 3.5 mm (n = 49, 100% reported). The foot and ankle autograft group (n = 12 procedures) had an overall complication rate of 25.0%, the non-foot and ankle autograft group (n = 45 procedures) had an overall complication rate of 53.3%, and the allograft group (n = 49 procedures) had an overall complication rate of 10.2%. Preoperative AOFAS scores were lower but improved postoperatively, with the allograft group showing the highest postoperative scores, shorter time to union, and varying graft lengths among different autograft subgroups. The allograft group for salvage MTP arthrodesis has promise, as this group had the greatest mean length restoration and the lowest complication rate. This is the first systematic review examining different bone graft utilization for salvage MTP arthrodesis. More high-quality research is needed before solid recommendations can be made on this topic.