Effect of Obesity on Patient-Perceived Outcomes After First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis.

Background: While first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis is a common and effective procedure, there is a paucity of studies examining obesity's effect on outcomes of 1st MTPJ arthrodesis. This study's purpose was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes following 1st MTPJ arthrodesis in obese versus non-obese patients.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 94 patients undergoing first MTPJ fusion over the age of 18 with a diagnosis of hallux valgus or hallux rigidus was performed. Surgical and postoperative outcomes were examined preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months follow-up via Visual Analog Pain scale (VAS), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) surveys, and data were stratified into 2 patient groups: BMI < 30 (n = 62, mean age 63.9 ± 9.1 and ≥ 30 (n = 32, mean age 61.9 ± 8.4).

Results: Average overall VAS and SF-36 physical component scores improved significantly at 6 months (P < .001, .006) and 1 year postoperative visits (P < .001, .007) with no differences in survey scores, outcomes, or complications between weight groups.

Conclusion: Our study showed first MTPJ fusion improves short-term pain and physical quality-of-life in arthritic obese and non-obese patients without differences in nonunion, complications, or patient-reported measures.

Level of evidence: Level III, Prognostic, Case-Control Study.