Hallux Rigidus: A Literature Review of Classifications, Etiology and Treatment

The Hallux rigidus is a condition characterized by a progressive degenerative process for the hallux’s 1st metatarsophalangeal joint. After hallux valgus, hallux rigidus is he second pathology on a frequency order affecting the hallux and it is the most common arthritic pathology for the foot. Notwithstanding the large amount of documentation available in regard to this phenomenon, a definitive treatment algorithm still has not been retrieved. Therefore, it is still under debate. The medical literature supports the joints’ fusion as a technique having the most predictive and reproducible effect and satisfying results. However, multiple surgery alternatives that can delay or prevent the sacrifice of the joints’ movement are attested. The ideal treatment purpose should be the complete restoration of the foot’s normal functionality through the elimination of the pain, a good alignment and cosmetics and consequently, significantly improving patients’ quality of life, on either a medium or long term, pre-admonishing however the probability of future treatments in case the first could not be resolute.