Logo of The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery (Br)
Quick search:        
          Advanced Search
Guest Access | Sign In
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, Vol 90-B, Issue 10, 1334-1340.
doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.90B10.20506  
Copyright © 2008 by British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow FrenchSpanishGermanItalianRomanianPolishRussianCzechGreek
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in ISI Web of Science
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow My Folders
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Flavin, R.
Right arrow Articles by Stephens, M. M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Flavin, R.
Right arrow Articles by Stephens, M. M.

A finite-element analysis study of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the hallux rigidus

R. Flavin, MCh, AFRCSI, Senior Specialist Registrar in Orthopaedics1; T. Halpin, BE, Engineering PhD Student2; R. O’Sullivan, MSc, Physiotherapist3; D. FitzPatrick, BE, PhD, Head of School of Mechanical Engineering2; A. Ivankovic, PhD, Professor School of Mechanical Engineering2; and M. M. Stephens, MSc(Bioeng), FRSC(Orth), Orthopaedic Surgeon1

1 Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Cappagh, Dublin 11, Ireland.
2 University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
3 Gait Laboratory, Central Remedial Clinic, Vernon Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland.

Correspondence should be sent to Dr R. Flavin; e-mail: flavinr{at}gmail.com

Hallux rigidus was first described in 1887. Many aetiological factors have been postulated, but none has been supported by scientific evidence. We have examined the static and dynamic imbalances in the first metatarsophalangeal joint which we postulated could be the cause of this condition. We performed a finite-element analysis study on a male subject and calculated a mathematical model of the joint when subjected to both normal and abnormal physiological loads.

The results gave statistically significant evidence for an increase in tension of the plantar fascia as the cause of abnormal stress on the articular cartilage rather than mismatch of the articular surfaces or subclinical muscle contractures. Our study indicated a clinical potential cause of hallux rigidus and challenged the many aetiological theories. It could influence the choice of surgical procedure for the treatment of early grades of hallux rigidus.






(c) British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery All Rights Reserved
Registered charity no: 209299     Print ISSN: 0301-620X
Hip, Knee, Trauma, Upper limb, Foot & Ankle, Paediatrics, Oncology, Spine, Arthroplasty, General