Interpositional Arthroplasty of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint using a Collagen Patch Allograft for Hallux Rigidus: A Case Report

The surgical options for arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint include cheilectomy, interpositional arthroplasty, and arthrodesis.Arthrodesis provides reliable pain relief but sacrifices joint motion.Therefore, motion-preserving interpositional arthroplasty is preferred for selected active patients.This paper reports a case and early outcomes of interpositional arthroplasty of the first MTP joint using a collagen patch allograft circumferentially wrapped around the metatarsal head, secured with symmetric 1.6-mm mini suture anchors, and protected by temporary transarticular K-wire fixation.At 6 weeks, the pain decreased (VAS 8→3), and the active dorsiflexion/ plantarflexion improved to approximately 45°/45°, without wound complications or radiographic loosening.The collagen patch allograft provided uniform coverage and mechanical stability while avoiding donor-site morbidity associated with autografts.This technique is a reproducible, motion-preserving alternative for patients seeking to maintain joint mobility.Nevertheless, longer-term studies will be required to evaluate the durability and comparative outcomes.