Citation: Foot & Ankle International. 2014 Nov 6 [epub ahead of print]
Author: Howard N, Cowen C, Caplan M, Platt S
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prevalence of osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal
joint (MTPJ) has not been completely determined in a population-based study. The
aim of the study was to determine the age- and gender-related prevalence of
radiological first MTPJ arthritis.
METHODS: We analyzed 517 consecutive
radiographs of adult patients who presented with acute foot injuries to the
accident and emergency department over a 6-month period. Radiographs were
assessed independently by 2 authors using the Hattrup and Johnson grading system
for osteoarthritic changes in the first MTPJ.
RESULTS: The radiographic
prevalence of MTPJ arthritis in our population was 25% (127/517). Overall
incidence was higher in females, with 32% (85/269) of females affected in
comparison to 18% (44/248) of males. Variance between the sexes was
insignificant until the age of 60, at which point the prevalence rose to 66%
(53/80) in females compared with 47% (18/38) in males of the same
age.
CONCLUSIONS: The development of first MTPJ arthritis follows a typical
pattern of degenerative arthritis, as shown in other joints, with increasing age
being an important factor. The results of this study suggest that first MTPJ
arthritis begins to appear in most cases in middle age and is significantly more
apparent in females.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative case
series.
Link to PubMed record
