FOOT & ANKLE INTERNATIONAL Copyright 2011 by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society DOI: 10.3113/FAI.2011.0933

Background: We assessed the long-term results following Keller resection arthroplasty for the treatment of hallux rigidus. We then compared them with alternative surgical methods like cheilectomy, arthrodesis and joint replacement. Methods: Eighty-seven cases of Keller resection arthroplasty for hallux rigidus were reviewed with mean followup of 23 years. Their mean age at time of surgery was 50 years. Analysis included personal clinical evaluation with the AOFAS Hallux Score, quality-of-life assessment using the SF-36, radiographic assess-ment, pedobarographic evaluation and analysis of the patients’ charts to detect any postoperative complications. Results: At the time of followup only five (5%) feet had undergone revi-sion surgery. For all other cases we calculated a mean AOFAS score of 83 points. Sixty-nine of 73 unrevised patients (94%