Review of the evidence: surgical management of 4th and 5th tarsometatarsal joint osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis of the lateral tarsometatarsal joints is less common than that which is seen in the 1st-3rd tarsometatarsal joints. Despite a suspected increase in incidence of tarsometatarsal arthritis and consequently the burden of disability and economic impact, guidelines for treatment and decision making remain scarce. When conservative treatment fails, lateral column osteoarthritis can severely limit a patient's mobility, lifestyle, and present a difficult management problem for the foot and ankle specialist. Evidence for the surgical techniques used in treatment of lateral column osteoarthritis is limited and sporadic within the literature. This article aims to summarise and compare the evidence for these surgical management options. This article looks at aetiology and epidemiology, with a summary of the biomechanics of the region and a comprehensive review of the literature regarding surgical treatment options.

Keywords: Fusion; Interposition; Lateral column; Midfoot; Osteoarthritis; Tarsometatarsal joints.