A comprehensive and narrative review of historical aspects and management of low-grade hallux rigidus: conservative and surgical possibilities

Hallux rigidus, Latin for Stiff Toe, is characterized by an osteoarthritic degeneration of the articular surfaces of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The aim of this literature narrative overview is to summarize and expose the great amount of management concepts and information, including the well-codified operative procedures and the more up to date knowledge about non-operative and surgical treatment of hallux rigidus. This may provide current information for physicians, medschool attendants and researchers. A comprehensive literature search using PubMed database has been performed, up to April 1, 2017. Several different types of treatment are described in the literature for low-grade hallux rigidus. The management for hallux rigidus can involve a variety of therapeutic interventions, conservative or operative. Hallux rigidus is a complex disease characterized by several clinical and pathological findings, and to achieve optimal results, surgical treatment for low-grade forms should be chosen between several surgical techniques depending on the degree of arthritis and other different clinical conditions.