Radiographic analysis of transverse plane digital alignment after surgical repair of the second metatarsophalangeal joint.

We undertook a retrospective cohort study of 51 feet in 49 patients with surgically managed second metatarsophalangeal joint instability, including repair of the crossover second toe deformity. The fundamental intervention consisted of proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis combined with second metatarsophalangeal joint relocation and Kirschner-wire transfixation, and this was performed alone or in combination with one of the following additional surgical maneuvers: flexor tendon transfer or flexor set release, flexor plate repair, placement of a plantar-lateral retention suture, extensor tendon transfer, metatarsophalangeal arthroplasty, metatarsal osteotomy, or second-to-third syndactyly. The outcome of interest was the presence of a transverse plane second metatarsophalangeal joint angle of 0 degrees to 15 degrees measured on the late postoperative follow-up radiograph.