Interphalangeal Resection Arthroplasty for the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Deformities and Ulcers of the Toes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are serious complications that induce a high risk of lower extremity amputations and mortality. Compared with the standard of care, few reports analyzed the outcome of surgical treatment mainly for diabetic toe deformities and ulcers. The aim of this study is to collate evidence on the outcomes of interphalangeal resection arthroplasty (IP-RA) in preventing and treating diabetic toe ulcers distal to the metatarsophalangeal joint.

Methods: A search strategy has been developed including electronic databases from inception. Only ulcers distal to the metatarsophalangeal joints were included. Noninfected and infected ulcers were also included at any toe location (dorsal/side/plantar). Outcomes were defined as healing rate, time to heal, ulcer recurrence, ulcer transfer, postintervention infection, wound dehiscence, and additional surgeries including amputation. Proportional meta-analysis was conducted for frequency outcomes.

Results: Six observational studies comprising 217 patients with 244 IP-RA procedures were included. The mean follow-up period was 23.4 ± 8.2 months. Weighted frequencies were as follows: healing rate (93.6%), ulcer recurrence frequency (4.3%), ulcer transfer frequency (15.4%), postoperative infection (10.5%), wound dehiscence (17.8%), revision surgery (5%), and amputation rate (3.4%). The mean healing time was 4.3 ± 1.8 weeks.

Conclusion: This review suggests that IP-RA is effective in preventing and treating diabetic toe deformities and ulcers with a modest rate of complications for this specific and often challenging clinical presentation.