Comparison of First Ray Arthrodesis Procedures With and Without Augmentation of Bioactive Glass: A Randomized Study Proposal
Description
First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis is a common treatment for hallux rigidus and hallux valgus. Although highly successful, the procedure carries risks of nonunion and prolonged recovery. Compression screw with locking plate technique is a standard fixation approach. Orthobiologics and bone grafts are increasingly utilized to reduce the risk of nonunion and speed recovery. There are variable surgical bioactive glass products (BAG) offered by companies, although supporting literature remains limited in foot and ankle surgery.
Our research is prompted by a patient who underwent first MTPJ arthrodesis on one foot without graft material and on the contralateral foot with BAG. This case allows comparison of radiographic healing and clinical recovery between arthrodesis sites. The patient shows quicker clinical improvement and osseous integration on the BAG side, though prior experience may have influenced recovery.
We hypothesize that patients will heal quicker with the BAG product. This randomized controlled prospective study will evaluate patients who have undergone 1st MTPJ and TMT arthrodesis with and without BAG. One physician evaluates radiographs at the 4-, 6-, and 8-week & 6- and 12-month post-operative intervals. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire will assess a patient’s functional status post-op. Favorable results using the BAG product could allow foot and ankle surgeons to select this orthobiologic with decreased nonunion and disease transmission risk and clinical recovery, improving the patient surgical experience.
Citation Information
Cornelison, Haley; McAllister, Emily; Pham, Caitlin; and Grambart, Sean T., "Comparison of First Ray Arthrodesis Procedures With and Without Augmentation of Bioactive Glass: A Randomized Study Proposal" (2026). Office of Research DMU Research Symposium. 47.
https://digitalcommons.dmu.edu/researchsymposium/2025rs/2025abstracts/47
Comparison of First Ray Arthrodesis Procedures With and Without Augmentation of Bioactive Glass: A Randomized Study Proposal
First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis is a common treatment for hallux rigidus and hallux valgus. Although highly successful, the procedure carries risks of nonunion and prolonged recovery. Compression screw with locking plate technique is a standard fixation approach. Orthobiologics and bone grafts are increasingly utilized to reduce the risk of nonunion and speed recovery. There are variable surgical bioactive glass products (BAG) offered by companies, although supporting literature remains limited in foot and ankle surgery.
Our research is prompted by a patient who underwent first MTPJ arthrodesis on one foot without graft material and on the contralateral foot with BAG. This case allows comparison of radiographic healing and clinical recovery between arthrodesis sites. The patient shows quicker clinical improvement and osseous integration on the BAG side, though prior experience may have influenced recovery.
We hypothesize that patients will heal quicker with the BAG product. This randomized controlled prospective study will evaluate patients who have undergone 1st MTPJ and TMT arthrodesis with and without BAG. One physician evaluates radiographs at the 4-, 6-, and 8-week & 6- and 12-month post-operative intervals. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire will assess a patient’s functional status post-op. Favorable results using the BAG product could allow foot and ankle surgeons to select this orthobiologic with decreased nonunion and disease transmission risk and clinical recovery, improving the patient surgical experience.
