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PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The authors in their paper evaluate a group of patients who underwent arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint using a locking plate. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the period 2010-2015, we performed surgery in 51 patients (56 forefeet), of which in 5 cases bilaterally and in 46 cases unilaterally, in 38 women and 13 men. The mean age was 57.8 years, the mean follow-up was 3.1 years. The indications for surgery were hallux rigidus in 23 patients, hallux valgus in 15 patients, hallux varus in 3 patients, and hallux erectus in 2 patients. In 4 patients the surgery was performed for valgus deformity associated with rheumatoid arthritis, 9 patients were indicated for a failure of the prior surgical intervention. In all 56 forefeet, the anatomic, low-profile titanium plate Variable Angle LCP 1st MTP Fusion Plate 2.4/2.7 was used. RESULTS According to Gainor s score the surgical outcomes were assessed as excellent in 46 patients who underwent surgery (90%), good in 4 patients (8%), fair in 1 patient (2%), and poor in 0 patient (0%). In 53 forefeet, the control radiographs showed solid bone union. In 2 patients and 3 forefeet, non-union of the arthrodesis occurred. In 2 forefeet, revision arthrodesis was performed, after which solid bone union followed. Malpositioned union was reported in 5 forefeet, of which in 4 cases into valgosity and in 1 case into dorsiflexion. DISCUSSION Numerous fixation materials can be used for arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The use of the least stable Kirschner wires (cerclage) is being abandoned and substituted with a more stable fixation by screws, memory staples and locking plates. The achievement of excellent results requires proper positioning of the arthrodesis. Impingement syndrome between the big toe and the second toe can result in painful callosities formation, too large dorsiflexion can lead to a hallux hammertoe, with reduced big toe support function, to metatarsalgia. CONCLUSIONS The arthrodesis is indicated in patients with Grade III and IV hallux rigidus, with severe hallux valgus, hallux varus, and in patients in whom the previous surgeries failed. We tend to prefer stable arthrodesis. Fixation by anatomic LCP plate facilitates early rehabilitation, loading and early return to work and sports activities. Key words: arthrodesis, metatarsophalangeal joint, hallux rigidus, hallux valgus.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To give a description of the patient group, risk factors, classification, therapeutic procedures and treatment outcomes in periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty treated in the Trauma Hospital in Brno. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study comprised of 51 patients treated for a periprosthetic femoral fracture between 2003 and 2013. This included 19 (37%) intra-operative and 32 (63%) post-operative fractures. According to the Vancouver classification, the types of fractures were as follows: 9 patients A; 21 B1; 9 B2; 6 B3 and 6 with type C. RESULTS Type A fractures were treated conservatively. Although pseudoarthrosis of the greater trochanter occurred, the patients had no clinical problems. The intra-operative type B1 fractures were managed by cerclage tapes in nine patients and the post-operative B1 fractures were treated by plate osteosynthesis in 10 patients and femoral stem reimplantation in two patients. All post-operative type B2 and type B3 fractures were managed by reimplantation of the femoral stem and type C fractures were treated by plate osteosynthesis. Serious complications requiring revision surgery were recorded in five patients; they included plate failure in two B1 fractures, dislocation of a B2 fracture, a dislocation with femoral component rotation in a B3 fracture and failure of the plate in a type C fracture. CONCLUSIONS The treatment of a periprosthetic fracture can affect the patient's life. In view of the fracture type, implant type, general health of the patient and all risk factors, the authors prefer one-stage surgical treatment. The Vancouver classification is a guidleine for the therapeutic plan. Osteosynthesis as a single procedure is indicated only if the femoral component is stable and well fixed. When the stem in B2 and B3 fractures is loose, revision surgery with stem replacement is necessary. Key words: periprosthetic fracture, total hip atrhroplasty, Vancouver classification.