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Does a Fusion End the Athlete's Career?

  • May 14, 2025
  • 1 min read

by Vince Vacketta, DPM


Midfoot and 1st metatarsal phalangeal (MTP) fusions are predictable for pain relief, but everyone wants to know if they can go back to sport after the surgery is healed. 


New insights


Masry et al. conducted a retrospective study of 136 patients who underwent fusions of the 1st MTP, tarsometatarsal (TMT), or Lisfranc (LF) joints. The study, using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), showed no difference in pain relief after five years. However, MTP fusions resulted in poorer outcomes regarding stiffness, daily function, sports function, and quality of life compared to midfoot fusions. 


Key takeaway: Expect to go back to sport



Patients can return to sport after midfoot and 1st MTP joint fusions. While midfoot fusions scored higher on the FAOS than 1st MTP fusions, both groups demonstrated a high rate of return to sport. 

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