HALLUX VALGUS ASSOCIATED WITH VALGUS DEFORMITY OF THE LESSER TOES

Abstract

A significant number of hallux valgus is associated with valgus deviation of 2nd, 3rd and 4th toes. We recommend correction of the valgus deformity of all four rays simultaneously., because recurrence of the hallux valgus is very frequent if only the first ray is realigned.

From 1978 to 1990 a series of 236 feet were operated upon for hallux valgus deformity using a distal osteotomy of the first rnetatarsal. These cases were followed up for a mean of 6, 1 years and showed that the recurrence rate was as high as 28%. Our observation was that, in the majority’ of cases, recurrence of the deformity occurred in those feet in which hallux valgus was combined with valgus deformity of the lesser toes due to varus deviation of the corresponded metatarsals. From 1990 to 1998, another series of 386 feet were operated for hallux valgus. In more than one third of them (142 feet in 96 patients) hallux valgus was associated by valgus deformity of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes. These cases were operated using a distal osteotomy of the first rnetatarsal combined with osteotomies of lesser metatarsals aiming not only to face metatarsalgia, but to correct valgus deformity of the lesser toes simultaneously. These patients were followed up for a mean of 4.8 years.

The results were excellent in 73 feet, good in 47, fair in 17 and poor in 5. The recurrence rate dropped to 7%.

If hallux valgus is combined with valgus deformity of the lesser toes, correction of only the first ray creates a gap between first and second toe. Consequently there is no blocking effect toward valgus deviation of the great toe due to the gap remaining between the first and second toe.

The above combined procedure seems to give better results with low recurrence rate in comparison with the results of single correction of the first ray.