Abstract
Background: Iatrogenic hallux varus is a very disappointing potential complication following hallux valgus surgery. Depending on its clinical and radiological form, a possible surgical technique is the reconstruction of the lateral components of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
Methods: A new surgical technique of ligamentoplasty based upon the use of the abductor hallucis tendon is described. The new method was applied in 5 patients (6 feet) with a mean follow-up of 25.8 months. Four hallux varus deformities were operated by only the transplant of the abductor hallucis tendon and two were associated with the use of an osseous buttress.
Results: We found a radiographic correction of most of the factors considered as being at the origin of the iatrogenically induced deformity. All of our patients considered the result as very good and no complications were noticed.
Conclusion: This new technique is a reliable, anatomic reconstruction with the use of the tendon participating in the physiopathology of the hallux varus deformity. No other functional tendon is harvested.
Correspondence should be addressed to Ms Larissa Welti, Scientific Secretary, EFORT Central Office, Technoparkstrasse 1, CH-8005 Zürich, Switzerland
