Aim. To assess if immediate post-operative weight bearing has a negative influence on the results of osteotomy plus distal soft tissue repair to correct hallux valgus. Design. The results of a crescentic osteotomy plus distal soft tissue repair with Akin osteotomy added as indicated were assessed in 61 consecutive cases. Thirty five were bilateral. This gives a total of 96 feet. During this time other procedures were also performed for hallux valgus. Results. The mean age of the patients was 54 years [16–79]. Measurements of the angles were done pre-operatively, at six weeks post op and at the time of final follow-up, at least three months post-surgery. Only one case was totally lost to follow-up, although in some cases some of the measurements were lost or could not be retrieved. The mean pre-operative angle between first and second metatarsals was 14.8° and the hallux valgus angle was 29.8°. The average decrease of the intermetatarsal angle at six weeks was 5.9° and at final follow-up 5.5°. The correction of the hallux valgus at six weeks averaged 13.3° and at final follow-up 13°. Repair of an adjacent clawed second toe was done in 25 of the feet. A number of other smaller procedures were also done in a small number of cases. Superficial sepsis was present in two cases, both cleared up on treatment. In three cases it appeared that non-union was developing. In four feet hallux valgus was still present to a significant degree and these were classified as failures. The failures will be analysed and discussed endeavouring to recognise the reasons for failure. Conclusion. Immediate post-surgical weight bearing does not compromise the results of crescentic osteotomy plus distal soft tissue procedure after surgery for hallux valgus. MULTIPLE DISCLOSURES

Background. As hallux valgus (HV) worsens clinical and radiological signs of arthritis develop in metatarsophalangeal joint due to incongruity of joint surfaces. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine if intraoperative mapping of articular erosion of the first metatarsal head, base of the proximal phalanx, and tibial and fibular sesamoids can be correlated to clinical and/or radiographic parameters used during the preoperative assessment of the HV deformity. Materials and methods. We analysed 50 patients prospectively who underwent surgery between Jan 2009-Jan 2010. Patients with a known history of previous first metatarsophalangeal joint surgical intervention, trauma, or systemic arthritis were excluded from analysis. Preoperative demographics and AOFAS score were recorded. Intraoperative evaluation and quantification of the first metatarsal head, base of the proximal phalanx, and sesamoid articular cartilage erosion was performed. Cartilage wear was documented using International Cartilage Research Society grading. Results and Discussion. P. Bock et al have showed that the extent of cartilage lesions were clearly correlated with the degree of hallux valgus angle proving that a malaligned joint is more prone to cartilage degeneration. Kristen et al have described a correlation between a higher pre-operative hallux valgus angle and the post-operative Kitaoka et al score. The higher the preoperative hallux valgus angle, the lower the post-operative score. Our series showed the mean IMA is 15 degrees. The mean AOFAS score was 62. There was a significant positive correlation between hallux valgus angle and AOFAS score. We also found correlation between sesamoid wear and AOFAS score and HV angle. Conclusion. We conclude that preoperative clinical parameters (ie, age) and radiographic measurements (ie, HV, IMA) directly define the incidence and location of articular erosion and are helpful in the preoperative assessment of the HV deformity

Introduction. Despite the multiple patho-aetiological basis of Hallux valgus (HV), corrective osteotomy is a common and globally performed orthopaedic procedure. Over-correction of the inter-metatarsal angle (IMA), however, is not without consequence. Through increased joint pressures, over-correction may predispose to joint degeneration. Hypothesizing that over-correction leads to an increase in intra-articular joint pressures, we constructed a mechanical simulation of the 1. st. metatarsal-phalangeal joint. Methods. The vector forces of Flexor Hallucis Longus, Extensor Hallucis Longus, Extensor Hallucis Brevis and Adductor Hallucis, acting upon the 1. st. proximal phalanx were simulated with tensioned weighted rope. A Foley catheter balloon inflated to 1.5ml, simulated intra-articular distractive vector forces. The joint was freely mobile. At 5° IMA intervals from 10° valgus to 15° varus, intrarticular pressures were recorded using a contact pressure (Graseby™, Hertfordshire, UK) transducer attached to a calibrated manometer (Digitech Instruments™, Ulhasnagar, India). At each angle, measurements were repeated five times with removal and recalibration of the pressure monitor after each measurement. Results. A decline and subsequent increase in mean pressure was observed at each 5° interval from 10°valgus to neutral and then to 15° varus (mean±s.d.; 48.02±5.67, 24.72±1.01, 12.34±0.84, 18.96±2.46, 32.88±5.06, 42.92±4.99 milibar for 10°, 5° valgus, neutral, 5°, 10°and 15° varus IMA). One-way analysis of variance with post-hoc Tukey multiple comparison test revealed a significant increase in pressure from neutral and 5° valgus to 10° and 15° varus (p< 0.05). [First Metatarsal Phalangreal joint pressures]. Conclusion. This is the first description demonstrating increases in intrarticular pressures as the IMA tended from 5° to 15° varus, replicating inatrogenic Hallux Varus iatrogenically produced through osteotomy and over-correction of the IMA. Over-correction and increased intrarticular joint pressure may have an aetiological basis to post-operative 1. st. MTPJ degeneration. Over-correction is not a benign entity requiring consideration in Hallux Valgus corrective osteotomy

Hallux valgus surgery can result in moderate to severe post-operative pain requiring the use of narcotic medication. The percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy is a minimally invasive approach which offers many advantages including minimal scarring, immediate weight bearing and decreased post-operative pain. The goal of this study is to determine whether the use of narcotics can be eliminated using an approach combining multimodal analgesia, ankle block anesthesia and a minimally invasive surgical approach. Following ethics board approval, a total of 160 ambulatory patients between the ages of 18-70 with BMI ≤ 40 undergoing percutaneous hallux valgus surgery are to be recruited and randomized into Narcotic-free (NF) or Standard (S) groups. To date, 72 patients have been recruited (38 NF and 34 S). The NF group received acetaminophen, naproxen, pregabalin 75mg and 100mg Ralivia (tramadol extended release) before surgery and acetaminophen, naproxen, pregabalin 150mg one dose and Ralivia 100mg BID for five days, as well as a rescue narcotic (hydromorphone, 1mg pills) after surgery. The S group received acetaminophen and naproxen prior to surgery and acetaminophen, naproxen and hydromorphone (1mg pills) post-operatively, our current standard. Visual analog scales (VAS) were used to assess pain and narcotic consumption was recorded at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 hours and seven days post-operatively. Patients wore a smart watch to record the number of daily steps and sleep hours. A two-sided t-test was used to compare the VAS scores and narcotic consumption. During the first post-operative week, the NF group consumed in total an average of 6.5 pills while the S group consumed in total an average of 16 pills and this difference was statistically significant (p-value=0.001). Importantly, 19 patients (50%) in the NF group and four patients (12%) in the S group did not consume any narcotics post-operatively. For the VAS scores at 24, 48, 72 hours and seven days the NF group's average scores were 2.17, 3.17, 2.92, 2.06 respectively and the S group's average scores were 3.97, 4.2, 3.23, 1.97. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups at 24 and 48hours (the NF group scored lower on the VAS) with a p-value of 0.0008 and 0.04 respectively, but this difference is not considered clinically significant as the minimal clinically important difference reported in the literature is a two-point differential. The NF group walked an average of 1985.75 steps/day and slept an average of 8h01 minute/night, while the S group walked an average of 1898.26 steps/day and slept an average of 8h26 minutes/night in the first post-operative week. Hallux valgus remains a common orthopedic foot problem for which surgical treatment results in moderate to severe post-operative pain. This study demonstrates that with the use of multimodal analgesia, ultrasound guided ankle blocks and a percutaneous surgical technique, narcotic requirements decreased post-operatively. The use of long-acting tramadol further decreased the need for narcotic consumption. Despite decreased use of narcotics, this combined novel approach to hallux valgus surgery allows for early mobilization and excellent pain control

Short scarf osteotomy (SSO) retains the versatility of standard scarf in treating moderate and severe hallux valgus deformity with the added benefit of less invasiveness translated into less soft-tissue stripping, reduced exposure, less metalwork, less operative time and reduced cost. We present our medium-term clinical, radiographic and patient satisfaction results. All patients who underwent SSO between January 2015 and December 2017 were eligible (98). Exclusion criteria were: follow up less than a year, additional 1st ray procedures, inflammatory arthropathy, infection, peripheral vascular disease and hallux rigidus. Eighty-four patients (94 feet) were included: 80 females / 4 males with average age of 51-year-old (24–81). Minimum follow up was 12 months (12–28). Weight-bearing x-rays and AOFAS score were compared pre- and postoperatively. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test assessed statistical significance of our results. Hallux valgus angle (HVA) improved from preoperative mean of 30.8° (17.4°–46.8°) to 12° (4°–30°) postoperatively (p=0.0001). Intermetatarsal angle (IMA) improved from preoperative mean of 15.1° (10.3°–21.1°) to 7.1° (4°–15.1°) postoperatively (p=0.0001). Average sesamoid coverage according to Reynold's tibial sesamoid position improved from average grade 2.18 (1–3) to 0.57 (0–2) (p=0.0001). Average AOFAS score improved from 51.26 (32–88) to 91.1 (72–100) (p=0.0001). Ninety percent of patients were satisfied and 83% wound recommend the surgery. No troughing phenomenon or fractures. Four overcorrections were found 3 of which did not require surgery. One recurrence at 18 months was treated with standard scarf. We believe that this technique offers a safer, quicker and equally versatile way of dealing with Hallux Valgus

Hallux valgus is a common condition often leading to significant symptoms. However, its correction has recently been suggested, to be a procedure of limited clinical value. Scarf osteotomy is one of the most commonly performed operations for hallux valgus correction. Although technically demanding, it is powerful in its capacity to correct the hallux valgus deformity and sufficiently robust with internal fixation to allow early weight bearing. We prospectively collected data for consecutive scarf osteotomies between 2008 and 2011. Preoperative and 6 week postoperative assessment was made using radiographic measurements HVA (hallux-valgus angle) and IMA (inter metatarsal angle). We evaluated 130 scarf osteotomies. The mean HVA improved from 29.5 pre-operatively to 12.6 post correction. The mean IMA improved from 12.4 pre-operatively to 8.1 post correction. The AOFAS hallux scores improved from an average of 55 pre op to 79 post operation. The results suggest that hallux valgus correction does have clinical value and that scarf osteotomy is a reproducible procedure, with a generally good to excellent results in the short term

Hallux valgus continues to frustrate foot and ankle surgeons the world over. The condition is mostly clear in its aetiology but unclear in its pathogenesis. The key, as in all surgery, is decision making, patient selection and to have many surgical options available. The key things to consider are: joint congruency, the presence of arthritis, the presence of metatarsus adductus, the intermetatarsal angle, the hallux valgus angle and the presence of interphalangeal deformity. I consider true hypermobility of the first ray and Achilles tendon tightness to be less important factors. Patient expectations are particularly important as most patients with hallux valgus are women who want to wear high-heeled shoes!. The most successful operations consist of a combination of soft tissue and bony procedures. The most common error in bunion surgery, in my opinion, is the use of a procedure with inadequate power to correct the deformity. When the joint is markedly arthritic and deformed an arthrodesis is the procedure of choice. I will discuss the above points in the lecture

Introduction. Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with end-stage osteoarthritis of knee have secondary foot and ankle pathology. Some compensatory changes occur at ankle and subtalar joint secondary to malalignment and deformity at the knee joint. Purpose was to evaluate the changes in hindfoot malalignment and foot deformities in patients with advanced osteoarthritis of knee requiring TKA and effect of correction of knee deformities post TKA on foot/Ankle alignment. Methods. 61 consecutive patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade IV osteoarthritis knee undergoing TKA were enrolled in a prospective blinded study. Demographic data, deformities at knee and ankle, hindfoot malalignment and functional outcome scores such as VAS, KSS, WOMAC scores, Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and Foot posture index (FPI) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively at 6, 12 weeks and final follow up (range: 6–21 months; mean: 14.2months). Results. Statistically significant improvement was observed in KSS score, WOMAC score, FADI and FPI after TKA. There was improvement in ankle valgus after correction of knee varus deformity. Hind foot changes mainly occured at subtalar joint. Hallux valgus (10 patients), and Pesplanus (5 patients) were associated with advanced osteoarthritis of knee. Gait profile score and Gait deviation index improved significantly after TKA. There was increased stance phase and decreased stride length in knee osteoarthritis patients which improved after TKA. Conclusion. Hind foot malalignment with foot deformities (hind foot valgus) occur secondary to knee malalignment and deformities (varus deformity) in advanced osteoarthritis of knee which subsequently improve following TKA

First Metatarsophalangeal joint fusion has been successfully used to treat Hallux rigidus. We have attempted to evaluate commonly used methods of fixation and joint preparation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the single largest comparative study on first MTPJ fusion. We aimed to evaluate the radiological union and revision rates. We included 409 consecutive MTPJ fusions performed in 385 patients. We collected demographic, comorbidities and complication data. We evaluated the radiographs for the status of the union. Logistic regression was used to calculate the Odds ratio (OR) of non-union for the collected variables. Our union rate was 91.4% (34/409). 29.4% of our non-unions were symptomatic (10/34). Hallux valgus showed a statistically significant relation to non-union (Odds ratio 9.33, p-value 0.017). Other potential contributing factors like sex (OR1.9, p-value 0.44), diabetes (OR 0, p-value 0.99), steroid use (OR 2.07, p-value 0.44), inflammatory arthritis (OR 0, p-value 0.99) and smoking (OR 2.69, p-value 0.34) did not attain statistical significance. Further, the methods of fixation like solid screws (OR 0, p-value 0.99), plate (OR 3.6, p-value 0.187) or cannulated screws (OR 0.09, p-value 0.06) showed no correlation with non-union. We compared two techniques of joint preparation and found no significant difference in union rates (Chi-Square 1.0426, p-value 0.30). Our crude cost comparison showed the average saving to the trust per year could be 33,442.50£ by choosing screws over plate. Only Hallux Valgus had a statistically significant relation to non-union. Solid screw could be economically the most viable option and a valid alternative

Aim:. To review the short to medium term radiological, clinical and functional outcomes of reconstructive surgery for severe forefoot deformities in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. Methods:. We conducted a review of prospectively collected data of patients with Rheumatoid arthritis who received reconstructive surgery for forefoot deformities. Patients requiring metatarso-phalangeal joint arthrodesis and excision of the lesser metatarsals for hallux valgus, dislocation of the lesser metatarso-phalangeal joints and intractable plantar keratosis were included. The patients were followed up at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. X-Rays were performed preoperatively, postoperatively, at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months follow-up. Patients completed a SF36, and AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and ankle Score) forefoot score preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Results:. Ten feet in eight patients were included in the study. Follow-up was for a minimum of 6 months. All patients were female, with an average age of 58 years (34–69 years). Radiologically there was an average correction in the hallux valgus angle from 48 degrees to 15 degrees. The inter-metatarsal angle improved from 14 to 9 degrees. Objective scores were significantly improved. The mean SF36 score pre-operatively was 36 (24–54) and 67 (54–82) post operatively (P < 0.05). The AOFAS score improved from a mean of 32 (28–50) pre operatively to 74 (64–78) post-operatively (p < 0.05). One patient required re-operation for further metatarsal shortening due to ongoing pain and two patients required oral antibiotics for minor superficial wound infections. All hallux metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis procedures united in a mean time of 3.5 months. Conclusion:. Forefoot reconstruction in these very symptomatic, disabled patients resulted in significant deformity correction and improvement in function and pain. The complication rate was low. Adequate resection of the lesser metatarsals is necessary to avoid ongoing pain from the phalanx articulating with the metatarsal

Introduction. Liposomal bupivacaine has been shown to be effective in managing post-operative pain in hallux valgus and hemorrhoid surgery. However, non-industry-supported and well-powered randomized studies evaluating its efficacy in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) are lacking. Our hypothesis was that liposomal bupivacaine would not decrease post-operative visual analog pain scores (VAS) or narcotic consumption in the acute post-operative period. Methodology. Two hundred seven consecutive patients were enrolled into a single-blinded prospective randomized study. We included patients undergoing unilateral TKA by five fellowship-trained surgeons with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis. Patients were excluded for any other diagnosis necessitating TKA, allergy to the medications, or pre-operative opiate use. Participants received standardized pain management, anesthesia, and physical therapy. Patients were randomized intra-operatively to one of three groups: an intra-articular (IA) injection of bupivacaine and morphine at the conclusion of the procedure, a peri-articular (PA) injection of a bupivacaine and morphine, or a PA injection of liposomal bupivacaine. Post-operative pain VAS and mean morphine equivalents (MME) consumed were recorded and compared utilizing analysis of variance (ANOVA). A power analysis demonstrated that 159 patients were needed for 80% power to detect a 25% difference in VAS or MME. Results. Patients in each study group had a mean VAS score of 3.95 (SD 2.1), 3.97 (SD 1.9). and 3.86 (SD 1.8) (p=0.94), respectively. MME consumed per day in each group was 100.7 (SD 48.4), 100.1 (SD 42.2), and 98.9 (SD 41.6) (p=0.97). Conclusion. Liposomal bupivacaine does not alter mean pain scores or post-operative narcotic consumption in patients undergoing unilateral TKA. Further, no difference was noted in comparing patients who received a single IA injection versus a PA injection. To our knowledge, this is the first reported study to evaluate post-operative pain control between identical IA and PA injections in patients undergoing unilateral TKA

The forefoot is affected less frequently than the hindfoot in rheumatoid patients but comes to surgical reconstruction more frequently. The classical rheumatoid deformities of hallux valgus and clawed lesser toes are made more painful with destructive arthritis, plantar prominence of metatarsal heads and callus formation. Rheumatoid forefoot reconstruction has not changed dramatically over the last three decades and has been reliably efficacious. However subtle technique changes and implant improvements have helped to keep this operation reproducible and beneficial for rheumatoid patients

For hallux valgus correction, distal first metatarsal osteotomy is generally used for minor to moderate deformities, diaphyseal osteotomy for moderate deformities and basal osteotomy or fusion for severe deformities. With the advent of locking plates, there has been renewed interest in opening wedge basal osteotomy. As little has been written about its geometry, we undertook this study in order to understand its power and limitations. Proximal opening wedge osteotomies were performed on saw bone models in four orientations, with three different wedge sizes: 1. Perpendicular to the ground (PG); 2. Perpendicular to the shaft (PS); 3. Perpendicular to shaft with 30° declination (DEC); 4. 30° oblique (OB). Pre- and post-osteotomy measurements were made of axial and plantar translation and intermetatarsal angle. Plantar translation and intermetatarsal angle correction increased with increasing wedge size. The DEC osteotomy produced the greatest increase in length of metatarsal shaft, while the PS osteotomy gave the least. The most plantar translation was achieved with the DEC osteotomy. Overall, the PS osteotomy gave the largest correction of the intermetatarsal angle. Although there are several published clinical case series of the proximal opening wedge osteotomy, this is the first study to fully evaluate its geometry

About 20% of orthopaedic surgery is foot and ankle. This area of orthopaedics has undergone huge changes in last few decades. Not that long ago we were still performing Keller's procedure for bunions and using a Charnley clamp for ankle fusions. It is becoming increasingly more difficult for the general orthopaedic surgeon to stay abreast of current surgical treatment. Some of the newer foot and ankle surgical surgical techniques will be discussed. Ankle arthroplasty is undergoing a period of revival. This is a difficult procedure with results not as reliable as hip and knee arthroplasty and I would not recommend it to the occasional foot and ankle surgeon. Ankle arthroscopy is now a commonly performed procedure and with the right equipment is a procedure that is useful to the generalist. Foot and ankle fusion are now performed with rigid internal fixation. The actual procedures are not difficult but it does require a reasonable amount of experience to obtain the correct position of the fusion. Bunion surgery is commonly done and can result in disappointment for all. The newer surgical options for the correction of hallux valgus will be discussed

Crossover second toe deformity is a multiplanar deformity derived from multiple etiologies with the common endpoint of metatarsophalangeal joint instability. The stability of the joint is compromised through laxity of the volar plate, secondary rupture of the lateral collateral ligament, and ultimately dorsal subluxation or dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The digital malalignment often includes a hammertoe deformity, but should not be confused with a routine clawtoe. Elimination of alternative diagnoses relies on precise palpation to negate Morton's neuroma, 2nd metatarsalgia, Freiberg's infraction, and 2nd metatarsal stress fracture. Radiographs assist in the diagnosis in not only eliminating the above mentioned differential diagnoses, but also in evaluating confounding anatomic variables such as hallux valgus, metatarsus primus varus, and metatarsal length. These variables may necessitate additional osteotomies in conjunction with ligament reconstruction to minimise recurrence. Operative intervention has revealed long term failure of secondary ligament reconstruction, mandating tendon transfers such as the flexor-to-extensor and the extensor digitorum brevis to support the repair. We will explore these techniques and subsequent modifications to achieve patient satisfaction

Chevron osteotomy is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of hallux valgus and results in AVN of the first metatarsal head in up to 20% of cases. This study aims to map out the arrangement of vascular supply to the first metatarsal head and its relationship to the limbs of the chevron cuts. Ten cadaveric lower limbs were injected with an Indian ink/latex mixture and the feet dissected to evaluate the blood supply to the first metatarsal. The dissection was carried out by tracing the branches of dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial vessels. A distal chevron osteotomy through the neck of the metatarsal was mapped and the relationship of the limbs of the osteotomy to the blood vessels was recorded. The first metatarsal head was found to be supplied by branches from the first dorsal metatarsal, first plantar metatarsal and medial plantar arteries of which the first one was the dominant vessel in 8 of the specimens studied. All the vessels formed a plexus at the plantar-lateral aspect of the metatarsal neck, just proximal to the capsular attachment with varying number of branches from the plexus then entering the metatarsal head. The plantar limb of the proposed chevron cuts exited through this plexus of vessels in all specimens. Contrary to the widely held view, only minor vascular branches could be found entering the dorsal aspect of the neck. The identification of the plantar-lateral corner of the metatarsal neck as the major site of vascular ingress into the first metatarsal head suggests that constructing the chevron osteotomy with a long and thick plantar arm exiting well proximal to the capsular attachment may decrease the incidence of AVN

Background. Salvage procedures on the 1. st. MTPJ following failed arthroplasty, arthrodesis or hallux valgus surgery are difficult and complicated by bone loss. This results in shortened first ray and transfer metatarsalgia. We present our experience of using tri-cortical interposition grafts to manage this challenging problem. Methods. Between 2002 and 2009 our department performed 21 1. st. MTPJ arthrodeses using a tri-cortical iliac crest interposition graft. Surgical fixation was achieved with a compact foot plate. We performed a retrospective review from the medical notes and radiographs along with American Foot and Ankle scores which were collected prospectively. We analysed the following parameters: time to radiological union, requirement for further surgery, lengthening of 1. st. ray and any post operative complications. Results. Patient demographics were Male: Female = 4:16 with a mean age of 58 years (38-78 years). Mean follow up was 35 months (4-94 months). Indications for surgery were failed arthroplasty 8, failed fusion 9, previous Keller's 1, failed Scarfe Osteotomy 1 and avascular necrosis 2. Arthrodesis was achieved in 18 patients (90%) at 4 months post-surgery (2-12 months). Mean AOFAS was 45 pre-op, 75 post-op. Lengthening of the 1. st. Ray was achieved with 6mm average (5mm - 10mm). There were 7 complications (35%), with 3 major (15%) – 2 non unions and 1 varus overcorrection and 4 minor (20%) – 2 superficial infection, 2 painful hardware. Conclusion. Using interposition arthrodesis for the salvage of 1. st. MTPJ surgery we achieved union in 90% of patients. However, the rate of complications is not low and hardware often causes irritation, requiring removal

Introduction. Arthrodesis of the 1st metatarso-phalangeal joint (MTPJ) is a common procedure in forefoot surgery for hallux rigidus and severe hallux valgus. Debate persists on two issues - the best preparation method for the articular surfaces, and the optimal technique for operative stabilisation of the joint. Methods. We performed 1. st. MTPJ arthrodesis in 100 patients randomized into two equal groups. In the first group, the articular surfaces were prepared using cup-and-cone reamers, whilst in the second group, ‘flat cut’ osteotomies were performed with an oscillating saw. In all other respects, their treatment was identical. Fixation was secured using a plantar double compression Fixos™ screw and dorsal Anchorage™ plate. Full weight-bearing was allowed on the first post-operative day. Patients completed self-administered satisfaction questionnaires, including an AOFAS and SF-36 score pre-operatively and at two and six months post-operatively. Clinical examination and radiographs were compared at zero, two and six months. Statistical analysis was performed using Instat. Results. Radiographic union of the 1. st. MTPJ was documented in 45/50 patients in the reamer group and 42/50 in the ‘flat-cut’ group at two months and in all patients at six months. The AOFAS score improved from a mean of 46 +/− 15 pre-operatively to 72 +/−8 (out of 90) at two months and 83 +/− 4 (out of 90) at six months. SF-36 subscales for bodily pain and for physical function increased from 42.4 +/− 16.1 and 37.3 +/− 12.8 respectively pre-operatively to 82.2 +/− 11.2 and 84.6 +/− 9.3 respectively at six months. There was no statistically significant difference between groups. Conclusions. Arthrodesis of the 1. st. MTPJ with the Anchorage™ plate and compression screw gives excellent clinical and radiographic results. Preparation method does not affect early outcomes but may influence important technical points such as length of the first ray or inter-phalangeal angle

Scarf osteotomy for correction of painful hallux valgus is an effective technique, giving a predictable correction of the deformity. However, some patients remain less than fully satisfied, despite normalisation of the usual radiographic parameters. This study examines whether lateral soft tissue release can cause late splaying of the forefoot. A series of 32 feet in 29 consecutive patients in a single centre, operated on by a single surgeon, over a 12 month period were studied. After pre-operative weight-bearing x-rays and consenting, a standardised ‘Barouk-technique’ Scarf procedure was undertaken with on-table assessment for lateral soft tissue release and phalangeal varisation. Post-operatively, patients were kept heel weight-bearing without cast for 6 weeks, with use of a fabric splint after removal of bandages at 2 weeks. HVA and IMA were measured pre-operatively, at 6 weeks, and at 6-12 month follow-up. Distance from the mid-points of the 1st to the 5th metatarsal heads and distance from lateral sesamoid to 2nd metatarsal shaft were also recorded by blinded observers. AOFAS Foot Scores were collected prospectively. Student's t-test for single-tailed paired data was applied and p-values calculated. There were 22 female and 10 male feet; in patients aged 27 to 74 (mean 58). Average HVA improved from 34° to 17° and was maintained at 16°. IMA improved from 14° to 7°, but then increased significantly to 10°. Overall inter-metatarsal width reduced from 76mm to 65mm but then significantly increased to 71mm. Sesamoid distance was also reduced and later increased, but not significantly. Mean foot scores improved from 52 to 85 at late follow-up. Complication rate was low. Late widening occurred more in those feet with bigger original HVA, which were likely to have had more extensive soft tissue release (deep inter-metatarsal ligament). We recommend cautious release; and pre-operatively counselling specifically regarding eventual overall foot-width