Hallux Varus
Hallux varus is a condition in which
the big toe begins to deviate away from the midline of the foot. Hallux
varus most commonly develops after the failure of a previous bunion
surgery. There are other conditions that may lead to hallux varus
including trauma, removal of a sesamoid bone from the big toe joint
and some forms of arthritis.
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These are the appearance of different
types of hallux varus. In each foot, the big toe is deviated
away from the foot. |
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The treatment of hallux varus depends on the severity of the condition.
If the deformity is mild and the toe remains flexible no treatment
is required at all. If the toe begins to deviate considerably and
is becoming stiff then surgery is usually required. Correction depends
on the flexibility of both joints of the big toe and whether or not
arthritis is present.
Often, a tendon transfer is performed. Tendons are shifted around
the big toe to straighten it and maintain flexibility. One of the
more popular operations that surgeons use today is a specially designed
transfer of a tendon of the big toe designed by Dr. Myerson (called
the extensor hallucis brevis transfer procedure).
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The deformity of hallux varus
is easy to see on the left hand XR. This was nicely corrected
using the operation developed by Dr Myerson, called the
extensor hallucis brevis tendon transfer.
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If there is severe arthritis
or deformity of the toe, as in this XR, then a tendon
transfer cannot be performed. Either a fusion or removal
of a portion of the toe joint (an arthroplasty of the
joint) is required. |
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