Tendon Transfers and Salvaging Options for Hallux Varus Deformities

Abstract

Hallux varus is an infrequently encountered deformity of the first ray characterized by a medial deviation of the hallux on the first metatarsal head at the first metatarsal phalangeal joint. Iatrogenic flexible hallux varus often requires surgical repair to create a functional, pain-free, shoeable foot. Although arthrodesis remains the mainstay of treatment, many soft tissue transfer procedures have been described in the literature as joint-sparing alternatives to fusion. This article explores in detail the tendon transfer procedures that have been described for repair of flexible hallux varus deformity.