Treatment of Hallux Valgus Deformity Using a Suture Button Device

Abstract

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Hallux valgus (HV) is commonly treated with proximal or distal first metatarsal osteotomies. Despite good correction, these procedures bear inherent risks such as malunion, nonunion, metatarsal shortening, loss of fixation, and avascular necrosis (AVN). Suture button fixation has been used as another form of HV treatment that avoids the use of corrective osteotomies and maintains reduction of the intermetatarsal angle (IMA). The goal of this study was to assess the radiographic and functional outcomes of patients undergoing HV correction with a distal soft tissue procedure and proximal suture button fixation. Methods: Twenty-two patients underwent HV correction utilizing a distal soft tissue correction and proximal fixation with the Mini TightRope (Arthrex, Inc, Naples, Florida) device. The IMA, hallux valgus angle (HVA), and sesamoid station were measured on radiographs obtained preoperatively as well as in the immediate post-operative period and at final follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores were collected. Postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, complications, and any additional surgical procedures performed were also recorded. Results: Mean follow-up was 27.7 months.The mean preoperative IMA and HVA were 16.9 and 32.6 degrees.The mean immediate postoperative IMA was 5.2 degrees(p<.0001)and the mean HVA was 9.8 degrees(p<.0001).At final follow-up, the mean IMA was 8.2 degrees(p<.0001)and the mean HVA was 16.7 degrees(p<.0001).Sesamoid station assessment at two-week follow-up showed that 22 patients(100%)were in the normal position group;at final follow-up,17 patients(77%)were in the normal position group and five patients(23%)were in the displacement group.Asymptomatic radiographic recurrence was noted in 5 patients(23%)who had a final HVA>20degrees.All components of the FAAM and SF-36 showed improvement from preoperative to final follow-up, although these changes were not statistically significant.The average final postoperative VAS was11.05.Of the 22 cases, three experienced complications, including an intra-operative second metatarsal fracture, a postoperative second metatarsal stress fracture, and a postoperative deep vein thrombosis(DVT). Conclusion: The use of a distal soft tissue procedure in conjunction with proximal suture button fixation is a safe and effective procedure for treating symptomatic HV deformity. Our results show that this technique can correct the IMA, HVA, and sesamoid station without the need for osteotomy and with minimal risk of complications.