Congenital Hallux Varus Research Articles

Management of neglected congenital hallux varus in a 13 year old boy: A case report

Introduction: Congenital hallux varus is a rare condition. Primary congenital hallux varus results because of over activity of adductor halluces whereas secondary congenital hallux varus results due to various conditions like polydactyl, metatarsus bracket and metatarsus adducts. Acquired hallux varus results due to damage to articular cartilage and lax collateral ligaments seen in inflammatory arthropathies like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and trauma. Treatment of neglected congenital hallux varus in adult is challenging due to soft tissue contractures and rigid bony deformities.Case report: We present here a case of a 13 years old male patient who presented to outpatient department of SDM Medical College Sattur, Dharwad – Karnataka with neglected congenital hallux varus of secondary type. Patient had an extra rudimentary great toe (polydactyl) which was obvious on radiographs. We have treated this patient by farmer`s procedure. Intra-operatively phalangeal, metatarsal and tarsal alignment was held with k-wire and post-operatively reduction maintained with specially formed splint. We have more than 14 month follow-up of indexed case. No recurrence of deformity was noted.Conclusion: Congenital hallux varus is a rare condition. Treatment of neglected congenital hallux varus is challenging due to soft tissue contractures and bony rigidity. Farmer`s procedure is an effective surgery to restore near normal anatomy, post-operative splint prevents recurrence of deformity.

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital hallux varus deformity associated with pericentric inversion of chromosome 9.

Congenital hallux varus is a rare deformity of the great toe characterized by adduction of the hallux and medial displacement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Prenatal diagnosis of congenital hallux varus is presented herein. A 32-year-old woman was referred to our unit due to significant deviation of the fetal right great toe at 22(+2) weeks of pregnancy. Ultrasound examination revealed a thick and short great toe, which was significantly angulated medially on the right side. Amniocentesis was performed and the result was reported as inv(9) (p11;q12). After delivery, the clinical examination confirmed the prenatal diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported prenatal diagnosis of an isolated congenital hallux varus. Congenital hallux varus can be diagnosed easily in the prenatal period by 2-D and 4-D ultrasonography. Prenatal karyotyping should be taken into consideration, especially in the presence of associated anomalies, such as polydactyly and clubfoot.

Simple Technique for Correction of Neglected Congenital Hallux Varus Deformity

Hallux varus is an uncommon deformity in which the great toe is angled medially at the metatarsophalangeal joint. It exists in congenital as well as acquired forms. Congenital hallux varus is less common than the acquired type and is best addressed in infancy. If the deformity is not addressed early

Surgical treatment of congenital hallux varus.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to report outcomes of congenital hallux varus deformity after surgical treatment.MethodsWe evaluated ten feet of eight patients with a congenital hallux varus deformity, including four feet combined with a longitudinal epiphyseal bracket (LEB). There were seven male patients and one female patient with a mean age of 33 months (range, 7 to 103 months) at the time of surgery. Two patients were bilaterally involved. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.9 years (range, 2.3 to 13.8 years). Clinical outcomes were assessed according to the criteria of Phelps and Grogan. Surgical procedures included the Farmer procedure, the McElvenny procedure or an osteotomy at the first metatarsal or proximal phalanx.ResultsThe clinical results were excellent in two feet, good in six and poor in two feet. The LEB was associated with hallux varus in four feet and were treated by osteotomy alone or in conjunction with soft tissue procedure.ConclusionsCongenital hallux varus was successfully corrected by surgery with overall favorable outcome. Preoperatively, a LEB should be considered as a possible cause of the deformity in order to prevent recurrent or residual varus after surgery.

Longitudinal Bracketed Epiphysis of Proximal Phalanx of the Great Toe With Congenital Hallux Varus Managed Simultaneously With Monorail External Fixator

Longitudinal bracketed epiphysis (delta phalanx) is a rare congenital anomaly that affects phalanges in the hand more commonly than toes. We present a rare case of congenital hallux varus with longitudinal bracketed epiphysis of proximal phalanx with bifid distal phalanx of the great toe, which was managed with monorail type of external fixator. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of its successful implementation in simultaneous treatment of longitudinal bracketed epiphysis of the proximal phalanx of the great toe and hallux varus. Apart from adding to the literature a case of rare subtype of delta phalanx with hallux varus, the present study highlights the role of a reliable alternative in its management.

The Spectrum of Preaxial Polydactyly of the Foot

Polydactyly is a common congenital anomaly of the foot classified as preaxial, central, or postaxial depending on the location of the duplication. Approximately 15% of all duplications of the toes are preaxial. The purpose of this study is to report our experience in the management of preaxial polydactyly of the foot over a period of 30 years at a single institution. This is a retrospective institutional review board-approved descriptive case series of 21 children representing 28 feet with preaxial foot polydactyly seen at our institution from 1977 to 2009. All subjects were analyzed in terms of sex, laterality, anatomic patterns of polydactyly, associated anomalies, family history, clinical features, surgical indications, details of surgical procedures, and outcomes after surgical interventions, using data collected from medical records, radiographs, and clinical photographs. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at the most recent examination, according to the format published by Phelps and Grogan. There were 21 patients (28 feet) including 11 male and 10 female subjects. Duplications were bilateral in 7 patients and unilateral in 14. The average age at surgery was 1.8 years (range: 0.8 to 4.6 y). The average follow-up was 81.7 months (range: 5 to 180 mo). According to the Watanabey classification, the distal phalangeal type occurred in 4 feet, the proximal phalangeal type in 10 feet, the metatarsal type in 10 feet, the tarsal type in 2 feet, a combined tarsal and metatarsal type in 1 foot, and a mirror type in 1 foot. All patients had associated anomalies in the affected feet. Congenital hallux varus was the most common associated anomaly (20 feet). A longitudinal epiphyseal bracket was observed in 4 feet. Clinical outcomes after the initial surgery were excellent in 8 feet, good in 15 feet, and poor in 5 feet. The 5 feet rated as poor were because of residual deformities and required additional surgery. Good results were subsequently obtained at final follow-up in all 5 feet. In our opinion, the Watanabe classification is more useful than the Venn-Watson for surgical planning. However, we have added an additional type, representing a mirror foot which we feel is within the overall spectrum of preaxial polydactyly. Good or better results were obtained in all feet at final follow-up. Early detection and adequate excision of the longitudinal bracket affecting the phalanges or metatarsal can reduce residual deformity and the need for revision surgery.

The treatment of congenital foot abnormalities

With the exception of club foot, flat foot and claw foot, this paper gives a review of principal foot malformations at birth, proceeding from the available radiographical and clinical findings, and also from the facts found during surgery. In addition, there is suggested a classification of various deformities, and there are defined major guidelines and instructions for treatment. As far as the rather frequent polydactylies are concerned, the author distinguishes between a distal phalanx type, an interphalanx type, a proximal phalanx type, a metatarsal type and a tarsal type, depending on the "level", each, where distal/proximal web separation between the fingers stops. It is possible to include also rather particular forms, such as the rudimentary type and the so-called multiplications in this classification. The major indications for the surgical treatment of polydactylies are problems in finding adequate shoes, and also the aesthetic appearance. The principal concern of surgical treatment is to remove additional toes. When there is in parallel a syndactyly or a congenital hallux varus, this may require great skill in the applied surgical technique. Various approaches of surgical treatment are demonstrated by a few examples. Feet oligodactylies are primarily encountered with fibula dysplasia or aplasia, or in cleft feet. In very severe cases it is possible to find just one toe. The actual deformities alone rarely require surgical treatment, but they often "hint at" further malformations in the reach of the root of the foot (synostosis) and of the lower limb. Cleft feet are also frequently impaired in form and function, with these deformities including less severe hypoplasia of a middle toe, e. g. with a somewhat deeper web separation, toe aplasia, metatarsus hypoplasia and aplasia, synostosis, and transversal bones, and even monodactylies with only ray V existing. Additional toes in the cleft foot is one of the rare exceptions. However, the combination of cleft feet and cleft hands is rather frequently encountered. Many cleft feet are nevertheless highly efficient, even without any surgical treatment. That is why there are only indications for a surgical treatment when there are severe foot deformities or most inconvenient misalignments of peripheral toes. Some of the "lobster like" feet are so wide that it is just not possible to wear normal shoes. In this case it is recommended to have surgical correction and to close the cleft. Feet of congenital giant growth are extremely rare, but they raise most complex problems as to adequate treatment. In many cases, an amputation of the additional parts cannot be avoided.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Hallux varus congenitus in polydactyly patients

The authors report on experience gained in the surgical treatment of eight patients with congenital hallux varus associated with polydactyly of the big toe. Aside from a description of the "radiological anatomy", the paper focuses in particular on the intraoperative soft tissue findings. In addition to the supernumerary bone structures, muscle and tendon anomalies were found in all the patients. In four patients the cause of the varus malposition was found to be fibrous stands extending from the rudimentary big toe to the tarsus. In five patients the abductor hallucis muscle was found to be shortened. An analysis of the surgical results shows that these soft tissue changes must be taken into account during surgery. In addition to complete removal of the polydactylic supernumerary, fibrous strands must be resected and shortened muscles severed or elongated. In many cases, operations on the basal joint capsule and plastic surgery are also necessary.

Congenital hallux varus

Hallux varus is a forefoot deformity consisting of medical deviation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The congenital form is extremely rare, usually associated with other forefoot malformations. This pathology seems to be related to an incomplete duplication of the first ray, leading to progressive contracture of the medial structures. A case of a 37-year-old woman with congenital hallux varus neglected since childhood is presented. The surgical procedure is described, consisting of removal of the contracted scar tissue surrounding the first metatarsal bone, resection of a synchondrosis and the head of the second metatarsal. An aesthetically acceptable, painfree and functionally adequate foot was achieved.

Great toe metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis: a user-friendly technique.

Thirty-four feet (23 patients) were treated with a metatarsophalangeal (MP) joint fusion of the hallux using five threaded 0.062-in K wires for fixation. Operations were done for the following diagnoses: rheumatoid arthritis (26 procedures), hallux rigidus (1), salvage of previous bunionectomies (3), hallux valgus with absent toe, bilateral fusion (2), severe hallux valgus with chronic MP joint synovitis (1), and congenital hallux varus (1). The ages ranged from 17 to 73 years, with an average of 55 years. Follow-up was available on 31 of the fusions by questionnaire and telephone contact, with an average follow-up of 24 months and a minimum of 1 year. The successful arthrodesis rate was 97%. In 9% of the procedures (three cases), the patients were dissatisfied: This was due to pain under the first metatarsal head in two cases and to impingement between the first and second toes in a third case. In 91% of the fusions (29 of 32 patient responses), the patients stated that they would have the surgery if they had to choose again. Patients indicated "complete satisfaction" in 15 fusions and "satisfaction with reservations" in 14. Patients felt that their ability to wear desired shoes was improved in 48% of the procedures, was unchanged by the fusions in 26%, and was worse than before the operation in 26%. Based on this study and review of the literature, a recommendation is made for fusing the rheumatoid hallux with 25 degrees to 30 degrees of valgus and 10 degrees of extension. In general, selection of toe position for fusion is based on reducing stress on the hallux interphalangeal joint and accommodating the position of the second toe. The multiple pin fixation technique gives a high incidence of fusion, it is easy to perform, and it is adaptable to the varying requirements for toe position.

Hallux varus.

We reviewed 12 patients with congenital hallux varus who had had operations on 20 feet to enable them to wear normal shoes and to improve the appearance. After an average follow-up of 12.7 years the results of soft tissue procedures were satisfactory in 12 of 17 feet. Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, performed primarily in one foot and secondarily in two others was also satisfactory, but metatarsal osteotomy in two feet gave unsatisfactory results leading to local amputation. The unsatisfactory results were generally due to the appearance of shortness of the first metatarsal and rarely because of symptoms or recurrent deformity.

先天性内反母足指の一例

A case of congenital hallux varus was reported. He had bilateral marked hallux varus with some minor anomalies at birth, and visited us at 7 years of age. He had no history of any treatment for his feet before. His both hallucis were remarkably deviated medially with incomplete duplication. He had syndactyly of 2-3 toes and 4-5 fingers in both sides.Radiographs showed a broad first metatarsal and small calcified tissue shadow in the medial site.Surgery was indicated. For the right foot we performed Farmer's operation, and for the left applied McElvenney's method, that is loop tendon operation, with Farmer's procedure.Good alignment was obtained, so he felt no pain or disability.

Pathomechanics of congenital and acquired hallux varus: a clinical and anatomical study.

Hallux varus was observed in 69 feet among patients from a rural Indian population. This included three types of congenital hallux varus. The congenital "primary" type was the commonest and was not associated with any other foot deformity. Among the acquired forms was idiopathic hallux varus of middle age, which developed spontaneously in unshod persons and progressed gradually. Hallux varus following chronic arthritis was part of a consistent pattern of foot deformities in which the first ray collapsed in a zig-zag manner in two planes. Although the development of hallux varus is often due to intrinsic muscle imbalance, hallux varus secondary to chronic arthritis seems to occur as a result of both intrinsic and extrinsic muscle imbalance associated with midtarsal and subtalar arthritis. Muscular factors contribute to progression of the deformity also. No anatomical basis for a racial predilection for the deformity was noted. Failure to use footwear could account for the higher incidence of hallux varus in India.

Treatment of preaxial polydactyly of the foot.

Fourteen patients with preaxial polydactyly are classified into four types according to their morphologic configuration: type 1--ray duplication; type 2--completely duplicated phalanges; type 3--incompletely duplicated metatarsals; and type 4--incompletely duplicated phalanges. The surgical treatment and timing thereof appropriate for each group are discussed. Three cases of congenital hallux varus deformity are analyzed, focusing on the pathomechanism of this disorder. Based on our experience, two main factors are noticed in the etiology of congenital hallux varus deformity: inadequacy of the adductor hallucis and tightening of the fibrous band pulling the big toe into the varus.

Duplication of the hallux.

Sixteen patients with duplication of the hallux were reviewed. Follow-up averaged 21 years. Duplication may be classified into three groups: simple hallucal duplication, a transitional type with a short thick first metatarsal, and complete first ray duplication. Routine removal of the most medial hallux or ray is to be avoided. Careful preoperative assessment is necessary to compare hallucal function, cosmesis, and metatarsal weightbearing. Surgery should also correct the associated congenital hallux varus. Surgical complications include functionless hallucis from inappropriate selection and medial soft tissue contractures with either recurrence of the hallux varus or the gradual development of a hallux varus interphalangeus.

Problems in Polydactyly of the Foot

1. Polydactyly should be treated early. 2. Adequate bone and soft tissue should be removed. 3. One arm of the Y should be removed surgically in the incompletely duplicated Y metatarsal. 4. The incompletely duplicated Y metatarsal shaved to form a single shaft may at first be bowed, but will remodel to form normal or nearly normal bone. 5. The wide metatarsal head associated with a duplicated phalanx should be narrowed surgically to avoid the development of a painful bunion. 6. Short block-like metatarsals remain abnormal. 7. Polydactyly associated with a short first metatarsal and congenital hallux varus carriers a poorer treatment prognosis and may require continuing treatment. 8. Postoperative casting and taping should be utilized to prevent angular deformities and encourage normal forefoot contour.

Congenital hallux varus

Operative technics for the correction of the condition known as congenital hallux varus have been described. They are simple and would appear to be adequate for the permanent correction of this deformity. An examination of the literature reveals no procedure as simple.