A Simple Corrective Strategy for Adolescent Hallux Valgus by Ilizarov Method

Abstract

Background: Management of adolescent hallux valgus is controversial. There is no one procedure that is described for this condition. Materials and Methods:The authors report for the first time a simple surgical strategy in a 14-year-old patient presenting with painful hallux valgus using the Ilizarov approach. It uses small cosmetic incisions and involves soft tissue procedures, 2-level osteotomy of the metatarsal and fixation with a novel fixator assembled with Ilizarov components. Results:The patient was made to weight bear with the fixator immediately after the surgery and the fixator was removed in 8 weeks. At a follow-up of 3 years, the patient has a painless plantigrade foot with acceptable deformity parameters. Conclusion:The authors recommend this technique in adolescent hallux valgus and propose that this technique will work equally well in adults.