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Topic:

Hallux Valgus

Issue:

Category:

Developmental

Title:

Great Toe Interphalangeal Fusion for Hallux Valgus Interphalangeus Deformity in Young Patients

Author:

Westberry, David E. MD; Shull, Emily R. PhD; Layton, Branum BS

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

March 2024

Reference:

44(3): p 179-183, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002580

Level Of Evidence:

IV

# of Patients:

27 patients (31 feet)

Study Type:

Retrospective case series

Location:

Not specified

Summary:

This study evaluated the outcomes of great toe interphalangeal joint fusion in young patients with hallux valgus interphalangeus deformity, focusing on radiographic outcomes, indications for surgery, and clinical complications.

Methods:

Intervention: Fusion of the great toe interphalangeal (IP) joint using either Kirschner wire or retrograde cannulated screw fixation. Outcome Measures: Radiographic outcomes: hallux valgus angle, IP angle, and intermetatarsal angle. Clinical outcomes: pain, deformity, patient satisfaction, need for revision procedures, and hardware removal.

Exclusions:

Not specified

Results:

The average age at surgery was 14.9 years with a mean follow-up of 35.2 months. Common indications for surgery were pain and deformity. The most frequent surgical fixation methods were retrograde cannulated screws (24 cases) and Kirschner wire (7 cases). A total of 55 concomitant procedures were performed on 21 feet (68%) for additional foot/toe deformities. Successful fusion was achieved in 30 of 31 toes. Significant improvement in the IP angle (P < 0.001), with minimal change in hallux valgus angle (P = 0.24) and intermetatarsal angle (P = 0.03). High patient satisfaction (94.1%) due to improved toe position and reduced pain. The most common complication was hardware-related issues, particularly with screws, which may require hardware removal.

Conclusions:

Hallux valgus interphalangeus in young patients can be successfully managed with great toe IP joint fusion. Both screw fixation and Kirschner wire fixation provided similar outcomes. Hardware-related issues were common with screws, necessitating awareness of potential hardware removal. Surgery led to significant improvement in IP angle, with minimal impact on hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

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