Geometry of the Proximal Phalanx of Hallux and First Metatarsal Bone to Predict Hallux Abducto Valgus: A Radiological Study.

BACKGROUND: Hallux abducto valgus (HAV) is one of the most common forefoot deformities in adulthood with a variable prevalence but has been reported as high as 48%. The study proposed that HAV development involves a skeletal parameter of the first metatarsal bone and proximal phalanx hallux (PPH) to determine if the length measurements of the metatarsal and PPH can be used to infer adult HAV. METHODS: All consecutive patients over 21 years of age with HAV by roentgenographic evaluation were included in a cross-sectional study. The control group included patients without HAV. The study included 160 individuals. We identified and assessed the following radiographic measurements to evaluate HAV: the distances from the medial (LDM), central (LDC), and lateral (LDL) aspects of the base to the corresponding regions of the head of the PPH. The difference between the medial and lateral aspect of PPH was also calculated. RESULTS: The reliability of the variables measured in 40 radiographic films show perfect reliability ranging from 0.941 to 1 with a small error ranging from 0.762 to 0. Also, there were no systematic errors between the two measurements for any variable (P > 0.05). The LDM PPH showed the highest reliability and lowest error. CONCLUSION: It is more suitable to measure the LDM PPH instead of the LDC PPH when calculating the hallux valgus angle based on our reliability results. When the differences of the medial and lateral PPH are greater, the risk for developing HAV increases.

Dorsal approach to transfer of the flexor digitorum brevis tendon.

BACKGROUND: Transposition of the flexor digitorum longus tendon has been widely reported for the correction of flexible claw and hammer toe deformities. Only transposition of the flexor digitorum brevis tendon has been reported in the literature in a cadaveric study that used the dorsal and plantar approach. A search of the literature revealed no reports of transposition of the flexor digitorum brevis tendon for treatment of these conditions through a unique dorsal cutaneous incision. We performed a cadaveric study to determine whether the flexor digitorum brevis tendon is long enough to be transferred to the dorsum of the proximal phalanx of the toe from its lateral or medial aspect through a unique dorsal cutaneous incision. METHODS: Transposition of the flexor digitorum brevis tendon was attempted in 156 toes of cadaveric feet (52 each second, third, and fourth toes) through a unique dorsal incision. RESULTS: The flexor digitorum brevis tendon was long enough to be successfully transposed in 100% of the second, third, and fourth toes by the dorsal incision approach. CONCLUSIONS: Transfer of the flexor digitorum brevis tendon to the dorsum of the proximal phalanx can be performed for the correction of claw and hammer toe deformities, especially in the second, third, and fourth toes. The meticulous longitudinal incision of the flexor tendon sheath to expose the flexor digitorum brevis tendon is essential to the success of the procedure.