Radiological Analysis of the Syndesmosis Concept in Metatarsus Primus Varus and Hallux Valgus Deformities Recurrence Prevention.

Hallux valgus (HV) is a common deformity of the foot. Its postoperative recurrence is not uncommon and is closely related to the recurrence of its underlying metatarsus primus varus (MPV) deformity. The syndesmosis procedure uses 1 to 2 intermetatarsal cerclage sutures to realign the first metatarsal and then induces a biological bonding between the 2 metatarsals to prevent the MPV deformity from recurring. This radiological study aimed to assess its effectiveness in long-term MPV and HV deformities recurrence prevention. Ninety-two feet of 51 consecutive patients had syndesmosis procedures that were prospectively followed up for more than 1 y and up to 14 y, averaging 100.5 (SD 45.2) months. Patients underwent X-ray examinations regularly at fixed intervals of their feet. We used Hardy's methods in measuring the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), and medial sesamoid position from standing foot X-rays. More than 450 relevant X-ray and photo images were submitted as Supplementary Material for online viewing and reference. There was a significant final correction of IMA from 14.30° (SD 2.70) to 6.70° (SD 1.75) (p < .0001). There was no significant increase in IMA after the sixth postoperative month to their final follow-up endpoints, regardless of their lengths. There was a significant final correction of HVA from 31.95° (SD 7.45) to 19.1° (SD 7.45) (p < .0001). This study reconfirmed past findings that the MPV deformity could be corrected without osteotomies. Creating a syndesmosis-like intermetatarsal bonding was effective for long-term MPV recurrence prevention. Three feet had postoperative stress fracture of the second metatarsal. However, the HV deformity correction was less satisfactory, and the reasons were explained.

Subchondral bone cysts remodel after correction of varus deformity in ankle arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) of the talus are frequently observed in ankle osteoarthritis (OA). It is unclear whether the cysts need direct treatment after correction of the varus deformity in ankle OA. The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of SBCs and the change after supramalleolar osteotomy (SMOT). METHODS: Thirty-one patients treated by SMOT were retrospectively reviewed, and 11 ankles had cysts preoperatively. After SMOT without management of the cysts, the evolution of cysts was evaluated on weightbearing computerized tomography (WBCT). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical ankle-hindfoot scale and a visual analog scale (VAS) were compared. RESULTS: At baseline, the average cyst volume was 65.86 ± 60.53 mm3. The number and volume of cysts were reduced dramatically (P＜.05), and the cysts vanished in 6 ankles after the SMOT. The VAS and AOFAS scores improved significantly after SMOT (P＜.001), there was no significant difference between ankles with cysts and without cysts. CONCLUSIONS: The SMOT alone without direct treatment of the SBCs led to a decrease in the number and volume of SBCs in varus ankle OA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Plain Radiographs Underestimate Varus Deformity of the Tibial Plafond.

Understanding plain radiograph in association with 3-dimensional (3D) morphology of the ankle is essential for treatment about varus ankle osteoarthritis (OA). The aims of this study were to investigate whether the alignment of the tibial plafond as determined on plain radiograph reflected the alignment of the tibial plafond on computed tomography (CT) in varus ankle OA and whether the alignment of the tibial plafond changed as the OA progressed. The 3D CT and plain radiographs from 101 ankles with varus ankle OA were analyzed and compared with 40 ankles in control group. The tibial plafond was assessed in the coronal and sagittal planes using 3D CT. The medial angle between the vertical line and the tibial plafond was measured on 3 different coronal plane CT images which was anterior, middle and posterior area of the tibial plafond. The medial distal tibial angle on plain radiograph reflected the posterior area of the tibial plafond on CT. The amount of varus angulation on CT was larger in anterior and middle area of the tibial plafond than the posterior area. There was a difference in the degree of varus of the tibial plafond between control group and OA patients; however, there was no difference among patients in different stages of varus ankle OA. Weightbearing plain radiographs underestimate the varus deformity in anterior and middle area of the tibial plafond and there is no significant difference in deformity of the tibial plafond among patients in different stages of varus ankle OA.

Is there an optimal degree of correction for ankle varus deformity after supramalleolar osteotomy? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the angle targeted for in varus ankle deformity after supramalleolar osteotomy (SMOT). The aim of this study was to investigate which obtained correction has the best clinical outcome after valgus SMOT. METHODS: A systematic review according PRISMA guidelines was conducted with studies being eligible for inclusion when published in English, German or Dutch, patients older than 18 years at study entrance, primary or posttraumatic varus ankle osteoarthritis, using any valgus SMOT technique, describing radiological alignment and clinical outcome at baseline and after at least 12 months follow-up. Risk of bias was assessed using the McMaster University Occupational Therapy Evidence-Based Practice Research Group quality assessment tool. The electronical databases PubMed, EMBASE and Cinahl were used as data sources. Included cohorts were categorized according to the mean obtained medial distal tibia angle (MDTA; ranged between 87° and 100°). A linear mixed effect model was used for individual patient data to assess the association between the MDTA and the (difference in) clinical outcome. RESULTS: Thirty studies including 33 patient cohorts with 922 ankles were identified. At a mean follow-up of 4 years no differences in clinical outcome between correction categories were found. Individual data of 34 ankles showed no relationship between obtained MDTA and clinical outcome either. CONCLUSION: This review could not demonstrate an optimal degree of correction after valgus SMOT. Results were hampered by biased low quality studies and the widespread use of unreliable 2D alignment measures such as the MDTA.

Post-operative hallux varus: a review of treatment methods.

PURPOSE: Hallux varus is a classical complication of hallux valgus surgery with a medium rate of 6%. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Methods of treatment are MTP1 fusion or conservative joint operations. Hallux varus results from imbalance between excessive medial capsule retraction or tensioning and excessive lateral laxity or soft-tissue release but also and mainly from an over displacement of the first metatarsal which reduces the intermetatarsal angle and thus leads to medial displacement of the great toe. A majority are well tolerated, but few need to be re-operated upon. RESULTS: Factors guiding choice are mainly range of motion and reducibility of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and tendon balance. Joint sparing could be decided for a mobile and well balancesd MTP1 with two options, soft-tissue repairing such as tendon and ligament transfer and reverse osteotomies. The choice depends mainly on the radiological features as an unduly closed intermetarsal angle which leads to a reverse scarf or chevron osteotomy whatever previous surgery was or was not with an osteotomy. CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment is tricky, and MTP1 fusion is still a reliable procedure which can be used widely.

Ilizarov Gradual Distraction Correction for Distal Tibial Severe Varus Deformity Resulting from Epiphyseal Fracture: Case Report and Literature Review.

We present a case of a 13-year-old female with severe varus deformity and limb discrepancy resulting from epiphyseal fracture. The preoperative tibial articular surface angle was 64.1°, and the affected tibia was 14 mm shorter than the contralateral tibia. She underwent a medial open osteotomy and fibular osteotomy with gradual distraction correction using Ilizarov fixator. The deformity was corrected at 3 months, and the external fixator was removed when bony union was achieved 6 months postoperatively. At 9 months after surgery, the patient could play basketball without feeling pain. At the last follow-up, namely 36 months after the operation, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot-ankle score was improved from 58 to 90, the patient was pain free, and the radiological measurements were nearly normal. Ilizarov fixator gradual distraction correction for distal tibial severe varus deformity is a safe and cost-effective method that can yield excellent radiological and clinical outcomes.

Long term clinical results of hallux varus correction by a reversed abductor hallucis transfer.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic hallux varus is a rare complication after hallux valgus surgery. Operative treatment comprises a wide variety of techniques, of which the reversed transfer of the abductor hallucis tendon is the most recent described technique. METHODS: This paper will present the long-term clinical results of the reversed transfer of the abductor hallucis longus. Therefore, we performed a prospective clinical observational study on 16 female patients. Our hypothesis is that the tendon transfer will persist in a good alignment and patient satisfaction on long term. There is a 100% follow-up rate with a range from 10 to 101 months. Patients were subjected to a clinical examination, three questionnaires and their general satisfaction. RESULTS: Out of 16 patients, at time of follow-up, we found a positive correlation between the subjective outcome score and alignment (r=0.59), and between the general satisfaction and alignment (r=0.77). Based on the general satisfaction we achieved a success satisfaction rate of 69% (11 patients). The other 31% (5 patients) patient group was only satisfied with major reservations or not satisfied at all. The two most invalidating complications were a coronal or sagittal malalignment or the combination of both. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the reverse abductor hallucis tendon transfer is a good technique to treat a supple iatrogenic hallux varus with an observed success satisfaction rate of 69% at a mean follow-up time of 48 (range 10-101) months. However, patients should be informed that on the long-term loss of correction is possible. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective clinical observational study: Level IIb.

Sesamoidectomy for Hallux Sesamoid Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Studies have shown that sesamoidectomy provides good clinical outcomes; however, concern exists regarding complications occurring after resection of 1 or both sesamoid bones. The purpose of the present systematic review was to evaluate the current evidence on sesamoidectomy for the treatment of hallux sesamoid disorders. A systematic search of the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed during October 2017. The included studies were evaluated for the level of evidence and quality of evidence using the Coleman Methodology Score. Variable reporting outcomes data, clinical outcomes, and percentage of patients returning to sports at their previous level were evaluated. Ten studies, totaling 196 feet, were included. The weighted mean patient age was 36.6 ± 11.0 years, and the weighted mean follow-up duration was 45.1 ± 19.3 months. The mean visual analog scale score improved from 6.5 ± 0.3 to 1.2 ± 0.5. The mean postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale score was 92.7 ± 2.7. Six studies demonstrated that 94.4% of patients returned to sports, with 90.0% returning to their previous level, at a mean of 11.8 ± 1.8 weeks. The mean hallux valgus angle increased from 13.1° ± 2.1° preoperatively to 14.8° ± 3.7° postoperatively (p = .470), and the mean intermetatarsal angle increased from 8.7° ± 0.8° to 9.7° ± 0.8° (p = .180). Overall complication rate was 22.5% and the revision rate was 3.0%. The present systematic review has demonstrated that sesamoidectomy for hallux sesamoids disorders yields good clinical outcomes and a high rate of return to sports in the short term, albeit with a high complication rate of 22.5%.

Minimally Invasive Hallux Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis for Hallux Varus in Pfeiffer Syndrome: A Case Report.

Pfeiffer syndrome is a rare hereditary condition with an autosomal dominant transmission caused by a mutation that affects fibroblast growth factor receptors. It is one of the acrocephalosyndactyly diseases causing cranial malformations owing to early suture fusion. In the foot, it is typically associated with hallux varus, first ray hyperplasia, and partial lesser digit syndactyly. We report a clinical case of a 10-year-old patient with Pfeiffer type I syndrome with bilateral severe hallux varus due to a hypoplastic trapezoidal shaped proximal phalanx, a distal, medial-facing articular surface, and interphalangeal instability. This deformity was addressed by minimally invasive hallux interphalangeal joint arthrodesis with internal and external fixation. We report the results at the 2-year follow-up point.

Longitudinal Epiphyseal Bracket of the First Metatarsal Bone: Three Case Reports and a Review of the Literature.

Longitudinal epiphyseal bracket (LEB) is a rare bone dysplasia of the tubular bones. Owing to an abnormal secondary ossification center, the affected bones can develop progressive shortening and angular deformity. The aim of our study was to provide an overview of the reported data regarding epidemiology and surgical procedures available for LEB of the first metatarsal bone in a pediatric population combined with a small case series. We report a retrospective case series of 3 nonsyndromic pediatric patients with different ages and with confirmed dysplasia of the first metatarsal bone. All patients presented with unilateral congenital hallux varus deformity and underwent surgical treatment. The radiographs and medical records were reviewed to evaluate the deformity characteristics, treatment, and clinical results. The mean patient age at initial surgery was 34 (range 12 to 63) months, and the median follow-up period was 46 (range 31 to 75) months. Almost all specific radiographic measurements showed correction of the deformity, and each foot demonstrated functional and cosmetic improvement. A standardized literature search was performed to obtain studies of LEB of the first metatarsal bone in the pediatric population. From on our results and the current data available, surgical treatment should be tailored to the patient's age and radiographic stage of LEB. However, monitoring until skeletal maturity of the feet is necessary to assess the final results.

Treatment of Hallux Varus After Traumatic Adductor Hallucis Tendon Rupture.

Hallux varus is a deformity of acquired and less commonly congenital etiologies. It can present secondary to the release of the soft tissues surrounding the first metatarsophalangeal joint surfaces during bunion surgery. If the condition is left untreated, it can be debilitating, with progressive pain and destruction of joint surfaces. Many procedures have been described for the treatment of iatrogenic causes of hallux varus; however, little has been reported regarding the success of procedures when used for less typical traumatic causes. In the present report, a case is presented of surgical repair of a traumatic hallux varus using a suture and button fixation device and 3-year patient follow-up data.

Can the Syndesmosis Procedure Prevent Metatarsus Primus Varus and Hallux Valgus Deformity Recurrence? A 5-Year Prospective Study.

One of the main objectives of hallux valgus surgery is correction of the metatarsus primus varus deformity by osteotomy, arthrodesis, or soft tissue correction. The syndesmosis procedure uses intermetatarsal cerclage sutures to realign the first metatarsal and also induces a syndesmotic bonding between the first and second metatarsals to prevent metatarsus primus varus deformity recurrence. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate radiologic evidence of the effectiveness of the syndesmosis concept and to identify the incidence and nature of deformity recurrence. A total of 55 feet from 60 consecutive procedures were followed regularly at 6 fixed points for 5 years. The radiologic inclusion criterion was a first intermetatarsal angle >9° or metatarsophalangeal angle >20°. The initial postoperative radiographs showed significant correction of the intermetatarsal angle from a preoperative average of 14.5° to 4.3° (p < .0001). It had increased to 7.0° during the first 6 postoperative months but remained within the normal upper limit of 9° and exhibited no further significant changes for the subsequent 4.5 years (p = .0792). Hallux valgus deformity correction also correlated with metatarsus primus varus deformity correction. Three (5%) second metatarsal stress fractures occurred, and all recovered uneventfully. In conclusion, we have report the findings from a detailed medium long-term follow-up study showing, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time that metatarsus primus varus and hallux valgus deformities can be effectively corrected and maintained using a specific surgical technique. Also included are 6 relevant radiographs and photographs of the included and excluded feet in the online Supplementary Material for reference.

[Arthrodesis of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint by Locking Plate]. / Artrodéza I. metatarzofalangeálního kloubu úhlove stabilní dlahou.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The authors in their paper evaluate a group of patients who underwent arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint using a locking plate. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the period 2010-2015, we performed surgery in 51 patients (56 forefeet), of which in 5 cases bilaterally and in 46 cases unilaterally, in 38 women and 13 men. The mean age was 57.8 years, the mean follow-up was 3.1 years. The indications for surgery were hallux rigidus in 23 patients, hallux valgus in 15 patients, hallux varus in 3 patients, and hallux erectus in 2 patients. In 4 patients the surgery was performed for valgus deformity associated with rheumatoid arthritis, 9 patients were indicated for a failure of the prior surgical intervention. In all 56 forefeet, the anatomic, low-profile titanium plate Variable Angle LCP 1st MTP Fusion Plate 2.4/2.7 was used. RESULTS According to Gainor s score the surgical outcomes were assessed as excellent in 46 patients who underwent surgery (90%), good in 4 patients (8%), fair in 1 patient (2%), and poor in 0 patient (0%). In 53 forefeet, the control radiographs showed solid bone union. In 2 patients and 3 forefeet, non-union of the arthrodesis occurred. In 2 forefeet, revision arthrodesis was performed, after which solid bone union followed. Malpositioned union was reported in 5 forefeet, of which in 4 cases into valgosity and in 1 case into dorsiflexion. DISCUSSION Numerous fixation materials can be used for arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The use of the least stable Kirschner wires (cerclage) is being abandoned and substituted with a more stable fixation by screws, memory staples and locking plates. The achievement of excellent results requires proper positioning of the arthrodesis. Impingement syndrome between the big toe and the second toe can result in painful callosities formation, too large dorsiflexion can lead to a hallux hammertoe, with reduced big toe support function, to metatarsalgia. CONCLUSIONS The arthrodesis is indicated in patients with Grade III and IV hallux rigidus, with severe hallux valgus, hallux varus, and in patients in whom the previous surgeries failed. We tend to prefer stable arthrodesis. Fixation by anatomic LCP plate facilitates early rehabilitation, loading and early return to work and sports activities. Key words: arthrodesis, metatarsophalangeal joint, hallux rigidus, hallux valgus.

Gradual Correction of Traumatic Hallux Varus With Metatarsal Hemicallotasis.

Traumatic hallux varus associated with osseous deformity, especially in the case of a decreased distal metatarsal articular angle, is an extremely challenging, but rewarding, deformity to treat. To the best of our knowledge, no previous reports have referred to surgical correction of traumatic hallux varus using first metatarsal hemicallotasis. We report the case of a 54-year-old male with traumatic hallux varus associated with medial subluxation of the second metatarsophalangeal joint and second metatarsocuneiform joint arthrosis. The patient was successfully treated with metatarsal hemicallotasis with medial soft tissue release, a proximal second metatarsal shortening osteotomy, and second metatarsocuneiform joint arthrodesis. After 1 year and 6 months, the correction had been maintained in a suitable position, no discomfort or pain was present, and the patient was completely satisfied with the surgical results. Metatarsal hemicallotasis can safely determine the angle of correction and minimize the risk of avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head even in deformed halluces with previous traumatic injuries and/or surgical treatment. This technique should be indicated only for hallux varus with a decreased distal metatarsal articular angle, an angular-type metatarsal head, and good metatarsophalangeal joint congruence.

Measuring hindfoot alignment in weight bearing CT: A novel clinical relevant measurement method.

BACKGROUND: A precise pre-operative measurement of hindfoot malalignment is paramount to plan and obtain an accurate surgical correction. Hindfoot alignment is currently determined on standard weightbearing radiographs. However this is hampered by the superposition of the skeletal structures. Recent technology developed weightbearing cone beam CT to overcome this problem. The objective is to introduce a clinically relevant and reproducible method to measure hindfoot alignment on weightbearing CT. METHODS: Sixty malalignments of the hindfoot were divided in to two groups; group one containing a valgus alignment (n=30) and group two a varus alignment (n=30) of the hindfoot. Imaging techniques used were standard radiographs and a weightbearing CT (pedCAT®). Following angles were measured by two different authors: standard long axial hindfoot angle both on standard radiographs and on CT, clinical hindfoot, novel hindfoot angle, talar shift (distance from a neutral alignment), tibial inclination angle, talar tilt and subtalar vertical angle on CT. RESULTS: Hindfoot alignment angles showed to significantly differ from each other (P<0.001). The novel hindfoot alignment angle showed the highest correlation with the clinical measurement method. Correlation of this novel angle with the talar shift showed a Spearman's correlation coefficient=0.87. Interclass correlation coefficient of the novel hindfoot alignment angle=0.72 and was the highest among the hindfoot alignment angles. CONCLUSION: Weightbearing CT is allows to objectively assess hindfoot alignment. The proposed novel hindfoot alignment angle showed to be both clinically relevant and reproducible as compared to previous methods. The lateral tibiocalcaneal shift, on which the angle is highly correlated to, can help the surgeon in determining how much translation is necessary to obtain a neutral alignment during a calcaneal osteotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: retrospective cohort study.

Does the subtalar joint compensate for ankle malalignment in end-stage ankle arthritis?

BACKGROUND: Patients with ankle arthritis often present with concomitant hindfoot deformity, which may involve the tibiotalar and subtalar joints. However, the possible compensatory mechanisms of these two mechanically linked joints are not well known. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In this study we sought to (1) compare ankle and hindfoot alignment of our study cohort with end-stage ankle arthritis with that of a control group; (2) explore the frequency of compensated malalignment between the tibiotalar and subtalar joints in our study cohort; and (3) assess the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of classification methods of hindfoot alignment used in this study. METHODS: Between March 2006 and September 2013, we performed 419 ankle arthrodesis and ankle replacements (380 patients). In this study, we evaluated radiographs for 233 (56%) ankles (226 patients) which met the following inclusion criteria: (1) no prior subtalar arthrodesis; (2) no previously failed total ankle replacement or ankle arthrodesis; (3) with complete conventional radiographs (all three ankle views were required: mortise, lateral, and hindfoot alignment view). Ankle and hindfoot alignment was assessed by measurement of the medial distal tibial angle, tibial talar surface angle, talar tilting angle, tibiocalcaneal axis angle, and moment arm of calcaneus. The obtained values were compared with those observed in the control group of 60 ankles from 60 people. Only those without obvious degenerative changes of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints and without previous surgeries of the ankle or hindfoot were included in the control group. Demographic data for the patients with arthritis and the control group were comparable (sex, p=0.321; age, p=0.087). The frequency of compensated malalignment between the tibiotalar and subtalar joints, defined as tibiocalcaneal angle or moment arm of the calcaneus being greater or smaller than the same 95% CI statistical cutoffs from the control group, was tallied. All ankle radiographs were independently measured by two observers to determine the interobserver reliability. One of the observers evaluated all images twice to determine the intraobserver reliability. RESULTS: There were differences in medial distal tibial surface angle (86.6°±7.3° [95% CI, 66.3°-123.7°) versus 89.1°±2.9° [95% CI, 83.0°-96.3°], p<0.001), tibiotalar surface angle (84.9°±14.4° [95% CI, 45.3°-122.7°] versus 89.1°±2.9° [95% CI, 83.0°-96.3°], p<0.001), talar tilting angle (-1.7°±12.5° [95% CI, -41.3°-30.3°) versus 0.0°±0.0° [95% CI, 0.0°-0.0°], p=0.003), and tibiocalcaneal axis angle (-7.2°±13.1° [95% CI, -57°-33°) versus -2.7°±5.2° [95% CI, -13.3°-9.0°], p<0.001) between patients with ankle arthritis and the control group. Using the classification system based on the tibiocalcaneal angle, there were 62 (53%) and 22 (39%) compensated ankles in the varus and valgus groups, respectively. Using the classification system based on the moment arm of the calcaneus, there were 68 (58%) and 20 (35%) compensated ankles in the varus and valgus groups, respectively. For all conditions or methods of measurement, patients with no or mild degenerative change of the subtalar joint have a greater likelihood of compensating coronal plane deformity of the ankle with arthritis (p<0.001-p=0.032). The interobserver and intraobserver reliability for all radiographic measurements was good to excellent (the correlation coefficients range from 0.820 to 0.943). CONCLUSIONS: Substantial ankle malalignment, mostly varus deformity, is common in ankles with end-stage osteoarthritis. The subtalar joint often compensates for the malaligned ankle in static weightbearing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy and Combined Abrasion/Microfracture in Severe Medial Osteoarthritis and Varus Malalignment: 5-Year Results and Arthroscopic Findings After 2 Years.

PURPOSE: To determine survivorship and functional results of medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) combined with a chondral resurfacing procedure (abrasion/microfracture) in patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 and 4 osteoarthritis with full-thickness cartilage defects and varus malalignment. METHODS: From September 2005 to December 2008, all cases of HTO (fixation with an angular-stable internal fixator) combined with a chondral resurfacing procedure performed at our institution were prospectively surveyed, with a minimum follow-up of 5 years, regarding survival (not requiring arthroplasty), functional outcome (subjective International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] score), and subjective satisfaction (whether patients would undergo the operation again). Clinical evaluation (according to objective IKDC parameters), radiologic evaluation, and revision arthroscopy for evaluation of regenerated cartilage were performed between 1 and 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 91 knees (85 patients; mean age, 50.4 ± 8.0 years; age range, 28.3 to 67.7 years) were included. The survival rate was 95.2% (95% confidence interval, 90.7% to 99.7%) at 5 years, with 4 conversions to arthroplasty (3 unicondylar and 1 total knee arthroplasty; follow-up rate, 87.9%). Subjective IKDC scores significantly improved from 45.1 ± 11.6 points preoperatively to 69.1 ± 14.2 points after 1 year, 66.4 ± 14.5 points after 3 years, and 67.2 ± 14.4 points after 5 years (P < .001). In 94.9% of the cases patients were satisfied with the result after 5 years, including those with arthroplasty. Revision arthroscopy was performed in 80 cases (87.9%) at 1.5 ± 0.8 years: Cartilage regeneration was graded good in 50.0% and excellent in 25.8% on the tibial side compared with 48.1% and 39.0%, respectively, on the femoral side (P < .001). The overall complication rate was 6.6%. CONCLUSIONS: HTO in combination with a chondral resurfacing procedure is effective in the treatment of severe medial osteoarthritis and varus malalignment. The effect of the chondral resurfacing in this combined approach remains unclear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

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.

Correction of Idiopathic Adult Hallux Varus by Tendon Transfer.

Idiopathic adult hallux varus is a rare deformity. In this report, I present a technique for correction of this condition by extensor hallucis longus tenodesis and extensor digitorum brevis transfer.

Arthroscopic First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis for Repair of Fixed Hallux Varus Deformity.

Arthroscopic first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis for fixed hallux varus deformity can be very difficult because narrowing of the medial joint space results in difficult access. The abductor hallucis tendon and the medial capsule can be released through a small proximal plantar medial incision. This will convert the deformity into a flexible one and open up the medial joint space. This allows arthroscopic arthrodesis using the standard dorsolateral and medial portals. The plantar medial incision can also be used for arthroscopy of the metatarsosesamoid compartment and insertion of a screw for first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis.