The Correction Potential of the Lateral Release of the Hallux Valgus: A Comparative Anatomical Study of Minimally Invasive Versus Open Surgical Technique Using a Dorsal Approach.

Background: Lateral release (LR) is an integral part of surgical correction of hallux valgus. A comparison was made between the open and minimally invasive LR techniques using a dorsal approach. The reliability and safety of the two methods were compared. Besides, the release of specific structures was investigated with special emphasis on ascertaining if the release was partial or a total one. Methods: In this study on cadavers, LR was performed on nine pairs of foot and ankle specimens. The group assignments were randomized for each case. The operations were followed by anatomical preparation, data collection, photo documentation, and statistical analysis. Results: A statistically significant advantage was observed with the open dorsal approach as there was a complete release of the adductor hallucis muscle from the lateral sesamoid and the lateral metatarsosesamoid ligament (p = 0.015 in each case). In terms of releasing the adductor hallucis muscle from the proximal phalanx, the lateral joint capsule, and the lateral collateral ligament, none of the investigated procedures showed better performance. However, open dorsal access tends to show a higher degree of release more frequently. Conclusions: Splitting of the lateral joint capsule, including the lateral collateral ligament and lateral metatarsosesamoid ligament via the dorsal approach can be performed reliably and completely using the open surgical technique. The open dorsal technique shows better rates of detachment when the adductor hallucis muscle is released from the lateral sesamoid. Both techniques resulted in incomplete release of the adductor hallucis muscle from the proximal phalanx. Study Type: Therapeutic-investigating the results of a treatment. Level of Evidence: II (Prospective cohort study). Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-021-00575-3.

Anatomical Study of Sinus Tarsi-Based Lateral Lengthening Calcaneal Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Lateral lengthening calcaneal osteotomy (LL-CO) is commonly performed as a treatment for an abducted midfoot in pes planovalgus deformity. The purpose of this study is to investigate potential damage to medial structures with a sinus tarsi LL-CO. METHODS: Sixteen cadaver feet were used. Eight feet had an extended lateral approach, and 8 had a limited lateral (sinus tarsi) approach. All underwent a sinus tarsi LL-CO. Specimens were then dissected to identify inadvertent injury to medial structures. RESULTS: Sinus tarsi LL-CO was associated with damage to the sustentaculum tali and medial articular facets in 56% and 62.5% of specimens, respectively. No anterior or posterior facet injuries were found, although 56% of specimens had a confluent medial and anterior facet. CONCLUSION: Damage to the medial articular facet and sustentaculum is possible with a flat cut sinus tarsi LL-CO due to the curved nature of the relevant sinus tarsi and canal anatomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sinus tarsi LL-CO needs to be performed with caution since damage to the subtalar joint is possible. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Iatrogenic Damage to Neurovascular and Soft Tissue Structures During Lateral Release of Hallux Valgus: A Comparative Anatomical Study of Minimally Invasive Versus Open Surgical Techniques.

Lateral release is often an integral step in surgical correction of hallux valgus and can be performed using open or minimally invasive techniques. We investigated whether these techniques cause iatrogenic damage to arteries, nerves, tendons, or joint capsules. In this cadaver study, lateral release was performed on 9 pairs of specimens by a specialized foot surgeon. The specimens were randomly assigned to each group. The operations were followed by anatomical preparation, data collection, photo documentation, and statistical analysis. Iatrogenic damage to arteries, nerves, tendons, or joint capsules was rare, regardless of the surgical technique used. However, with the minimally invasive technique, the tendon of the extensor hallucis longus muscle and the sensitive terminal branches of the fibular nerve were at risk due to their anatomical proximity to the access portal. The deep transverse metatarsal ligament was potentially at risk if the adductor hallucis muscle was completely detached from the lateral sesamoid. When the deep transverse metatarsal ligament was transected there was risk of damaging the underlying plantar neurovascular structures. Both surgical techniques are safe in terms of the risk of injury to neighboring neurovascular and soft tissue structures.