Application of bone graft to the medial side of the first metatarsal head in the treatment of hallux varus.

BACKGROUND: Hallux varus deformity is not frequent, is usually acquired, and is poorly tolerated by patients. A common cause is the resection of an excessive amount of the head of the first metatarsal during an operation performed to correct a hallux valgus deformity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of application of bone graft to the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head in order to restore missing bone after resection of an excessive amount of bone during a bunionectomy.

METHODS: Of thirty patients who had a hallux varus deformity that was treated operatively, eight (ten feet) had bone-grafting to the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head. Six patients (seven feet) were available for evaluation at an average of 8.6 years (range, two to twenty-two years) postoperatively. The original reasons for the consultation for the hallux varus deformity were pain in the great toe, discomfort with shoewear, and the cosmetic appearance of the deformity. The pain typically was located on the medial aspect of the great toe and was caused by the pressure of the shoe; the pain usually was aggravated by walking. Preoperatively, the passive range of dorsiflexion averaged 72 degrees (range, 60 to 80 degrees); the passive range of plantar flexion, 12 degrees (range, 10 to 20 degrees); and the varus deformity, 18 degrees.

RESULTS: Six of the seven feet had a satisfactory result. The pain associated with the varus deformity had disappeared in all patients. One patient was dissatisfied because of 20 degrees of valgus angulation. The passive range of dorsiflexion averaged 63 degrees (range, 60 to 70 degrees), and all patients had 10 degrees of plantar flexion. Overall, the valgus angulation of the metatarsophalangeal joint averaged 19 degrees (range, 16 to 22 degrees). There was no recurrence or persistence of the varus deformity. In three feet, the joint space was reduced, but this did not jeopardize the clinical result.

CONCLUSIONS: A bone graft screwed onto the medial aspect of the metatarsal head provided a good result. This technique is indicated when the varus deformity is related to a previous resection of an excessive amount of bone during a bunionectomy and when the deformity is passively reducible to neutral.