Minos Ε. Tyllianakis MD, PhD

Hallux valgus is the commonest disease of the musculoskeletal system affecting mainly women. It usually appears in adult life and rarely earlier. High incidence of the deformity is found in some families.

Contrary to what is widely believed use of tight and high-heel shoes is not the cause of the deformity.

Apart from the cosmetic appearance of the foot patients usually complain of pain at the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP). The deformity deteriorates over the years and may be associated with metatarsalgia (pain at the metatarsal heads) which requires a more sophisticated approach. There are various types of splints on the market that may somehow alleviate discomfort but are unable to halt the development of the deformity.

Numerous surgical techniques have been described that include some kind of osteotomy of the first metatarsal and osteosynthesis with small screws or pins.

Over the last years minimal invasive surgical techniques have been developed that provide earlier and more comfortable mobilization of the patient with barely seen scar formation.

The technique I prefer is characterized by a couple of stab incisions, osteotomies with special burrs, intraoperative radiological control, no use of implants, special wound dressing, same day discharge and immediate full weight bearing. The advantages of this method are: minimal injury to the soft tissues, earlier union of the osteotomies, almost unnoticed scar formation, no need for potential implant removal in the future, immediate full weight bearing and no need for stiches removal

Surgery is performed under regional and/or light general anesthesia.