Anchor enhanced capsulorraphy in bunionectomies using an L-shaped capsulotomy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Bunionectomies aim to correct Hallux Valgus (HV) and intermetatarsal (IM) angles.
• Maintaining surgical correction early post-operation is crucial for long-term success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the benefit of suture anchor-enhanced capsulorraphy in early correction maintenance after bunionectomies.
• To compare the loss of correction between anchor-enhanced and standard capsulorraphy techniques.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective comparison of 106 bunionectomy cases (65 with anchors, 41 without).
• Evaluation of Hallux Valgus (HV) and intermetatarsal (IM) angle loss using simulated weight-bearing AP X-rays (intraoperative and 2-week postoperative).
• Procedures included proximal metatarsal concentric shelf osteotomy (CSO)/modified McBride and distal Chevron osteotomy.

Main Results:

• The anchor group showed less average HV angle loss (2.8 degrees) compared to the without-anchor group (4.60 degrees).
• IM angle loss was similar between groups (0.6 degrees).
• Statistical analysis confirmed a significant improvement in HV angle correction maintenance with suture anchors.

Conclusions:

• Suture anchor-enhanced capsulorraphy plays a significant role in maintaining surgical correction of the Hallux Valgus angle in bunionectomies.
• This benefit was observed in both distal Chevron and CSO/modified McBride procedures.
• Suture anchors are a valuable adjunct for improving early postoperative outcomes in bunion surgery.