Syndesmosis procedure: a non-osteotomy approach to metatarsus primus varus correction

Hallux valgus and metatarsus primus varus deformities usually are the result of failure of the supporting soft tissues rather than bone deformities. Since soft-tissue procedures have been shown to only be suitable for mild deformities, first metatarsal osteotomy has become an integral part of correcting moderate to severe deformities. A soft-tissue technique referred to as the "syndesmosis procedure" by the author was evaluated for its effectiveness in correcting metatarsus primus varus in feet with hallux valgus.

This is a retrospective clinical and radiographic study of six patients (11 feet) an average of 6 years and 10 months after the "syndesmosis procedure." A cerclage technique using absorbable suture (PDS) was used for the first metatarsal realignment, and its long-term maintenance depended on a syndesmosis (fibrous) bonding between the first and second metatarsal bases.

The average preoperative hallux valgus angle of 29.5 (21 to 43) degrees improved to 13.5 (-2 to 24) degrees and the average preoperative metatarsus primus varus angle of 13.6 (12 to 16) degrees improved to 5.2 (2 to 8) degrees at an average of 85.7 (33 to 128) months. All patients were satisfied with their results and were able to return to sports and wearing high-heeled shoes as desired. Complications were few and mild. Followup American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux scores averaged 93 points.

This small but long-term retrospective study showed encouraging results for the correction of metatarsus primus varus deformity and a high patient satisfaction.