Correction of intermetatarsal angle in hallux valgus using small suture button device

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Podiatric medicine
• Surgical innovation

Background:

• Hallux valgus (bunion) is a prevalent foot condition causing pain and functional impairment.
• Traditional surgical correction via osteotomy presents technical challenges and potential complications.
• The Mini TightRope device offers a less invasive alternative for correcting intermetatarsal angle (IMA) deformities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of hallux valgus correction using the Mini TightRope device.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 14 hallux valgus cases treated with the Mini TightRope technique.
• Preoperative and postoperative (1 week, 3 months, 6 months) clinical and radiographic assessments were conducted.
• Measurements included intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and hallux valgus angle (HVA).

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in IMA and HVA were observed at 1 week post-surgery (9° and 28° respectively).
• Further modest reductions were noted at 3 months (7° IMA, 20° HVA) and maintained at 6 months (6° IMA, 19° HVA).
• Minor complications included soft-tissue issues and one second metatarsal fracture, both managed successfully.

Conclusions:

• The Mini TightRope technique demonstrates promising short-term efficacy in correcting hallux valgus deformities.
• The procedure is associated with a low rate of early complications.
• This device presents a viable alternative to traditional osteotomies for hallux valgus correction.