The Windswept Foot: Dealing with Metatarsus Adductus and Toe Valgus

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Foot and ankle reconstruction
• Podiatric medicine

Background:

• The windswept foot presents significant reconstructive challenges.
• Hallux valgus associated with medially displaced lesser metatarsal heads complicates correction.
• Deformity often leads to toe alignment into valgus, affecting flexor and extensor tendons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the reconstructive challenges of the windswept foot.
• To evaluate treatment strategies for hallux valgus with medially displaced metatarsal heads.
• To propose optimal surgical correction for severe windswept foot deformities.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing treatment alternatives for windswept foot.
• Consideration of combined open and percutaneous surgical techniques.
• Focus on proximal metatarsal osteotomies for severe cases.

Main Results:

• Correction requires either lateral displacement of metatarsal heads or acceptance of the deformity.
• Existing treatments may involve a combination of surgical approaches.
• Proximal correction of the first, second, and third metatarsals is indicated in severe metatarsus adductus.

Conclusions:

• The windswept foot is a complex orthopedic problem.
• Severe metatarsus adductus necessitates proximal correction of multiple metatarsals.
• Surgical intervention, potentially combined, is key to managing this deformity.