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Updated: Oct 3, 2025

An Anatomical Study of Nerves at Risk During Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Surgery
Published on: February 17, 2018
Risks of injury in distal metatarsal minimally invasive osteotomy when comparing standard and modified techniques: A
Elijah Auch1, Nacime Salomao Barbachan Mansur2, Matthieu Laleveé3
1Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, USA.
Background:
The objectives of the study were to evaluate the structures at risk in distal metatarsal mini-invasive osteotomy (DMMO) and to compare standard and intraosseous approaches.
Methods:
DMMO was performed on the second and fourth metatarsals of 11 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens. The standard technique was performed in 11 metatarsals. It was then compared to a modified intraosseous technique that entails starting inside the bone in 11 other metatarsals. The cadavers were dissected to identify unintentional injury to soft tissue structures.
Results:
In the standard group the most injured structures were the metatarsal joint capsules (MJC) (27%), extensor digitorum longus (EDL) (18%), and extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) (9%). The modified intraosseous group injured the EDL (27%), not the MJC (0%) and the EDB (0%). Distances between osteotomies and the dorsal metatarsal head articular surface (DMHAS) were 6.08 ± 3.99 mm in the standard and 9.92 ± 3.42 mm in the modified (p = 0.02).
Conclusion:
The DMMO techniques most frequently injured the EDL. Intra-articular positioning of the osteotomy was more observed in the standard. Overall, it appears the modified method could be an alternative to the standard DMMO.
Clinical Relevance:
The modified minimally invasive DMMO has a comparable rate of potential iatrogenic injuries. This intraosseous procedure may present as an option when planning surgery to the lesser metatarsals.
Level Of Evidence:
Level III. Comparative Cadaveric Study.
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