Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

An Intramedullary Locking Nail for Standardized Fixation of Femur Osteotomies to Analyze Normal and Defective Bone Healing in Mice
Published on: November 13, 2016
Clinical and biomechanics effects of modified Helal osteotomy with screw fixation in forefoot reconstruction
Anton V Kachesov1, Oleg B Nosov1, Dmitry S Bobrov2
1Microsurgical Department of University Clinic, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
Purpose:
The object of this study was to assess the efficacy of Helal metatarsal osteotomy with screw fixation in patients with hammertoe deformities.
Methods:
Thirty-five patients (66 feet, 66 metatarsals) with hammertoe deformity underwent Helal osteotomy with screw fixation after first ray reconstruction. Pre- and postoperative AOFAS scale results, podobarometry (in-shoe plantar pressure), and X-ray (angular) parameters were analyzed. The patients were examined before the operation and two, six, and 24 months postoperatively.
Results:
The average AOFAS score was 59 (± 2.4) preoperatively and 96 (± 1.2) in 12 months after the operations. Pressure under the second and third metatarsal heads was decreased from 396 (± 52.3) kPa preoperatively to 240 (± 22.3) kPa 12 months postoperatively. Lateral subluxation of the second and third toes before the operation was observed in 62 (94%) feet, average metatarsophalangeal angle was 28.1 (± 3.3) degrees. While it was not found in any case 12 months after operation, in four (6.1%) feet, it became recurrent 24 months postoperatively; the average metatarsophalangeal angle was 5° (± 0.6).
Conclusion:
Helal osteotomy with screw fixation demonstrated good-to-excellent results in 24 months postoperatively. It allows for a three-dimension lesser rays reconstruction: shortening, elevating, and lateral or medial displacement of the metatarsal head.

