Complications of the Austin-type bunionectomy

The California College of Podiatric Medicine has evaluated the complications encountered in the Austin-type bunionectomy and compiled the following list of possible causes: 1) improper preoperative criteria, 2) incorrect angle between arms of the V-osteotomy, 3) incorrect direction of the osteotomy on the transverse plane, 4) removal of too little or too much bone medially in a bi-correctional procedure, 5) transposition of capital fragment too far laterally, 6) failure to remove medial wedge at least 80% through the head, 7) placement of V-osteotomy in cystic or osteoporotic bone, and 8) improper instrumentation. Dr. Gerbert believes that the use of templates preoperatively will minimize the number of complications.