Abductor hallucis release in congenital metatarsus varus

Adduction of the forefoot diagnosed in the young child generally corrects spontaneously. Resistant forefoot adduction is usually combined with a degree of supination of the forefoot and described as congenital metatarsus varus. In true congenital metatarsus varus there is a contraction or shortening of the abductor hallucis muscle and tendon which is considered to be the primary deforming factor. In the early severe or resistant deformity correction can be achieved by either division of the tendon with release of its capsular attachment, or, in the more severe deformity, by complete release of the abductor hallucis muscle from its extensive attachment to bone and soft tissues.