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Learn more about hallux valgus surgery

Hallux Valgus Surgery

Is Hallux Valgus Surgery Necessary?

Surgery for Hallux Valgus is necessary when it is very severe and accompanied by pain. There are various types of Hallux Valgus surgery, primarily classified into two categories: Osteotomy and Ligament Reconstruction.

Arthritis of the Big Toe

Classification of Surgery

(A.) Osteotomy

Option 1: Osteotomy

Bone-Breaking Bunion Surgery

Suitable for:

No damage to the metatarsophalangeal joint

Osteotomy begins with the metatarsals, splitting them into two segments, realigning them, and securing them with screws to correct Hallux Valgus. There are many different methods for fixing the osteotomy, all aimed at realigning the deviated big toe.

		±
STEP 1	STEP 2		If needed
Osteotomy to cut and realign the metatarsal	Screw fixation		May remove the bunion and shave the bone

Disadvantages of this surgery:

(1) Possibility of non-union

This means that after the osteotomy, due to insufficient fixation, the two bone segments cannot heal together, resulting in instability.

(2) Bone Screw Loosening

Any surgery requiring screws may experience loosening over time due to the inability of the foreign material to integrate with the bone, leading to instability.

(3) Screws or metal plates protruding under the skin, causing discomfort

Option 2: Arthrodesis (Joint Fusion)

Arthrodesis

Suitable for:

Destruction or ulceration of the metatarsophalangeal joint

If there is destruction or ulceration of the metatarsal, the damaged metatarsal must be removed, and two surgical screws are used to connect the two bone segments together, as shown below:


Before Hallux Valgus Surgery		After Hallux Valgus Surgery

Disadvantages of this surgery:

(1) Loss of grip strength in the toes

Since the two bone segments are permanently connected, the toes will permanently lose their grip strength.

(2) Non-union of the bones

(3) Loose screws protruding under the skin or surface

(B.) Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

Option 1: Lateral Ligament Release and Medial Imbrication = Lateral Ligament Release

Lateral release and medial imbrication

This surgery is performed when the first metatarsophalangeal joint is intact and undamaged.

Lateral release involves loosening the lateral ligaments first. The overly tight medial ligaments are then cut and overlapped to tighten them.

Step 1:

Loosening the

Overly Tight Lateral Ligaments

Step 2:

Cutting the Overly Tight

Medial Ligaments

And Overlapping to Tighten

Disadvantages of the surgery:

(1) Possibility of recurrence

Regrowth of the tendons after surgery may lead to recurrence of Hallux Valgus.

Option 2: Non-Osteotomy Ligament Union = Metatarsal and Ligament Tightening Surgery

(Metatarsal Phalangeal Bone & Ligament Tightening Surgery)

(No-Bone-Breaking Bunion Surgery)

This surgery does not require cutting the bones; it tightens and corrects the hallux valgus using sutures inside the body.

Step 1:

Reposition the displaced metatarsal (reduction)

Step 2:

Fix the suture to the second metatarsal and affected toe

Step 3:

In 5-6 months, the internal sutures will be naturally absorbed, straightening the hallux valgus

Disadvantages of Hallux Valgus Surgery:

Possibility of recurrence

Because the absorbed sutures do not provide enough correction force to maintain the straightness of the big toe, there is a risk of hallux valgus recurrence.

Hallux Valgus Surgery Treatment:

If the hallux valgus surgery is successful, it can indeed be a definitive solution, but the recovery time is long, requiring 3-6 months.

Improving the Success Rate of Hallux Valgus Surgery (Reducing Surgical Failures):

Use of Forefoot Pressure Relief Hallux Valgus Shoes F39

After hallux valgus surgery, it is recommended to use the "Forefoot Pressure Relief Hallux Valgus Shoes F39" to avoid pressure on the forefoot wounds. The product also includes a big toe orthotic sleeve to continuously correct and stabilize the big toe, preventing recurrence of hallux valgus. This increases the success rate of recovery!

Conservative Therapy:

Here are reasons for not being able or willing to undergo hallux valgus surgery

1. Hallux valgus surgery carries risks, complications, and sequelae

2. Not everyone is suitable for hallux valgus surgery

- Not suitable for diabetic patients

- Not suitable for elderly individuals

- Not suitable for those who cannot use anesthesia

3. Long recovery time after hallux valgus surgery

- Most require 3-6 months for rehabilitation

Reasons for not being able or willing to undergo hallux valgus surgery:

Recommended to use hallux valgus orthotic devices (a series of 3 sets):

To avoid hallux valgus surgery, it is recommended to use the following products, which correct hallux valgus through three-point corrective forces. Suitable for different daily needs of patients, providing 24-hour correction of the big toe. This speeds up treatment and effectively relieves big toe pain.

For Outdoor Use	For Home Use	For Sleep Use

F38 - Hallux Valgus Orthopedic Shoes	F04b - Hallux Valgus Tension Orthosis	F25 - Nighttime Hallux Valgus Orthosis