Hallux valgus
What is hallux valgus?
Hallux valgus is a foot condition in which the big toe deviates toward the second toe and the joint of the big toe protrudes. Besides its appearance, in patients whose condition has advanced considerably the big toe crosses over the second toe in a severe deformity, and the pain also disturbs the gait, which can cause pain in the knee joints, hips and lower back. It is therefore important to receive treatment that corrects the problem at its root at an early stage.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is pain at the bony prominence (bunion) on the inner side of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. This area is irritated by footwear, becomes thickened and inflamed, and causes pain. Secondarily, calluses may form on the sole beneath the second or third toe and become painful. In severe cases the second toe may overlap the big toe, or the joint may dislocate. A deformity with a protruding joint may also develop on the little toe side. Pain makes walking, and even wearing shoes, uncomfortable, and it may extend to the knees and lower back.
Candidates
Hallux valgus affects not only people who wear stylish shoes that strain the feet, but also people in a variety of occupations such as artists, athletes and martial artists.
Soccer
Dance
Figure skating
Fencing
Marathon
Martial arts
Ballet
High heels
Golf
Gymnast
Treatment
When symptoms are mild and not severe, orthotics or functional shoes can help, but such supportive methods have limited effect and may even make the symptoms worse. In that case the most reliable treatment is an open procedure with osteotomy or correction with a band. In the past only the protruding bone was shaved off, but today correction is achieved by cutting or releasing part of the deformed foot bone, or with banding tailored to the treatment of hallux valgus, restoring both the function and the shape of the foot.
Minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery (MICA procedure)
This procedure makes tiny openings at the surgical site and, under real-time X-ray guidance, realigns the angle and position of the deformed bone before fixing it with screws. Conventional surgery required a skin incision of about 3-6 cm to fix the bone, whereas MICA surgery needs only 2 mm micro-openings at the 3-5 points where the bone is cut and the screws are placed. By keeping the incision to a minimum, the deviated toe can be corrected without a large wound. Post-operative pain is therefore markedly less and return to daily life is relatively quick.
Benefits of minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery (MICA procedure)
- 1
- Markedly less pain than conventional surgery.
- 2
- The periosteum is not stripped, so it is preserved.
- 3
- It can be performed even at an advanced age.
- 4
- Less adhesion at the surgical site means faster rehabilitation.
- 5
- The hospital stay is short, about 2~4 days.
- 6
- Both feet can be operated on at the same time.