Modified Austin Procedure for Correction of Hallux Valgus

Abstract

The Austin osteotomy is a widely accepted method for correction of mild and moderate hallux valgus. In view of publications by Kitaoka et al. in 1991 and by Mann and colleagues, a more radical lateral soft tissue procedure was added to the originally described procedure. From September 1992 to January 1994, 85 patients underwent an Austin osteotomy combined with a lateral soft tissue procedure to correct their hallux valgus deformities. Seventy-nine patients (94 feet) were available for follow-up. The average patient age at the time of the operation was 47.1 years, and the average follow-up was 16.2 months. The average preoperative intermetatarsal angle was 13.9°, and the average hallux valgus angle was 29.7°. After surgery, the feet were corrected to an average intermetatarsal angle of 5.8° and an average hallux valgus angle of 11.9°. Sesamoid position was corrected from 2.1 before surgery to 0.5 after surgery. The results were also graded according to the Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal Score, and the functional and cosmetic outcomes were graded by the patient. Dissection of the plantar transverse ligament and release of the lateral capsule repositioned the tibial sesamoid and restored the biomechanics around the first metatarsophalangeal joint. There was no increased incidence of avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head compared with the original technique.