Long term clinical results of hallux varus correction by a reversed abductor hallucis transfer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nIatrogenic hallux varus is a rare complication after hallux valgus surgery. Operative treatment comprises a wide variety of techniques, of which the reversed transfer of the abductor hallucis tendon is the most recent described technique.\n\n\nMETHODS\nThis paper will present the long-term clinical results of the reversed transfer of the abductor hallucis longus. Therefore, we performed a prospective clinical observational study on 16 female patients. Our hypothesis is that the tendon transfer will persist in a good alignment and patient satisfaction on long term. There is a 100% follow-up rate with a range from 10 to 101 months. Patients were subjected to a clinical examination, three questionnaires and their general satisfaction.\n\n\nRESULTS\nOut of 16 patients, at time of follow-up, we found a positive correlation between the subjective outcome score and alignment (r=0.59), and between the general satisfaction and alignment (r=0.77). Based on the general satisfaction we achieved a success satisfaction rate of 69% (11 patients). The other 31% (5 patients) patient group was only satisfied with major reservations or not satisfied at all. The two most invalidating complications were a coronal or sagittal malalignment or the combination of both.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nOur results suggest that the reverse abductor hallucis tendon transfer is a good technique to treat a supple iatrogenic hallux varus with an observed success satisfaction rate of 69% at a mean follow-up time of 48 (range 10-101) months. However, patients should be informed that on the long-term loss of correction is possible.\n\n\nLEVEL OF EVIDENCE\nProspective clinical observational study: Level IIb.