Use of the Mini TightRope® for correction of hallux varus deformity.

The flexible form of acquired hallux varus has historically been treated with a number of applicable soft tissue procedures, most of which combine medial capsular release with adjunct procedures aimed at restoring the transverse plane balance of the digit. In this report, a surgical technique for correction of hallux varus that employs the use of an implanted button and suture device, namely the Mini TightRope(®), is described. Rather than relying on the patient's own soft tissues, this device applies tension to anchor the hallux in the proper alignment.

Youngswick-Austin procedure: the effect of plantar arm orientation on metatarsal head displacement.

The Youngswick-Austin metatarsal head procedure was developed to allow for correction of a mildly elevated metatarsal head and/or to shorten an abnormally long first metatarsal. However, it was difficult to accurately and consistently predict the amount of plantar metatarsal head displacement utilizing this modification of the Austin procedure. This study demonstrated, through the use of preoperative templates and a mathematical formula, that the angle of the plantar arm relative to the weightbearing surface of the foot is what dictates the amount of plantar metatarsal head displacement.

The nonfixated Austin bunionectomy: a retrospective study of one-hundred procedures.

A retrospective evaluation of 64 randomly selected patients with 100 nonfixated Austin bunionectomy procedures was performed. A radiographic and a clinical evaluation were performed, including an analysis of preoperative and postoperative angles as well as postoperative complications. This study demonstrates a similar complication rate for nonfixated Austin bunionectomies as compared with previous studies with internal fixation.