Acquired hallux varus: a new corrective procedure.

In hallux varus, which may be either congenital or acquired, the great toe deviates tibialward at the metatarsophalangeal joint. Dr. Wood discusses the acquired type and its causes and treatment. A new technique involving the surgical detachment from bone of all structures located superficial to the periosteum that surrounds the distal half of the shaft of the first metatarsal has been developed. It may be used in conjunction with the available soft tissue procedures before bone surgery for correction of the deformity, and it may make bone surgery unnecessary or alter the extent and scope of any required bone surgery.