Hallux Varus and Plantar Plate Repair

One of the most frequent problems encountered in foot and ankle are hallux valgus and lesser toes deformities. One of the complications after hallux valgus treatment is a iatrogenic hallux varus. This deformity can be solved at 2 levels, namely the skeletal level, through a metatarsal osteotomy to correct the varus component of the bone and at the soft tissue level, to compensate and rebalance soft tissue tension surrounding the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The soft tissue reconstruction may include capsular releases, capsulorraphies, tendon transfers, and augmentations such as nonreabsorbable suture reinforcement of some MTP capsular components. Lesser toe deformities have historically shown moderate to low levels of satisfaction after surgical treatment. Ten years ago the MTP component of lesser toes deformity was solved with some type of metatarsal shortening osteotomy and soft tissue release, specially including dorsal structures over the metatarsal head. Over the last few years' knowledge from a series of articles have shown the importance in recognizing and repairing the MTP plate to regain stability and alignment at the joint. Different alternatives of repair exist at this level, and some of them are discussed in this article. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level 5. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.