Journal List > J Korean Foot Ankle Soc > v.19(4) > 1043363

Yune and Kim: Medial Horizontal Suture Fixation of the Akin Osteotomy: A Technical Report

Abstract

The Akin osteotomy is a complimentary procedure in hallux valgus surgery. Surgical techniques may vary depending on the operators or fixation devices. Suture fixation, for which a removal procedure is not necessary, can often be recommended. However, there is a risk of failure due to the thin cortex of the phalanx. We describe a new technique using Ethibond suture fixation in Akin osteotomy, which can lower the risk of phalangeal cortical failure and articular cartilage irritation. First, the Akin osteotomy was performed on the proximal phalanx 5 to 6 mm distal to the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Then bone holes were drilled from dorsum to plantar parallel to osteotomy with the Kirschner wire. The final procedure involved passing the Ethibond sutures connected to a straight needle through the holes and tying it. This fixation method offers an effective and easy technique for performance of Akin osteotomy.

References

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Figure 1.
(A, B) Osteotomy is performed on the proximal phalanx 5 to 6 mm distal to the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The size of medial closing wedge osteotomy was determined by remaining valgus angle.
jkfas-19-197f1.tif
Figure 2.
(A, B) Two holes are placed horizontally on either side of osteotomy using 1.6 mm Kirschner wire.
jkfas-19-197f2.tif
Figure 3.
(A, B) No. 2 Ethibond sutures (Ethibond Inc.) on straight needle are passed into both side holes.
jkfas-19-197f3.tif
Figure 4.
(A, B) Osteotomy site was closed and tied with Ethibond suture (Ethibond Inc.).
jkfas-19-197f4.tif
Figure 5.
Preoperative weightbearing anteroposterior radiograph of a 65-year-old woman shows hallux valgus in the left foot.
jkfas-19-197f5.tif
Figure 6.
Radiograph at postoperative 1 week shows drill holes fixed with Ethibond (Ethibond Inc.) at the proximal phalanx of the great toe.
jkfas-19-197f6.tif
Figure 7.
Radiograph at postoperative 12 months shows improved alignment of the hallux and union of Akin osteotomy.
jkfas-19-197f7.tif
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