Hallux valgus: when an operation makes sense 🙂 | Gesundheitsstadt Berlin

In natural and healthy primeval human feet, which has never been put into a shoe, the toes spread slightly apart from each other. We civilized people wear shoes-mostly in a shape that does not correspond to the outline of the natural sole of the foot. Possible consequence: the toes are pushed out of their ancestral position; the toe landscape can become permanent in the long term.In the advanced stage, this is noticeable by the slippery position of the large toe. This & quot; bale zeh & quot; (technical language: Hallux valgus) is therefore the result of years of false footwear. Stronger forms of hallux valgus primarily affect women. One reason for this is their tender connective tissue. Another is the women & APOs; s shoe shapes, which favour this malformation more strongly than men & APOs; s shoes: too high heels, too tight shoe tips, too short shoes.

What happens at the hallux valgus in the foot

In Hallux valgus, the first midfoot bone wanders with its head to the inner edge of the foot. At the same time, the large toe moves from its originally straight position towards the outside of the foot and pushes on the middle toes. The somewhat cryptic sounding scientific name describes nothing else: "Hallux" is the name for the anatomically first toe. In man, at the same time, he is the greatest. "Valgus" is a property word that describes the misalignment "outwards" (known example of a Valgus slanting position: X-legs).

Light hallux can be corrected with physiotherapy

"A only slight hallux valgus can first be treated with the help of insoles, special rails and physiotherapy," says a report by the pharmacies. In many cases, the "hallux" slowly declines. If, on the other hand, the misalignment of the large toe is already massive, this can only be corrected by an operation. Otherwise, consequential damage threatens like an arthrosis of the large toe base joint.

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In case of pain: an x-ray helps with the decision pro or contra op

"if pain is already noticeable, this is a first indication that surgery may be necessary," says Anke Röser, senior physician of the specialist center for foot and ankle surgery at the Schön-Klinik München-Harlaching in the pharmacies' customer magazine. However, the most important decision aid provides an x-ray image. "this makes it easy to assess where exactly and how strongly the malposition is."

By means of an operation, the position of the first midfoot bone can be corrected. About ten surgical procedures are common in German-speaking countries. According to pharmacies, these three procedures are mainly used according to the characteristics:

Hallux valgus: three common surgical procedur

1. Light form-surgical procedure according to "Chevron / Austin":

If the bale foot is only slightly pronounced, the bone is changed in the area of the head and fixed with a screw. This can also remain in the bone.

2. Medium form-surgical procedure according to "Meyer / Scarf":

In the event of a moderate malposition, the shaft of the midfoot bone is severed Z-shaped, corrected in its position and fixed with screws.

3. Heavy form-surgical procedure of the "conversion operation":

If the hallux valgus occurs in severe form, the operation begins at the bottom of the bone at the base. Depending on the cutting technique, the bone is fixed in the new position, usually with a titanium plate.

In 30 percent of cases the hallux valgus returns again

According to a study, more than 90 percent of patients are satisfied or very satisfied with the result of hallux valgus surgery. However, the problem is not entirely outstanding: around 30 per cent of those who have operated develop a hallux valgus within ten years of surgery.