Hallux valgus metatarsus

Hallux valgus

A hallux valgus is a description given to lateral deviation of the great toe. It may be compared to metatarsus primus varus which describes medial deviation of the first metatarsal with an increased first-second metatarsal angle.

Radiographic appearance

Plain film

A normal first metatarsophalangeal angle is 15°; anything greater indicates hallux valgus. The 1 st - 2 nd intermetatarsal angle should be 9°.

There is a close association between the degree of metatarsus primus varus and hallux valgus. The combined deformities are present to some degree in most patients. Hallux valgus may be a result of metatarsus primus varus, and surgical correction is often based on this theory.

Please refer to the Case 3 for angles measured.

Treatment and prognosis

As a surgical intervension, a scarf osteotomy is widely used method 4-5 .