The Centre ASSAL
for Foot Care and Surgery
Avenue de Beau-Séjour 6
1206 Geneva - SWITZERLAND
Phone + 41 22 702 24 40
Fax + 41 22 702 24 49
contact@centre-assal.ch
Like hallux valgus, better known as a bunion, hallux varus is also a deformity of the big toe. However, in this case, the deviation is in the opposite direction to hallux valgus. The metatarsal is angled outward while the phalanx of the big toe is angled inward.
Hallux varus is a relatively rare condition that is either congenital in nature or the result of trauma. It can also occur after hallux valgus surgery, because of overly aggressive wound healing on the outer portion of the big toe.
If hallux varus is diagnosed early, conservative treatment may be sufficient to correct it. For example, wearing customized insoles may be enough to reduce the deviated toe. However, depending on the amount of deformity and pain caused, realignment of the big toe is an option to consider, especially if the condition is worsened by arthritis, since cartilage wear in the joint intensifies the patient’s pain. When surgery becomes necessary, permanent fixation of the joint (arthrodesis) by fusing the metatarsal and phalanx together with plates and screws, can be effective. According to current scientific data, this procedure has a high success rate. Transferring the tendon of the big toe can be an alternative solution to fusing the joint in some cases.
