p2.ch3.4-3
4. Hallux Valgus Deformity
Hallux valgus deformity is an another serious deformity of
the foot, observed in older patients.
Historical Reviews
As Bleck stated in his book, on cerebral palsy, the hallux
valgus deformity is commonly associated with pes valgus
deformity in cerebral palsy, and causes excessive pressure on the
medial border of the foot. In hallux valgus deformity, pressure is
concentrated on the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe,
causing intolerable pain, at the time of weight bearing, associated
with destruction of the medial arch of the foot.270-272 For treatment
of hallux valgus deformity in non-paralytic patients, numerous
procedures have been proposed.269-272 However, in the hallux
valgus in cerebral palsy, in which total body weight is centered on
the first metatarsophalangeal joint, bony procedures alone will not
be recommended. We have seen 3 feet of 2 patients with
discouraging results having persistent pain after bony surgery. One
of them showed osteonecrotic change in the head of the first
metatarsal bone, after McBride procedure, and the other patient
complained of difficulty in walking, due to stiffness and pain at
the MP joint in both feet, after arthrodesis of the
metatarsophalangeal joint.273 All these three operations were
performed long time ago, by another orthopaedic surgeon. We did
not get any other opportunity to experience effects of bony surgery.
In our institute, lateral release operation which has been
used for correction of pes valgus was applied even for correction
of hallux valgus, in order to shift the weight bearing from the
medial border of the foot to the lateral border, and to reduce
concentration of the load of the whole body on the first
metatarso-phalangeal joint. Release of the adductor hallucis and
flexor hallucis brevis at the sole have also been carried out for
correction, as a combined surgery (Fig. 122 AB).
Fig. 122AB: Plantar release for hallux valgus deformity
Under consruction
Surgical Approach
(See clause of pes valgus deformity)
5. Pes Calcaneus Deformity
In cerebral palsy patients, especially in severely involved
patients, pes calcaneus deformity is frequently observed, and
presents difficulty in obtaining antigravity stability.
Postoperative pes calcaneus deformity after Achilles tendon
lengthening is another disaster. We have experiences of
intramuscular lengthening of the tibialis anterior and peroneus
brevis in 5 feet, for salvage surgery of calcaneus feet due to
overlengthening of the Achilles tendon. Correction was attained to
some extent, but increase in supporting power was not fully
attained in all the feet. We can reserve pantalar arthrodesis for
correction of calcaneus deformity to provide weight-bearing
stability. However, before we use this salvage procedure, we have
to make every effort to prevent occurrence of pes calcaneus
deformity and to avoid loss of stability after Achilles tendon
lengthening.
Stable feet are a necessity of active daily life. Acquisition of
stable foot is the fundamental aim of treatment of cerebral palsy.
Hence all critical concerns should be focused, on achieving a
well-balanced antigravity stability on the feet.
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