Hallux Abducto Valgus:  Evaluation and Treatment

 
Brian J. Novak, DPM
Department of Surgery
Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine

 

Logging that 1st class “C” Austin Bunionectomy is one of the sweetest days in a resident’s life. Making that perfect cut, fixating the ostectomy, and then running a perfect line of sutures is nirvana to a resident in foot and ankle surgery.

Master Carpenters have a classic saying, “Measure twice and cut once.” Brian Novak’s lecture on Hallux Abducto Valgus helps surgical residents live by this rule as well. Pre-operative planning, a complete and thorough understanding of the pathology, and the ability to foresee potential complications is what separates the novice from the seasoned surgeon.

The wisdom of surgery is understanding why it is more difficult than it appears. Dr. Novak does a complete review of the anatomy and pathology of a Hallux Abducto Valgus deformity and demonstrates the intricacies of these procedures. The lecture enlightens us on the significance of the congruous, deviated, subluxed, trackbound, and narrowed joints. Is the eminence medial dorsal, or dorsal medial and what is the difference? What are the ramifications of shortening or elevating the 1st ray? Should you use a K Wire as an axis guide and how important is the Hinge Axis Concept?

Impress your attendings, take some measurements, tell him/her why the deformity is positional, structural or combined. You might find yourself standing at the head of the O.R. table more often.

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