MOLDED ARTHROPLASTY AND TRANSFER OF THE EXTENSOR HALLUCIS BREVIS TENDON - A MODIFICATION OF THE KELLER-LELIEVRE OPERATION

The Keller-Lelievre technique for hallux valgus correction was modifie d by detatching the extensor hallucis brevis tendon from the proximal phalanx, and reattaching it on the medial sesamoid. Thirty-five consec utive patients were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 groups. Patients in Gr oup 1 received the modified operation, and the original Keller-Lelievr e technique was used for the control group. The only significant radio graphic difference at 6 months was the distance between the first and the fifth metatarsal heads. There were only slightly significant diffe rences in function and in pain relief between the 2 groups at the 6th postoperative month. At 3 years, these differences were greater, with the group treated by the modification described herein, retaining sign ificant correction and showing better functional results.