AUSTIN VERSUS AUSTIN WITH LATERAL SOFT-TI SSUE RELEASE FOR CORRECTIONOF HALLUX-VALGUS WITH HIGH-GRADE SESAMOID SUBLUXATION

Introduction: Aim of this study was to analyze if, using the Austin te chnique for correction of hallux valgus deformity, the additional soft tissue procedure is capable to achieve better correction of the sesam oid subluxation, the hallux valgus angle and the intermetatarsal angle . Patients and methods: 19 patients with 20 feet operated according to the original Austin technique and 26 patients with 28 feet operated a ccording to a modified technique with lateral soft tissue release both with a preoperative sesamoid subluxation grade 3 were compared with t he help of a standardized questionnaire in respect to clinical and rad iological results. Results: Analyzing the clinical outcome of the two procedures, there was no statistical difference. Comparison of the rad iological results revealed a significantly better correction of the se samoid position and a better correction of hallux valgus and intermeta tarsal angle by using the additional soft tissue procedure. Discussion : The lateral soft tissue procedure with release of the adductor hallu cis, dissection of the deep transverse plantar ligament and mobilisati on of the sesamoids is capable of a significantly better correction of the sesamoid position. Only a combination of osseus and soft tissue c orrection is capable to correct the pathomechanism and to guarantee lo ng lasting results.