Medial Horizontal Suture Fixation of the Akin Osteotomy: A Technical Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

ABSTRACT

The Akin osteotomy is a complimentary procedure in hallux valgus surgery. Surgical techniques may vary depending on the operators or fixation devices. Suture fixation, for which a removal procedure is not necessary, can often be recommended. However, there is a risk of failure due to the thin cortex of the phalanx. We describe a new technique using Ethibond suture fixation in Akin osteotomy, which can lower the risk of phalangeal cortical failure and articular cartilage irritation. First, the Akin osteotomy was performed on the proximal phalanx 5 to 6 mm distal to the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Then bone holes were drilled from dorsum to plantar parallel to osteotomy with the Kirschner wire. The final procedure involved passing the Ethibond sutures connected to a straight needle through the holes and tying it. This fixation method offers an effective and easy technique for performance of Akin osteotomy.