Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition.Thomson, Alexis
Science
Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition.
Thomson, Alexis
Surgery
Arthritis deformans is rarely the cause of hallux valgus, but the
changes characteristic of that affection are commonly present in the
joint of the great toe. In pronounced cases, the base of the first
phalanx is displaced on to the lateral aspect of the head of the first
metatarsal, the exposed head of which frequently shows fibrillation
and wearing away of the cartilage, and is often surrounded by new
bone, sometimes amounting to an exostosis. There are also fringes from
the synovial membrane that may be caught between the articular
surfaces. The distal end of the first metatarsal is displaced
medially, broadening the tread of the foot, and in severe cases its
shaft is rotated on its long axis, so that its dorsal surface looks
medially; the great toe is then similarly rotated (Fig. 157). The
flexor and extensor tendons and the sesamoid bones are displaced
laterally. The ligaments and other soft parts on the medial side are
elongated, while those on the lateral side are contracted.
In women, the chief complaint may be of the disfigurement of the boot;
in others, of pain and disability resulting from the sensitiveness of
the joint and of the enlarged bursa over the head of the first
metatarsal. The inflamed bursa, which sometimes communicates with the
joint, may suppurate, and the infection may spread to the joint.
The _treatment_ varies with the severity of the deformity. In mild
cases, a great deal can be done by wearing properly made boots and
stockings with a separate compartment for the great toe, or a pad of
cotton wool or tent of rubber between the great and second toes. The
patient should practise manipulations and exercises of the toes and
feet, and putting the foot to the ground properly in walking. In
pronounced cases, the pain and tenderness must first be got rid of by
rest and soothing applications. At night, the attitude of the toe may
be corrected by a moulded splint fixed to the medial aspect of the
foot by strips of plaster; the toe is then bandaged to the distal end
of the splint. Scholl has devised a prop, made of rubber, to be worn
between the great and second toes. If there is flat-foot, this must
receive appropriate treatment.
In aggravated cases, the deformity can only be corrected by an
operation which consists in resecting the head of the metatarsal bone,
and the tendon of the long extensor may be detached from its
insertion and secured to the medial side of the first phalanx. A bar
may be placed across the sole just behind the balls of the toes, and
the boot should also comply with the anatomical shape of the foot.
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