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Juvenile hallux valgus (bunion)

What is it?

A bunion is the outward deviation of the big toe (towards the other toes).

Causes

In children and teenagers, the cause is typically congenital, as opposed to being related to footwear. It usually stems from an anatomical anomaly affecting the first metatarsal, the orientation of the big toe causing it to deviate outward.

Symptoms

In most cases it is asymptomatic, but as it is progressive, it can cause pain and discomfort related to footwear.

Treatment

An orthotic brace can improve symptoms but usually does not cure the deformity. What is required is to correct the primary metatarsal deformity and any other deformities of the big toe, and sometimes the other toes too, which can become bent into a "claw" shape.

Our team has developed a ‘made-to-measure’ percutaneous surgery which constitutes a major advancement in the treatment of this deformity in young patients.

   Hallux valgus.                                                                                   After correction by percutaneous surgery.