Osteotomies of the great toe.

Patients are operated on for forefoot problems at an increasingly younger age, according to the author's experience. This has resulted in extra articular osteotomies of the first phalanx of the great toe, usually associated with other forefoot procedures. There exist several indications for these osteotomies. Among them are hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, and other forefoot disorders, such as rheumatoid diseases. Since 1984, the author has performed 2850 great toe osteotomies, allowing him to specify indications, to elaborate osteotomy procedures (varisation, derotation, shortening) and to devise appropriate implants, including specific staples and compression screws. A great toe osteotomy system has resulted in facilitating the execution of this very useful procedure.