Distal soft tissue release using direct and indirect approaches: an anatomic study.

Two surgical approaches for distal soft tissue release in the correction of hallux valgus, one using a dorsal first web space incision and the other a longitudinal medial capsulotomy incision (used also for medial eminence resection), were studied to compare and delineate the structures actually incised. Anatomic dissections were performed on six fresh-frozen amputation specimens using each of the approaches. The adequacy of release of the adductor hallucis, transverse and oblique heads, first metatarsophalangeal lateral capsule, and suspensory ligament was reviewed. Any inadvertent damage to the first metatarsal head cartilage, second metatarsophalangeal capsule, and lateral head of the flexor hallucis brevis tendon was also noted. Distal soft tissue release is thought to be an important part of hallux valgus surgery. Based on our anatomic dissections, the actual extent of the release may be inconsistent and unpredictable, and may have implications for the predictability of results after hallux valgus surgery.