Abstract
Operations of hallux valgus deformity are very well known in orthopaedic surgery. The important part of these procedures is the release of soft tissue on the lateral side of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
Soft tissue procedures became routinely used in the 1920s and 1930s and several techniques of soft tissue release have been published in the past seventy years. We found several inaccuracies between the anatomy published and the routine clinical performance.
The purpose of the study was to describe the anatomy of the first metatarsophalangeal joint's lateral part, especially the adductor hallucis muscle attachment, and to assess to what extent the lateral structures of the first metatarsophalangeal joint should be released to correct hallux valgus deformity.