Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to D N Helfman.
The authors introduce the long plantar wing distal metaphyseal osteotomy of the first metatarsal through a medial plantar approach. This procedure for mild-to-moderate hallux valgus is capable of correcting an increased proximal articular set angle and first intermetatarsal angle concomitantly. The biomechanical, surgical, and clinical rationale for this procedure are discussed.
The Scarf bunionectomy offers the surgeon the ability to correct a mild to moderate intermetatarsal angle with the stability inherent to this procedure. When an increased proximal articular set angle is encountered, this procedure could previously only address either the increased intermetatarsal angle or the increased proximal articular set angle. The authors' modifications will incorporate the best attributes of the Scarf, Reverdin, and McBride bunionectomies to allow for concomitant correction of the osseous and soft tissue components of the hallux abducto valgus deformity. The authors' experience with 27 of these procedures performed on 15 different patients from 1987 to 1991 is presented.