Vascular anatomy of the first metatarsal bone and surgical implications according to the severity of hallux valgus deformity: A cadaveric study

Abstract Background Vascular injury after hallux valgus surgery is a rare condition but serious complications can ensue. Methods We performed an anatomical study using 26 cadaveric lower extremities. We enhanced first metatarsal bone’s (FMB) vascularization by injecting latex. Each specimen was classified according to the severity of hallux valgus deformity (HVD). Then we measured two distances: one between the first tarsometatarsal joint (FTMJ) to the first dorsal branch’s origin, the other between the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) to the dorsal plexus’s origin. Results The distance between the FTMJ and the first dorsal branch to the FMB ranges from 10 mm in normal feet to 15 mm in severe deformed feet. The distance between the MTP and the dorsal plexus’ origin ranges from 20 mm in normal feet to 25 mm in severe deformed feet. Conclusions Understanding the foot’s vascular anatomy has allowed us to adapt surgical landmarks to the severity of the HVD and to avoid post-operative complications.