The Akin procedure: an analysis of results.

This paper reports the initial and long-term results of 45 Akin procedures done at the Hospital for Joint Diseases/Orthopaedic Institute from 1966 to 1985. Indications for 36 of the 45 operated feet were for an essentially asymptomatic great toe valgus deformity which caused symptoms to develop in the second toe and in 9 of 45 feet for residual hallux valgus after previous hallux valgus surgery. Excellent and good results were reported in 89% of the patients. The most common technical problem reported in 22% of the patients was plantar angulation at the osteotomy site. The only technical problem that was associated with longterm complications was bone apposition of less than 50% which may have lead to a nonunion in one case and recurrence of deformity in another. Shortening of the hallux was observed in all cases secondary to the closing wedge osteotomy. Shortening can be limited if a minimum of bone is removed from the proximal phalanx. A mathematical analysis is presented in this paper which can be used...