Making Things Easier: A Simple Novel Method to Fix a Dorsiflexion Osteotomy of the First Metatarsal

A first ray dorsiflexion osteotomy is commonly performed for cavovarus foot correction. There are multiple techniques to fix this osteotomy, ranging from wires, screws, and plates or a combination of these. We present our results using a varisation staple (Biomet©) as an alternative fixation device. We performed a retrospective outcome analysis of a consecutive series of 10 cavovarus feet that underwent a dorsiflexion osteotomy (dorsal closing wedge) of the first metatarsal fixed with two varisation staples. The results were measured at a mean three monthly follow-ups and included union and complication rates, as well as clinical and radiographic assessment of cavus deformity correction. There was a 100% union rate with no complications or cases of delayed union. No metalwork removal was requested in any case at follow-up. First ray dorsiflexion osteotomies are most commonly fixed using a 3.5mm cortical screw. We demonstrate that our alternative and novel technique using varisation staples achieved a 100% union rate while avoiding the prominent hardware complications known to occur with cortical screws or plates.