Syndesmosis Procedure

Syndesmosis procedure is a surgery name given by Dr. Daniel Y. Wu of Hong Kong for an unconventional hallux valgus (bunion) deformity surgery.
This surgical technique was developed from a non-bone-breaking procedure that was practiced by Dr. Michael Harrison of Canada in the early 1980’s and it was similar to what had been described by Pagella P and Pierleon G P of Italy.
Syndesmosis procedure was such named to reflect the essence of its surgical principle and differs from the original technique by taking one step further in preserving not only the innocent and normal first metatarsal and proximal phalangeal bones of bunion feet but also their adductor hallucis tendon and fibula sesamoid from being sacrificed without any proven justifications.

Hallux valgus deformity of the foot is more accurately and formally described by orthopaedic surgeons as "hallux valgus deformity complex" because it is often made up of not only hallux valgus and bunion but also several other anatomical derangements such as metatarsus primus varus, sesamoid subluxation/dislocation, clawed toes/hammer toes, collapsed arches, calluses etc. These are all secondary derangements except the probable primary deformity, metatarsus primus varus. Indeed, metatarsus primus varus correction has always been the primary objective of most bunion surgeries. Metatarsus primus varus deformity is basically de-stabilization and displacement of the first metatarsal bone. Bunion surgery is to re-align and re-stabilize this unstable and displaced normal bone. Syndesmosis procedure specifically addresses the destabilization problem of first metatarsal bone by creating a syndesmosis-like bonding to stabilize first metatarsal to the second one which happens to be the most stable of all five metatarsal bones in the forefoot. This syndesmosis bonding can specifically prevent recurrence of metatarsus primus varus deformity.

By being able to re-align and re-stabilize the unstable and displaced first metatarsal bone without having to break any bones, syndesmosis procedure is a less traumatic and safer bunion surgery that can avoid the complications associated with osteotomy procedure.

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