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Juvenile hallux valgus is a deformity that we are
seeing earlier and earlier. Most adult hallux valgus deformities become apparent in their teenage years, but kids are having
symptomatic deformities as young as 6. Majority of these cases usually have corresponding flatfoot deformities which have
accellerated the bunion.
When it comes to treatment, we discourage anyone from having corrective surgery prior to metatarsal
growth plates being closed. We do however recommend addressing the flatfoot.
Surgical options for juvenile bunions
will expand in years to come. The use of hemi-chondrodiastasis via external fixation to gradually correct the growth plate
growth in one direction. We also will see techniques for delaying the growth on one side without stopping growth.
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Very large deformity already
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Another six-year old, already having overlapping second toe
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Much of the deformity in this case is a hallux interphalangeus which can be corrected early like
the flatfoot. In time, the bunion deformity will still need to be addressed once the metatarsal growth plate has closed.
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This foot is even worse. How many 6 year olds have you seen with overlapping 2nd toe?
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Impressive teenage deformity
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Another impressive deformity with severe flatfoot
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10 year old with deviated lesser MPJ's and toes
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14 year old with "grandma bunions"
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Check out the sesamoid position and bowed 1st metatarsal
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