title: The effect of gastrocnemius tightness on the pathogenesis of juvenile hallux valgus: a preliminary study.
abstract: Hallux valgus is the most common foot disorder associated with gastrocnemius tightness, and there is a particularly strong association with juvenile hallux valgus. This article describes an oblique windlass mechanism that can be a causative or a contributory factor in the pathogenesis of juvenile hallux valgus. This article presents a study of 108 patients who underwent a proximal gastrocnemius release and hallux valgus correction using a scarf osteotomy. We believe that assessment of gastrocnemius tightness in juvenile hallux valgus is important and that gastrocnemius lengthening should be routinely considered as part of the operative strategy.
authors.affiliation: 39, chemin de la Roche, Yvrac 33370, France. Electronic address: samuel.barouk@wanadoo.fr.
authors.forename: Louis Samuel
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Barouk
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D003286:Contracture / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D004863:Equinus Deformity / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006215:Hallux Valgus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000503:physiopathology*
keywords: Hallux valgus and Gastrocnemius tightness; Hallux valgus causes; Juvenile hallux valgus causes; Plantar aponeurosis; Windlass mechanism