Metatarsus adductus is a common congenital foot deformity. Its actual incidence is not well documented and is probably underestimated at one in every 1000 live births.The deformity of pure metatarsus adductus is transverse plane deviation at the tarsometatarsal joint (Lisfranc joint) without other abnormalities of the foot. One of the most widely accepted theories of the etiology of metatarsus adductus is that of abnormal intrauterine position,as in prima gravida mothers. Heredity has been shown to account for only two to four percent of all cases of metatarsus adductus.

Aim of the work

To evaluate the role of abductor hallucis release in the treatment of moderate and severe cases of metatarsus adductus in children below the age of three years.

Patients

This study included 60 feet, half of which were treated by abductor hallucis tendon release, the other half by serial casting and the results were compared. All patients were managed at the Orthopaedic Department at El-Hadra University Hospital or Sporting Students Hospital, Alexandria.