Great Toe Angle Correction (Akin Procedure)

Akin surgery is a type of hallux osteotomy aimed at correcting the alignment of the big toe by removing a small wedge of bone from the proximal phalanx of the hallux (big toe). This procedure is often performed in conjunction with other surgeries to correct the great toe deformities effectively.

The Procedure

Akin surgery involves making a precise cut (osteotomy) in the bone of the big toe to correct its alignment. Here’s an overview of the key steps involved in the procedure:

Preparation and Anesthesia: The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation. The foot is cleaned and prepared for surgery.

Incision and Osteotomy: A small incision is made along the side of the big toe to access the bone. A wedge-shaped piece of bone is then removed from the medial side of the proximal phalanx, which helps to straighten the toe.

Internal Fixation: To stabilize the osteotomy and ensure proper alignment during healing, an internal fixation screw is used. The screw holds the bone segments in the desired position and is usually left in place permanently.

Closure and Bandaging: After the fixation is secured, the incision is closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied. The foot may be placed in a protective boot or shoe.