Fixation device and method of use for a lapidus-type plantar hallux valgus procedure

An internal fixation device for use in fixation of a metatarsocuneiform joint defined between a cuneiform and a metatarsal bone, the fixation device comprising:

• a U-shaped plate having an upper surface, a lower surface and a plantar section transferring to and interconnecting a pair of opposed proximal and distal medial legs which are bent relative to the plantar section, wherein the plantar section is formed therethrough with a proximal threaded fixation screw hole and a distal threaded fixation screw hole, and each leg is formed therethrough with a threaded fixation screw hole at a distal end of each leg, the distal legs being formed with a non-threaded fixation hole;
• a proximal locking bone fastener received in the proximal threaded fixation screw hole of the plantar section;
• a distal locking bone fastener received in the distal threaded fixation screw hole of the plantar section;
• a proximal locking bone fastener received in the threaded fixation screw hole of the proximal leg;
• a distal locking bone fastener received in the threaded fixation screw hole of the distal leg;
• and
• a non-locking interfragmentary compression bone fastener received in the non-threaded fixation hole of the distal leg.

A surgical method of fixating a metatarsocuneiform joint between a cuneiform and a metatarsal bone in a Lapidus procedure to correct a hallux valgus deformity, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a U-shaped plate configured to be engaged on a cuneiform and a metatarsal bone, the plate having a plantar section interconnecting a pair of proximal and distal opposed legs which are bent relative to the plantar section, wherein the plantar section is formed therethrough with a proximal threaded fixation hole and a distal threaded fixation hole, and wherein each of the proximal and distal legs is formed with a threaded fixation hole and a non-threaded fixation hole and the distal leg is further formed with a non-threaded fixation hole;
• b) entering the tissues of a foot affected with a hallux valgus deformity using a longitudinal medial incision to gain exposure to a metatarsocuneiform joint;
• c) positioning the plate across a plantar side of the exposed metatarsocuneiform joint such that outer ends of the legs extend upwardly from the plantar section;
• d) fixing the plate across the metatarsocuneiform joint by inserting a K-wire in the non-threaded fixation holes of the legs;
• e) inserting a non-locking interfragmentary compression screw through the non-threaded fixation hole in the distal leg into the metatarsal bone and the cuneiform across the metatarsocuneiform joint;
• f) inserting proximal and distal threaded locking screws through the threaded fixation holes in the plantar section into the cuneiform and the metatarsal bone to secure the plantar section across the metatarsocuneiform joint;
• and
• g) inserting proximal and distal threaded locking screws through the threaded fixation holes in the legs into the cuneiform and the metatarsal bone to secure the legs on opposite sides of the metatarsocuneiform joint and complete fixation of the plate.