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Hallux valgus, a condition where the big toe bends outward accompanied by pain and deformity, is a representative foot disease that does not stop at a simple change in appearance but can lead to walking discomfort and forefoot pain. In the early stages, symptoms can be alleviated just by changing shoes or adjusting lifestyle habits, but as the deformity progresses, it can reach a stage where structural correction is required.

In this context, MICA (Minimally Invasive Chevron-Akin) surgery, which minimizes incisions, is receiving attention in the field of hallux valgus surgery. While conventional surgery was a method of correcting bones through a relatively long incision, MICA surgery is known as a minimally invasive procedure that performs osteotomy and corrects alignment through a small incision.

The core of MICA surgery does not lie solely in the small incision. It is important that a structural approach is carried out simultaneously to correct the metatarsal and proximal phalanx, which are the causes of the big toe deformity. Through this, the goal is to straighten the angle of deformity and restore joint alignment more naturally.

The surgical process is carried out with relative precision. After making a small hole in the skin, the metatarsal is cut using a special instrument, and the deformed angle is corrected and fixed with a screw. Subsequently, an Akin osteotomy, which also corrects the proximal phalanx if necessary, is added to complete a more stable alignment.

This minimally invasive method is considered an advantage in that it can minimize soft tissue damage by reducing the incision range. It is characterized by reducing the burden of bleeding and pain, and a relatively fast return to daily life can be expected during the post-operative recovery process. However, a small incision does not make it suitable for all patients; the application must be carefully judged according to the degree of deformity and the joint status.

What is important in hallux valgus surgery is the correction method suitable for the patient's condition rather than the choice of a specific surgical technique. A stable result can be expected only when a surgical plan is established by comprehensively considering the angle of deformity, joint flexibility, and accompanied foot structure problems. In particular, excessive or insufficient correction can lead to persistent pain or recurrence, requiring precise judgment.

Located in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic is a medical institution that professionally treats foot and ankle disorders, including hallux valgus, emphasizing customized surgical plans tailored to each patient's foot structure and degree of deformity. The clinic explains that it is important to selectively perform MICA surgery when appropriate for the patient's condition, rather than applying it based solely on the advantage of being minimally invasive.

Director Hong-Joon Choi of Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic holds a Ph.D. from Korea University and conducted research in the field of foot and ankle at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, and continues his clinical experience in foot disorders. This background shows that more precise diagnosis and treatment are being carried out for structural diseases like hallux valgus.

The important thing in hallux valgus treatment is not to rush into surgery, but to accurately identify the current stage of deformity and functional status. In the early stages, management is often possible through non-surgical treatment, and even when surgery is necessary, choosing the appropriate time and method significantly affects the prognosis.

MICA surgery is one effective option in hallux valgus treatment, particularly considered for those who want precise correction while reducing the burden of an incision. However, it is not a standard answer applied identically to all patients but a surgical method that must be carefully determined according to individual status.

Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic applies various correction methods, including MICA surgery, in hallux valgus surgery based on foot and ankle-centered care. The clinic continues to provide treatment that considers functional recovery and prevention of recurrence through a strategy that combines minimally invasive surgery and precise correction.