Plantaris Tendon Reconstruction for Chronic Varus Instability of the Hallux Interphalangeal Joint

CASE: We report a 13-year-old female karate athlete with chronic varus instability of the left hallux interphalangeal (IP) joint following injury 16 months prior. Surgical reconstruction was performed using plantaris tendon autograft with biotenodesis screws through a single lateral approach. At 1-year follow-up, the patient had complete resolution of symptoms and returned to competitive karate. CONCLUSION: Lateral collateral ligament reconstruction using plantaris tendon autograft is an effective treatment option for chronic varus instability of the hallux IP joint, offering minimal donor site morbidity and preservation extremity function.