Postoperative care
A gauze dressing was applied at the first web space for 2 weeks postoperatively. After the sutures were removed, a 12-mm-thick spacer was used for another 4 weeks. Care was taken to avoid pronating the toe or forcing it into varus. The patients were encouraged to ambulate with a heel-weight-bearing shoe, and early active and passive mobilization exercises for the toe were advised after surgery. The wearing of shoes without restrictions was recommended at 2 months postsurgery.