The Mau osteotomy is oriented in which direction?

The Mau osteotomy is oriented in which direction?

• A. Dorsal distal to plantar proximal
• B. Dorsal proximal to plantar distal
• C. Ventral to dorsal
• D. Medial to lateral

Answer: (A)

The Mau osteotomy is an oblique first metatarsal cut that runs from dorsal-distal to plantar-proximal. This orientation creates a plantarward (plantar) direction of the distal fragment when the osteotomy is closed, with the plantar cortex acting as a hinge. The result is plantarflexion of the distal metatarsal segment and realignment that helps correct hallux valgus while preserving metatarsal length. If the cut were oriented differently, the distal fragment would tilt in an undesired direction, compromising the correction.

The Mau osteotomy is an oblique first metatarsal cut that runs from dorsal-distal to plantar-proximal. This orientation creates a plantarward (plantar) direction of the distal fragment when the osteotomy is closed, with the plantar cortex acting as a hinge. The result is plantarflexion of the distal metatarsal segment and realignment that helps correct hallux valgus while preserving metatarsal length. If the cut were oriented differently, the distal fragment would tilt in an undesired direction, compromising the correction.