Rotational biplanar Chevron osteotomy

IntroductionThe Chevron osteotomy is a reliable and popular osteotomy for treating hallux valgus worldwide. Many modifications have been described, but none of them address the rotational deformity of the first metatarsal. The objective of this study is to describe a variation of biplanar Chevron osteotomy which can address first metatarsal rotation when necessary.MethodsThe indications for the Rotational Biplanar Chevron Osteotomy (RBCO) are mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity associated with hallux pronation related to internal rotation of the first metatarsal bone. We describe a technique that uses a medial based wedge parallel to the plantar limb of the osteotomy in order to make the distal fragment free to correct rotation.ResultsThe more recent concern about hallux valgus surgery is the very interesting concept that this deformity really occurs in three different planes, and we may have mistreated the rotation component with our current techniques. Many authors have revisited many common techniques in order to adapt them to correct metatarsal pronation. To our best knowledge, this is the first paper to describe a modification of the Chevron osteotomy to address the rotation of the first metatarsal.ConclusionWe can conclude that the rotational biplanar Chevron osteotomy can be an useful tool in the treatment of mild hallux valgus associated with metatarsal pronation.     

Minimally invasive hallux valgus correction with Internal Hallux Fixator® — A comparative cadaver study

BackgroundThe Internal Hallux Fixator® (IHF®; Waldemar Link, Hamburg, Germany) was designed for open surgical hallux valgus correction. It allows a defined lateralisation of the first metatarsal head after V-shaped, Chevron-like distal metatarsal osteotomy in order to correct mild to middle hallux valgus deformities. The intramedullary fixation provides dynamic compression of the osteotomy and thus postoperative full weight bearing mobilization is an integral part of the therapy.This comparative cadaver model study investigates the feasibility of implanting the device using a minimally invasive technique and compares its capability of first metatarsal head lateralisation to the established 3rd generation MICA (Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin osteotomy) technique.Methods16 fresh frozen cadaveric feet (8 left, 8 right) of 8 body donors received either MICA (Group 1), or an IHF® in a minimally invasive technique (Group 2). The achievable first metatarsal head lateralisation and operating time were measured and pitfalls recorded.ResultsThis cadaver model study confirmed, the minimally invasive implantation of the Internal Hallux Fixator® can be performed reliably via 10 mm mini incision with V-shaped distal metatarsal osteotomy. The mean first metatarsal head lateralisation was comparable between the groups with no statistically significant difference (7.2 (±1.9) mm in G1, or 8.3 (±0.8) mm in G2; p = 0.09).The IHF® was inserted and fixed in mean 3.7 (±0.6) min, whereas double screw fixation needed 10 (±3.7) min.Level of Clinical Evidence5, Cadaver model study.     

Minimally invasive surgery for young female patients with mild-to-moderate juvenile hallux valgus deformity

BackgroundWe aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (DCMO) for young female patients with mild-to-moderate juvenile hallux valgus deformity.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the radiographs and clinical findings of young female patients with mild-to-moderate juvenile hallux valgus who underwent MIS (25 feet) or DCMO (30 feet). In 12 of 25 MIS feet, 2.0-mm bio-absorbable pins were used as an additional fixation device crossing the osteotomy site, and 1.4-mm Kirschner wires were used in the remaining 13 feet.ResultsRadiographic and clinical parameters preoperatively and at the final follow-up were not significantly different between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in the increments of hallux valgus angle (HVA), distal metatarsal articular angle, medial sesamoid position, first metatarsal length, metatarsal length index, or relative second metatarsal length. Two MIS subgroups according to the additional fixation device showed no significant differences in HVA, the first to second intermetatarsal angle lateral translation ratio, or plantar offset at the final follow-up.ConclusionsMIS for young female patients with mild-to-moderate juvenile hallux valgus deformity had similar radiographic and clinical outcomes compared to DCMO. Regarding additional fixation crossing the osteotomy site, both temporary Kirschner wires and absorbable pins showed no radiographic differences in terms of correction maintenance.Level of evidence: 3.     

From second webspace syndrome to second cross over toe: Clinical and radiological findings following Weil osteotomy with no soft tissue procedure

BackgroundThe second webspace syndrome (SWS) refers to the progressive divergence between 2nd and 3rd toes associated with pain at the second intermetatarsal space that can be confused with Morton's neuroma and treated as such without considering the underlying deformity. There is yet no consensus regarding the best treatment, from isolated soft tissue or bony procedures or a combination of both.The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of the disease, as well as to evaluate the radiological outcomes of patients with SWS treated with open Weil's osteotomy or distal metatarsal minimal invasive osteotomy (DMMO) of the second metatarsal, with main emphasis on medialization of the head in the anteroposterior plane in either procedure.MethodsA retrospective study of all patients with SWS treated with Weil's medializing osteotomy (open and percutaneous) associated or not with other forefoot procedures, treated between 2012 and 2019, was performed. Radiological variables such as metatarsal-phalangeal angle (MTPA), percentage of metatarsal uncoverage of M2 with respect to its phalanx, intermetatarsal angle (M1, M2 and M3), length of second metatarsal and intermetatarsal distance M2 - M3 were measured and compared before and after surgery.ResultsTwenty-six patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 26 months. All patients presented divergence between the 2nd and 3rd toes, 75 % associated pain at the level of the second intermetatarsal space and two patients presented neuropathic symptoms. After surgery (nineteen open and seven DMMO), all patients rated their results as good or excellent, and the two patients with neuropathic symptoms had improvement in their symptoms. Regarding the radiological results, the percentage of subluxation of the second MTP decreased in a large percentage of the operated patients (from 43.3 % to 3.9 %) with statistical significance as well as the length of M2, IM angle between M1 - M2, IM distance between M2-M3 and the percentage of uncoverage of the second MTP (p < 0.001).ConclusionMedial translation associated with open Weil osteotomy or DMMO seems to correct the muscle-ligament imbalance of the second metatarsophalangeal joint and restore normal radiographic measurements, especially in the coronal and sagittal plane, without the need for soft tissue procedures, as well as the resolution of associated neuropathic symptoms in some patients.Level of evidenceLevel IV, retrospective case series     

Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus deformity: Radiological outcome,metatarsal length and early complications in 118 feet

BackgroundScarf osteotomy has been widely used to restore axial orientation of the first ray in the treatment of hallux valgus deformity. The aim of the study was to present our radiological outcomes of bunion reconstruction, identify surgical complications in early follow-up, and assess to what extent a shortening of the first metatarsal is present after surgery as a possible cause of postoperative metatarsalgia.MethodsWe enrolled 106 patients (118 feet) and assessed patients’ pre- and postoperative measurements of hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles on weightbearing X-ray images. Three different methods of measuring metatarsal length were compared and early postoperative complications noted.ResultsHallux valgus angle decreased significantly by an average of 18.7 degrees and the intermetatarsal angle by 7.8 degrees. Using three methods of measuring metatarsal length, all showed significant shortening of the first metatarsal. Mean relative lengthening of the second metatarsal averaged 0.45 mm. The Coughlin method showed the highest interrater reliability (ICC = 0.96).ConclusionsSignificant reduction of the hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle was demonstrated with a low complication rate. There was significant shortening of the first metatarsal. The Coughlin method clearly demonstrated an excellent interrater reliability.Level of evidenceLevel IV.     

Piezoelectric tools versus traditional oscillating saw for distal linear osteotomy in hallux valgus correction: Triple-blinded,randomized controlled study

BackgroundThe main goal of the surgical correction of the hallux valgus is the morphological correction associated with the functional rebalancing of the first ray. The aim of this triple-blinded, randomized controlled study was to show the efficacy of piezosurgery in performing distal linear osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone in HV correction, in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes at 1-year final follow up.Methods and materialsThis study was performed collecting prospectively pre-operative and post-operative data for all patients. 34 patients were included in the trial and were randomly allocated (1:1) in a Piezoelectric Group (PG) that involved the use of piezoelectric tools and in a Control Group (CG) that provided for the use of a traditional oscillating saw. In both groups, all patients were treated with a distal linear osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone. Clinical and radiographic assessments were performed.ResultsThe AOFAS score between the two groups was similar pre-operatively and during the follow-up period, with a slight superiority in the PG at each evaluation. The osteotomy surgical time was registered for both groups. Among the endpoints of the study, the radiological bone healing time was independently assessed by a radiologist that reported a lower mean value in the piezoelectric group compared with the control group.ConclusionsThis trial has shown that piezoelectric surgery is not inferior to traditional methods from the clinical-functional point of view, but can even lead to an evident reduction of bone healing time with a statistical significance.Level of evidenceLevel I.     

Planning tool for first metatarsal length in hallux valgus surgery

BackgroundThe precise planning of metatarsal (MT) I length in hallux valgus surgery is important. However, currently no tool exists which allows the surgeon to reliably predict this parameter.Methods30 virtual 3-dimensional hallux valgus surgeries were performed on varied deformation models based on cadaveric feet scans. The shortening of the first ray during distal metatarsal I osteotomy for different osteotomy angles were measured. An algebraic 2-dimensional calculation was done and compared to the results obtained from the 3-dimensional models.ResultsInadvertent shortening of the first metatarsal bone can be as much as 8 mm depending on the amount of intermetatarsal angle (IMA) correction and osteotomy angle. Comparison of the 3 dimensional simulations and the 2 dimensional model resulted in a very strong correlation (R > 0.99 p < 0.00001). Based on our findings an anterior pointing osteotomy of approximately 10° is necessary to restore the length in distal metatarsal I hallux valgus surgery.ConclusionA slight misdirection of the osteotomy plane in distal hallux valgus surgery may result in relevant unwanted alterations in first metatarsal bone length and triangulation by eye is insufficient in this complex geometrical situation without appropriate planning. The present study provides surgeons a practical tool to plan and control the change of first metatarsal length during hallux valgus procedure through exact orientation of the osteotomy angle. If no alteration of length is intended, it may be generalized that an anterior direction of the cut relative to the second metatarsal bone will preserve the length of the first metatarsal bone.     

Restoration and Preservation of First Metatarsal Length Using the Distraction Scarf Osteotomy

The authors reviewed the records of 8 patients who underwent a distraction scarf osteotomy of the first metatarsal, and report the radiographic outcomes achieved with this procedure. The osteotomy was used to reestablish or maintain the length of the first metatarsal, without the use of a structural bone graft. The osteotomy was used as part of a revisional procedure for a failed bunionectomy in 4 patients. In the remaining patients, the procedure was used to preserve the length of the first metatarsal in conjunction with a Lapidus arthrodesis. The first and second metatarsals were measured radiographically, and the length of the first metatarsal was expressed as a percentage of the length of the second metatarsal. The average proportional increase in first metatarsal length obtained in the patients undergoing correction of the shortened first metatarsal was 7.08%, and the difference between the pre- and postoperative length of the first metatarsal was statistically significant (P = .0013) in these patients. Relative shortening of the first metatarsal was avoided in those patients undergoing distraction scarf osteotomy in conjunction with Lapidus arthrodesis. ACFAS Level of Clinical Evidence: 4.     

Plantar pressure and load in cadaver feet after a Weil or chevron osteotomy

BACKGROUND: Since metatarsal osteotomy was first used to treat metatarsalgia in the early twentieth century, many techniques have been described to accomplish the basic aim of reduction of load transmission through the operated metatarsal and reduction of localized high pressure on the plantar surface of the metatarsal. Our study examined two popular distal metatarsal neck osteotomies used for the relief of central metatarsalgia and the biomechanical changes that result from their use in a cadaver forefoot model. METHODS: After applying 445 N (100 lbs) of axially directed force, we measured plantar pressure using the TekScan HR Mat (TekScan, Inc., South Boston, MA) in twelve paired, thawed, fresh-frozen intact cadaver legs, then after either a Weil or chevron osteotomy of the second metatarsal and finally after the addition of the same osteotomy of the third metatarsal. RESULTS: Load in the forefoot was not significantly affected by the Weil osteotomy. A significant increase in load was produced in the first metatarsal region, and significant decreases in load were produced beneath the operated metatarsal heads after the chevron osteotomy. Average pressure in the contact area of the forefoot showed similar trends; however, load and pressure changes occurred independently, owing to the changes in contact area produced by the osteotomies. No significant changes were observed in the nonoperated metatarsal regions. CONCLUSIONS: In this model, the chevron osteotomy more effectively reduced load and plantar pressure in the operated metatarsal regions; however, increases in load and pressure were observed in the first metatarsal region. The increase in pressure without a change in load in region 3 (third metatarsal) after a Weil osteotomy of the third metatarsal was attributed to the creation of a plantar prominence. This study did not show a reduction in load transmission as a result of the Weil osteotomy, which contradicts the proposed mechanism of clinical benefit. An intact first ray likely prevents transfer of load or pressure to adjacent lesser metatarsals with chevron osteotomy.     

Synostosis between first and second metatarsal joint following Mitchell’s osteotomy

Background  Complications in the form of avascular necrosis, non-union, malunion have been reported following Mitchell’s osteotomy but no report of synostosis between first and second metatarsal have been reported. A case of cross union between first and second metatarsal following Mitchell’s osteotomy for hallux valgus in a 57-year-old lady is presented. This patient had Mitchell’s osteotomy on both her feet 7 years back. She presented with tingling in her toes and swelling in first web space. X-ray of the left foot showed bony bridge between distal third of first and second metatarsal. Conclusion  Cross union between the first and second metatarsal is rare to follow first metatarsal osteotomy. This can be symptomatic, the procedure described can cure the problem, and the condition needs to be prevented to avoid aggressive soft tissue damage and haematoma by rough handling of osteotomy displacement and not by using dorsolateral approach for hallux valgus surgery.     

Comparison of screw fixation versus non-fixation in dorsal opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy of adult acquired flatfoot

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the radiographic and functional results between fixation and non-fixation in the Cotton osteotomy for the treatment of adult acquired flatfoot.MethodsA retrospective, case-controlled study of consecutive stage IIB posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) patients treated with the same bony reconstructive surgery including cotton osteotomy between 2013 and 2017. Meary’s angle, the medial arch sag angle (MASA), and medial cuneiform cobb angle (MCCA) were evaluated pre-operation, at first weight bearing after surgery, and 12 months post operation.ResultsForty feet were included in the study. The cotton osteotomy utilized screw fixation (n = 20) or non-fixation technique (n = 20). No significant differences between groups were found in pre-operative and follow-up radiographic parameters, union rate, and functional results.ConclusionThe non-fixation with press fit technique is a reliable procedure for Cotton osteotomy and as effective as screw fixation.Level of evidenceLevel III, case control study     

Vascular perfusion of the long dorsal arm versus chevron osteotomy: A cadaveric injection study

Iatrogenic disruption of the first metatarsal head's blood supply after a distal osteotomy may lead to adverse events such as delayed union or avascular necrosis of the capital fragment. In this cadaveric study, 2 types of distal first metatarsal osteotomies were performed on 7 fresh-frozen specimens (long dorsal arm osteotomy, N = 4; chevron osteotomy, N = 3). For each specimen, the respective osteotomy was created. The dorsalis pedis artery was cannulated at the midfoot level and infiltrated with methylene blue dye until resistance was felt. The nutrient artery to the first metatarsal shaft was then exposed and the capital fragment was dissected free from the remaining soft tissues and visually inspected for the presence and distribution of dye. One of the chevron specimens was excluded because of technical error during the injection portion of the study. In all 4 of the long dorsal arm specimens, dye was observed in the entire dorsal cortical-cancellous wing and the cancellous metatarsal head region. In contrast, dye was completely absent in the capital fragment of the 2 chevron specimens. This cadaveric study showed that the vascular supply to the long dorsal arm osteotomy includes the nutrient artery, whereas the chevron osteotomy does not. This suggests that the long dorsal arm osteotomy may present a less risk of vascular compromise to the capital fragment.     

Does preoperative deformity diminish radiographic outcome after hallux valgus correction with scarf osteotomy?: A retrospective study of 102 cases

BackgroundScarf osteotomy is a frequently used technique to correct moderate to severe hallux valgus deformities. Recurrence of a deformity is a commonly reported complication after surgery. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative deformity on radiological outcome in terms of postoperative loss of correction after scarf osteotomy.Methods102 patients, in which a hallux valgus deformity was corrected with an isolated scarf osteotomy were included. Weightbearing radiographs were analyzed preoperatively, postoperatively, after 6 weeks and after three months (mean 10.9 months SD 17.2 months). The following radiological parameters were used for analysis: the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), position of the sesamoids, first metatarsal length, and first metatarsophalangeal joint congruity.ResultsSignificant correction of IMA, HVA, DMAA, sesamoid position and joint congruity was achieved (p < 0.001). The IMA improved from 15.8 ± 2.3 to 4.3 ± 2.8°, the HVA from 32.6 ± 6.8 to 9.1 ± 7.2, and the DMAA from 11.4 ± 6.9 to 8.4 ± 5.2°, respectively. In contrast to DMAA, throughout followup we could detect loss of correction for HVA and for IMA amounting 6.3° ± 5.8 and 3.8° ± 2.8 respectively. Loss of HVA correction revealed a significant correlation with preoperative DMAA, but not with the other preoperative radiological parameters.ConclusionsPreoperative deformity does not correlate with postoperative loss of correction after scarf osteotomy, except DMAA.Clinical relevanceOur results may be helpful in counseling patients regarding recurrence of hallux valgus deformity after scarf osteotomy.Level of evidenceTherapeutic, Level IV, retrospective case series.     

Tailor’s Bunion: A Review

The tailor's bunion is a painful bony prominence on the lateral aspect of the fifth metatarsal head that occurs in many individuals, but seldom causes symptoms. This article reviews the current literature regarding the presentation, etiology, and management of the tailor's bunion. The first line of management should be conservative, with advice on shoe wear. Orthotics may be useful if a symptomatic tailor's bunion results from excessive subtalar joint pronation. Operative management, indicated when symptoms are not controlled nonoperatively, aims to decrease foot width and the prominence of the tailor's bunion. Procedures can be grouped into resections and distal, diaphyseal, and proximal osteotomies. A distal osteotomy is recommended if medial translation of the head for one-third of the width of the metatarsal shaft produces a normal fourth-fifth intermetatarsal angle. A proximal osteotomy can be performed in the face of larger deformities. The management of recurrent tailor's bunion is still controversial. If the recurrence is due to under-correction, or if the initial procedure was not the best suited to that particular patient, then revision surgery may be helpful, after the cause of the failure has been established. Although unpopular, resection should be considered as the final salvage procedure.     

Correction of hallux valgus deformity using the center of rotation of angulation method

Background  To correct a hallux valgus (HV) deformity quantitatively and prevent unexpected postoperative deformity, the center of rotation of angulation (CORA) method was applied during HV surgery. To correct a hallux valgus (HV) deformity quantitatively and prevent unexpected postoperative deformity, the center of rotation of angulation (CORA) method was applied during HV surgery. Methods  To create a normal foot model, radiographs of 64 normal female feet were measured. Points A and B were defined as the intersection of the intermetatarsal angle and the HV angle. CORA1 and CORA2 were defined as the intersection of the axes of the first metatarsal and the first proximal phalanx in the normal and HV models, respectively. Procedures to correct HV deformity using the CORA method were devised and were applied to HV feet, which underwent a focal dome osteotomy or medial wedge osteotomy. Results  Point A was 2.3 times the length of the second metatarsal proximally from the top of the second metatarsal head, and point B was 0.17 times the length of the first metatarsal proximally from the top of the first metatarsal head. Two methods were used to correct the deformity. With one method, a focal dome osteotomy was performed at the first metatarsal on the circle at the CORA1 and the distal fragment was moved to the standard first metatarsal axis. The first proximal phalanx was then moved around the metatarsal head to the standard axis of the first proximal phalanx at the CORA2. With the other method, a medial wedge osteotomy was performed on or proximal to the CORA2, and the distal fragment was moved to the first standard metatarsal axis. Conclusions  We propose a preoperative plan to use the CORA method to correct deformities that prevent translation of the axis or an angulation deformity. HV deformity can be corrected effectively using the CORA method.     

Effect of minimally invasive distal first metatarsal osteotomy on blood flow of the metatarsal head

BackgroundDistal first metatarsal osteotomy is an option for operative treatment of mild to severe hallux valgus (HV) deformities. Minimally invasive distal linear metatarsal osteotomy (DLMO) provides good outcomes without avascular necrosis (AVN) of the metatarsal head. However, no reports have described the in vivo blood flow changes in the metatarsal head after osteotomy. This study was performed to evaluate the in vivo blood flow of the pre- and post-osteotomy metatarsal head in patients with HV using laser Doppler flowmetry and thus clarify the effect of minimally invasive distal first metatarsal osteotomy on the change in blood flow.MethodsFrom April 2015 to October 2016, DLMO was performed on 13 feet with HV in 10 patients (2 men, 8 women). Blood flow measurements of the pre- and post-osteotomy first metatarsal head in all feet were performed by laser Doppler flowmetry. AVN was evaluated using plain radiographs at the final postoperative follow-up.ResultsThe median pre- and post-osteotomy blood flow was 1.5 (0.97–1.95) and 1.46 (0.98–1.77) ml/min/100 g, respectively (median change in blood flow, 0.00; 95% CI, ?0.23–0.13; P = 0.72). The rate of change in the blood flow was 0.0% (95% CI, ?11.9%–8.7%; range, ?28.6%–64.7%), and only three patients (23.1%) showed a decrease of ≥10%. The median pre- and post-osteotomy systolic blood pressure was 90 (84.5–97) and 93 (84.5–95) mmHg, respectively (median change in blood pressure, 0.00; 95% CI, ?3.0–2.0; P = 0.82). The rate of change in the systolic blood pressure was 0.0% (95% CI, ?3.1%–2.2%; range, ?9.1%–24.0%). No radiographic evidence of AVN was present at the final follow-up.ConclusionsNo significant difference was found in the rate of change in blood flow pre- and post-osteotomy, suggesting that minimally invasive distal first metatarsal osteotomy does not influence blood flow of the metatarsal head.     

Staples and locking plates provide comparable outcomes for fixation of first metatarsal dorsiflexion osteotomies in pes cavovarus

BackgroundOne commonly encountered deformity within the cavovarus foot is plantarflexion of the first metatarsal which may be a primary or secondary deformity. Correcting the plantarflexion may be achieved through a dorsiflexion osteotomy although the optimal fixation device for this osteotomy has not been determined. This clinical study compared the outcomes using staples and locking plates.MethodsA retrospective evaluation was performed of 52 feet that had undergone dorsiflexion osteotomy of the first metatarsal as part of a cavovarus foot correction with a minimum follow-up of two years. Data was collected on deformity correction, complications and cost-analysis.ResultsAs a cohort, Meary’s angle improved from 13.4° to 7.72° (p < 0.001), Hibbs’ angle improved from 117.1° to 124.2° (p < 0.001) and navicular height dropped from 52.7 mm to 47.7 mm (p < 0.001) while calcaneal inclination changed from 20.9° to 21.2° but this did not reach significance (p = 0.66). These indices and the number of complications were not significantly different between the staple and locking plate group. The overall cost of using staples was less than using locking plates.ConclusionsBoth staples and locking plates are effective devices for fixation of the first metatarsal after a dorsiflexion osteotomy in cavovarus foot surgery. They were both able to provide comparable fixation, although staples were less expensive to use in our study.     

Metatarsalgia: distal metatarsal osteotomies

Metatarsalgia is a common pathologic entity. It refers to pain at the MTP joints. Pain in the foot unrelated to the MTP joints (such as Morton’s neuroma) must be distinguished from those disorders, which lead to abnormal pressure distribution, reactive calluses, and pain. Initial treatment options for metatarsalgia include modifications of shoe wear, metatarsal pads, and custom-made orthoses. If conservative treatment fails, operative reconstructive procedures in terms of metatarsal osteotomies should be considered. Lesser metatarsal osteotomy is an effective and well-accepted method for the management of metatarsalgia. The main purpose of these osteotomies is to decrease prominence of the symptomatic metatarsal head. The distal metatarsal oblique osteotomy (Weil osteotomy) with its modification represents the best evaluated distal metatarsal osteotomy in terms of outcome studies and biomechanical analysis. The role of the Weil osteotomy in metatarsalgia owing to a subluxed or dislocated MTP joint is to bring the metatarsal head proximal to the callus and to provide axial decompression of the toe to correct the deformity contributing to metatarsalgia.     

Basal medial opening wedge first metatarsal osteotomy stabilized with a low profile wedge plate

Twenty patients underwent 25 basal medial opening wedge osteotomies of the first metatarsal stabilized using a low-profile wedge plate in combination with a distal soft tissue release, distal metatarsal osteotomy and Akin osteotomy as required for correction of a hallux valgus deformity. The mean clinical and radiographic follow-up was 12.2 months. Pre- and post operative radiographs available in 15 cases showed that the median hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were corrected from 45.5 to 13.1, 17.7 to 9.2 and 243 to 10.0 degrees respectively (p < 0.001). Final radiographic assessment for the whole series showed a median final HVA and IMA of 14.1 and 9.1 respectively. Radiographic union was noted in all but one case which was asymptomatic. One wound infection was treated with oral antibiotics, one hallux varus deformity required soft tissue reconstruction and there was one recurrence. The outcome was reported as good or satisfactory by the patients for 20 of 25 feet. Three patients reported stiffness in the first MTP joint, which improved with joint injection and manipulation. Two plates were removed for prominence. The basal medial opening wedge osteotomy stabilized with a low profile wedge plate was an effective addition for correcting a moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity as part of a double or triple first ray osteotomy.