Repair of hallux valgus with a distal soft-tissue procedure and proximal metatarsal osteotomy. A long-term follow-up.

We retrospectively reviewed the results for seventy-five patients (109 feet) in whom a hallux valgus deformity had been corrected with the release of the distal soft tissues, excision of the medial eminence, plication of the medial part of the capsule, and proximal crescentic osteotomy of the first metatarsal. The patients were followed for an average of thirty-four months (range, twenty-four to fifty-six months). The preoperative hallux valgus angle averaged 31 degrees, and the postoperative angle averaged 9 degrees. The preoperative intermetatarsal angle averaged 14 degrees and the postoperative angle, 6 degrees. Ninety-three per cent of the patients were satisfied with the result of the procedure. They stated that, given the same circumstances, they would have the operation again. The most common complication was hallux varus, which occurred in thirteen feet (nine patients). The other complications included recurrence of the hallux valgus in two feet, pain under a fibular sesamoid in one foot, and a tailor's bunion that was unrelated to the operation in one foot. Only five of forty-eight feet that had had a symptomatic plantar keratosis beneath the second metatarsal head preoperatively remained symptomatic postoperatively.     

Treatment of hallux valgus with an increased distal metatarsal articular angle: evaluation of double and triple first ray osteotomies

During a 12-year period in which 878 hallux valgus corrections were performed, 18 patients (21 feet) with symptomatic hallux valgus deformity and an increased distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) underwent periarticular osteotomies (double or triple first ray osteotomies). They were studied retrospectively at an average follow-up of 33 months. The surgical technique comprised a closing wedge distal first metatarsal osteotomy combined with either a proximal first metatarsal osteotomy or an opening wedge cuneiform osteotomy (double osteotomy). When a phalangeal osteotomy was added, the procedure was termed a "triple osteotomy." The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 26 years. At final follow-up, the average hallux valgus correction measured 23 degrees and the average 1-2 intermetatarsal angle correction was 9 degrees. The DMAA averaged 23 degrees preoperatively and was corrected to an average of 9 degrees postoperatively. One patient developed a postoperative hallux varus deformity, and one patient developed a malunion, both of which required a second surgery. A hallux valgus deformity with an increased DMAA can be successfully treated with multiple first ray osteotomies that maintain articular congruity of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.     

Moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity: correction with proximal crescentic osteotomy and distal soft-tissue release

Between 1991 and 1995, 96 patients (114 feet) were treated with a proximal crescentic metatarsal osteotomy and distal soft-tissue procedure for moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity [intermetatarsal (IM) angle > 15°, or hallux valgus (HV) angle > 30°]. At an average follow-up of 26 months, 8 men and 62 women (86 feet) with a mean age of 53.2 years were retrospectively reviewed. The HV angle averaged 41.1° preoperatively and 14.6° postoperatively. The respective values for the IM angle were 17.8° and 7.8°. Neither the average metatarsal shortening of 3 mm nor the dorsal angulation at the osteotomy site seen in 9% of cases evidenced any clinical significance at follow-up. Patient satisfaction was excellent or good in 91%, and the mean Mayo Clinic Forefoot Score (total 75 points) improved from 37.2 to 61.1 points. Complications included 8 cases of hallux varus and 5 cases of hardware failure. Based on this first study exclusively focusing on moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity, we conclude that proximal first metatarsal osteotomy in combination with a lateral soft-tissue procedure is effective in correcting moderate to severe symptomatic hallux valgus deformity with metatarsus primus varus (IM angle > 15° or HV angle > 30 °). Received: 28 July 1999     

Application of bone graft to the medial side of the first metatarsal head in the treatment of hallux varus

BACKGROUND: Hallux varus deformity is not frequent, is usually acquired, and is poorly tolerated by patients. A common cause is the resection of an excessive amount of the head of the first metatarsal during an operation performed to correct a hallux valgus deformity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of application of bone graft to the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head in order to restore missing bone after resection of an excessive amount of bone during a bunionectomy. METHODS: Of thirty patients who had a hallux varus deformity that was treated operatively, eight (ten feet) had bone-grafting to the medial aspect of the first metatarsal head. Six patients (seven feet) were available for evaluation at an average of 8.6 years (range, two to twenty-two years) postoperatively. The original reasons for the consultation for the hallux varus deformity were pain in the great toe, discomfort with shoewear, and the cosmetic appearance of the deformity. The pain typically was located on the medial aspect of the great toe and was caused by the pressure of the shoe; the pain usually was aggravated by walking. Preoperatively, the passive range of dorsiflexion averaged 72 degrees (range, 60 to 80 degrees); the passive range of plantar flexion, 12 degrees (range, 10 to 20 degrees); and the varus deformity, 18 degrees. RESULTS: Six of the seven feet had a satisfactory result. The pain associated with the varus deformity had disappeared in all patients. One patient was dissatisfied because of 20 degrees of valgus angulation. The passive range of dorsiflexion averaged 63 degrees (range, 60 to 70 degrees), and all patients had 10 degrees of plantar flexion. Overall, the valgus angulation of the metatarsophalangeal joint averaged 19 degrees (range, 16 to 22 degrees). There was no recurrence or persistence of the varus deformity. In three feet, the joint space was reduced, but this did not jeopardize the clinical result. CONCLUSIONS: A bone graft screwed onto the medial aspect of the metatarsal head provided a good result. This technique is indicated when the varus deformity is related to a previous resection of an excessive amount of bone during a bunionectomy and when the deformity is passively reducible to neutral.     

Surgical treatment for hallux valgus with painful plantar callosities

We retrospectively reviewed the results of a distal soft-tissue procedure and proximal crescentic osteotomy of the first metatarsal combined with a proximal shortening osteotomy of the second and/or third metatarsal. This was in patients who had hallux valgus with painful plantar callosities. The review covered seven years of procedures (1989-1996) in 12 patients (14 feet) averaging 53 years of age. Average follow-up was 52 months. All patients had pain at the first metatarsophalangeal joint and had metatarsalgia preoperatively. At follow-up, 11 feet had no pain at the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and three had some improvement of pain. Ten feet had no metatarsalgia, two had improvement of metatarsalgia, and two feet had transfer lesions postoperatively and required reoperation. The angle of hallux valgus averaged 40 degrees preoperatively and 13 degrees postoperatively. The intermetatarsal angle averaged 18 degrees preoperatively and 6 degrees postoperatively. Mean decreases in length of the second and third metatarsal after surgery were 5.4 mm and 4.8 mm, respectively. Our results suggested that this combined procedure for hallux valgus with painful plantar callosities may be successful, in carefully selected patients.     

Comparison of Tibial Sesamoid Position on Anteroposterior and Axial Radiographs Before and After Triplane Tarsal Metatarsal Joint Arthrodesis

We reviewed the radiographic results of a group of patients who had undergone triplane correctional tarsometatarsal arthrodesis for symptomatic hallux abducto valgus with metatarsus primus abducto valgus. Of the 21 feet included in the present review, 17 (81%) displayed radiographic findings of metatarsal pronation preoperatively based on axial sesamoid views and positive lateral round sign on anteroposterior radiographs. At a mean follow-up period of 5.2 ± 1.6 months, a significant improvement in the tibial sesamoid position (TSP) on both anteroposterior (AP) and axial radiographs was measured. A negative metatarsal round sign, indicating correction of coronal plane metatarsal rotation, was observed in 20 of the 21 feet (95.2%) on AP radiographic evaluation. All 21 patients (100%) had obtained resolution of sesamoid subluxation on the sesamoid axial view at the final follow-up examination. The sesamoid axial position was consistently normal when the round sign was absent, and the TSP was in the normal range of 1 to 3 on the AP radiograph. Sesamoid subluxation from the normal position with the tibial sesamoid on or lateral to the crista was noted in 4 feet (19%) preoperatively and 0 feet postoperatively. This confirmed that lateral round sign of the first metatarsal head and a high TSP noted on the AP radiograph are both related to metatarsal pronation and can be corrected concurrently with coronal plane varus rotation of the first metatarsal as a part of the procedure.     

Relationship of Frontal Plane Rotation of First Metatarsal to Proximal Articular Set Angle and Hallux Alignment in Patients Undergoing Tarsometatarsal Arthrodesis for Hallux Abducto Valgus: A Case Series and Critical Review of the Literature

Rotation of the first metatarsal, as a component of hallux abducto valgus, is rarely discussed and is not addressed as a component of most hallux valgus corrective procedures. We believe frontal plane rotation of the first metatarsal to be an integral component of hallux abducto valgus deformity (the “third plane of deformity”) and believe de-rotation is necessary for complete deformity correction. We observed the change in angular measurements commonly used in the evaluation of hallux valgus deformity in patients who underwent a modified lapidus procedure. We measured the intermetatarsal angle, hallux abductus angle, proximal articular set angle, and tibial sesamoid position on weightbearing radiographs of 25 feet in 24 patients who had undergone tarsal metatarsal corrective arthrodesis and lateral capsular release. Specific attention was given to reduction of the frontal plane rotation of the first metatarsal during correction. Our results showed a change in the angular measurements observed by 4 investigators as follows. The mean change in the intermetatarsal angle was 10.1° (p < .0001). The mean change in the hallux abductus angle was 17.8° (p < .0001). The mean change in the proximal articular set angle was 18.7° (p < .0001). The mean change in the tibial sesamoid position was 3.8 (p < .0001). Also, a consistent valgus, or everted position of the first metatarsal, was noted as a component of the hallux abducto valgus deformity in our patient population and was corrected by varus rotation or inversion of the metatarsal. We also reviewed the current literature related to anatomic changes in the first ray in the patient with hallux valgus deformity and reviewed our hypothesis regarding the reduction in the proximal articular set angle, which we believe to be related to frontal plane rotation of the first metatarsal, resulting in a radiographic artifact.     

Syndesmosis procedure: a non-osteotomy approach to metatarsus primus varus correction

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus and metatarsus primus varus deformities usually are the result of failure of the supporting soft tissues rather than bone deformities. Since soft-tissue procedures have been shown to only be suitable for mild deformities, first metatarsal osteotomy has become an integral part of correcting moderate to severe deformities. A soft-tissue technique referred to as the "syndesmosis procedure" by the author was evaluated for its effectiveness in correcting metatarsus primus varus in feet with hallux valgus. METHODS: This is a retrospective clinical and radiographic study of six patients (11 feet) an average of 6 years and 10 months after the "syndesmosis procedure." A cerclage technique using absorbable suture (PDS) was used for the first metatarsal realignment, and its long-term maintenance depended on a syndesmosis (fibrous) bonding between the first and second metatarsal bases. RESULTS: The average preoperative hallux valgus angle of 29.5 (21 to 43) degrees improved to 13.5 (-2 to 24) degrees and the average preoperative metatarsus primus varus angle of 13.6 (12 to 16) degrees improved to 5.2 (2 to 8) degrees at an average of 85.7 (33 to 128) months. All patients were satisfied with their results and were able to return to sports and wearing high-heeled shoes as desired. Complications were few and mild. Followup American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux scores averaged 93 points. CONCLUSIONS: This small but long-term retrospective study showed encouraging results for the correction of metatarsus primus varus deformity and a high patient satisfaction.     

The Spike Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus: A Clinical and Radiological Evaluation

A distal metatarsal osteotomy with soft tissue correction is a frequently performed operation to correct mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity. This is a prospective study of 28 feet in 25 patients who underwent spike osteotomy of the first metatarsal with medial capsulorraphy for symptomatic hallux valgus. The osteotomy is a distal metatarsal osteotomy with a spike fashioned in the plantar and lateral quarter of the proximal fragment and impacted into the trough created in the center of the distal fragment, providing lateral and plantar shift of the distal fragment. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's rating scale was used for functional assessment, and a visual analog scale gauged pain. The average follow-up was 27 months. The rating scale score improved from a mean preoperative value of 39/100 to 84/100. Twenty-six feet had complete pain relief, whereas 2 feet had a lesser degree of persistent metatarsalgia. A review of preoperative and postoperative radiographs showed that the hallux valgus angle improved from a mean 36 degrees preoperatively to 18 degrees postoperatively. Likewise, the mean 1 to 2 intermetatarsal angle improved from 13 degrees to 7.3 degrees. There was no incidence of avascular necrosis. Fourteen patients (16 feet) rated the outcome as excellent, 10 (11 feet) as good, and 1 patient with asymptomatic mild hallux varus deformity rated the result as fair. These results demonstrate that the spike osteotomy is a suitable operation for treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus.     

Hallux valgus and first ray mobility. A prospective study

BACKGROUND: There have been few prospective studies that have documented the outcome of surgical treatment of hallux valgus deformities. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of operative treatment of hallux valgus with use of a proximal crescentic osteotomy and distal soft-tissue repair on the first metatarsophalangeal joint. METHODS: All adult patients in whom moderate or severe subluxated hallux valgus deformities had been treated with surgical repair between September 1999 and May 2002 were initially enrolled in the study. Those who had a hallux valgus deformity treated with a proximal crescentic osteotomy and distal soft-tissue reconstruction (and optional Akin phalangeal osteotomy) were then invited to return for a follow-up evaluation at a minimum of two years after surgery. Outcomes were assessed by a comparison of preoperative and postoperative pain and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores; objective measurements included ankle range of motion, Harris mat imprints, mobility of the first ray (assessed with use of a validated calibrated device), and radiographic angular measurements. RESULTS: Of the 108 patients (127 feet), five patients (five feet) were unavailable for follow-up, leaving 103 patients (122 feet) with a diagnosis of moderate or severe primary hallux valgus who returned for the final evaluation. The mean duration of follow-up after the surgical repair was twenty-seven months. The mean pain score improved from 6.5 points preoperatively to 1.1 points following surgery. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved from 57 points preoperatively to 91 points postoperatively. One hundred and fourteen feet (93%) were rated as having good or excellent results following surgery. Twenty-three feet demonstrated increased mobility of the first ray prior to surgery, and only two feet did so following the bunion surgery. The mean hallux valgus angle diminished from 30 degrees preoperatively to 10 degrees postoperatively, and the mean first-second intermetatarsal angle decreased from 14.5 degrees preoperatively to 5.4 degrees postoperatively. Plantar gapping at the first metatarsocuneiform joint was observed in the preoperative weight-bearing lateral radiographs of twenty-eight (23%) of 122 feet, and it had resolved in one-third (nine) of them after hallux valgus correction. Complications included recurrence in six feet. First ray mobility was not associated with plantar gapping. There was a correlation between preoperative mobility of the first ray and the preoperative hallux valgus (r = 0.178) and the first-second intermetatarsal angles (r = 0.181). No correlation was detected between restricted ankle dorsiflexion and the magnitude of the preoperative hallux valgus deformity, the post-operative hallux valgus deformity, or the magnitude of hallux valgus correction. CONCLUSIONS: A proximal crescentic osteotomy of the first metatarsal combined with distal soft-tissue realignment should be considered in the surgical management of moderate and severe subluxated hallux valgus deformities. First ray mobility was routinely reduced to a normal level without the need for an arthrodesis of the metatarsocuneiform joint. Plantar gapping is not a reliable radiographic indication of hypermobility of the first ray in the sagittal plane.     

The modified Ludloff osteotomy for correction of severe metatarsus primus varus with hallux valgus deformity

AIM: The present study investigates the clinical and radiological mid-term results of the modified Ludloff osteotomy, a proximal metatarsal osteotomy for surgical correction of severe metatarsus primus varus with hallux valgus deformity. METHOD: 70 feet in 67 patients from 25 to 78 years (average age 56 years) were included in this prospective study. The patients were evaluated with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal score, which was used preoperatively and at an average follow-up of 37 +/- 6 months. Weight-bearing foot radiographs were analysed according to AOFAS guidelines and statistical evaluation was made with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: The average AOFAS score improved significantly (p < 0.0001) from 55.2 +/- 15.2 points preoperatively to 86.6 +/- 15.2 points at follow-up. Preoperatively, all patients complained of pain (20.2 +/- 9.6 points) which had improved significantly (p < 0.0001) at the latest follow-up (37.3 +/- 5.7 points). The average hallux valgus angle (HVA) was 37 +/- 8 degrees preoperatively and improved significantly to 12 +/- 11 degrees at follow-up (p = 0.0001). The intermetatarsal angle (IMA) improved significantly from 18 +/- 2 degrees preoperatively to 8 degrees +/- 4 degrees after 37 +/- 6 months (p = 0.0002). The sesamoid position improved significantly from preoperative to follow-up (p = 0.0003). Radiographic evaluation of the patients indicated that all examined osteotomies had healed after 37 +/- 6 months. CONCLUSION: This prospective investigation at intermediate follow-up using currently available outcome measures suggests that the Ludloff osteotomy is a suitable procedure for the surgical correction of severe metatarsus primus varus (IMA > 15 degrees ) with hallux valgus deformity.     

Basal closing wedge osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus and metatarsus primus varus: 10- to 22-year follow-up

Between 1974 and 1985, 59 patients (83 feet) underwent basal closing wedge osteotomy in combination with a bunionectomy and a lateral soft tissue release for correction of hallux valgus and metatarsus primus varus at this institution. Of the original 59 patients, 42 patients (60 feet) with at least 10 years of follow-up (average, 194 months; range, 144-266 months) were available for this study. Results were analyzed by review of the medical records and plain radiographs, a standardized clinical questionnaire, and physical examination. Of the 60 feet, patients rated outcomes as excellent or good in 51 feet (85%) and rated cosmesis as excellent or good in 44 feet (73%). Radiographically at final follow-up, hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles averaged 19.9 degrees (range, 0-40 degrees) and 6.7 degrees (range, 0-18 degrees), respectively. The sesamoid position was corrected from an average preoperative grade of 2.6 to a grade of 0.9 at final follow-up. The average shortening of the first metatarsal was 5 mm. The disadvantages of the closing wedge osteotomy are that it is technically demanding and it entails the risk of shortening, dorsal malalignment, and metatarsalgia. In the current study, long-term complications included hallux varus deformity (16 feet), dorsal malalignment (15 feet), and metatarsalgia (14 feet). Despite good correction of the intermetatarsal angle and sesamoid position, the clinical results and the incidence of complications after basal closing wedge osteotomy were not as favorable as those reported for other procedures in the literature. Therefore, alternative procedures, such as the basal crescentic osteotomy or the basal chevron osteotomy, should be used.     

Chevron osteotomy in the treatment of hallux valgus

Fifty patients who underwent 80 chevron osteotomies for symptomatic hallux valgus were re-examined and assessed 4 years and 7 months (average) after surgery. Forty-five of the patients were satisfied with the result of their surgery, three patients suffered recurrence of their deformity and two had continuance of their symptomatology. The major complications noted were intraoperative intra-articular fracture of the metatarsal head in five feet, loss of initial repair in three feet, and tilt of the distal fragment (metatarsal head) in two feet. The Chevron osteotomy is a relatively simple procedure that corrects the varus deformity of the first metatarsal, realigns the valgus orientation of the metatarsal head, corrects the hallux valgus deformity, and improves symptomatology.     

Effect of proximal articular set angle-correcting osteotomies on the hallucal sesamoid apparatus: A cadaveric and radiographic investigation

A cadaveric and radiographic study was undertaken to demonstrate the change in intersesamoidal crista architecture after an osteotomy that corrects the proximal articular set angle (PASA). Three cadaveric first metatarsals with hallux valgus deformity were utilized. Separate Kirschner wires representing the longitudinal axis bisection, PASA, and the long axis of the crista were placed into each specimen. After osteotomy, the metatarsal heads were translated laterally, rotated parallel to the transverse plane to correct PASA, and impacted. The relationship between the crista and the long axis of the metatarsal was determined. A deviation in the alignment between the intersesamoidal crista and the long axis of the metatarsal following the osteotomy was observed. The radiographic portion of this study correlated intermetatarsal angle, PASA, and tibial sesamoid position with intersesamoidal crista appearance on sesamoidal axial radiographs. Radiographic parameters in 19 patients (34 feet) were compared and two distinct patterns were evident: 1) A proximal articular set angle greater than 15 degrees was associated with complete crista erosion in 10 feet (91% of this subgroup); 2) a tibial sesamoid position greater than three was associated with partial or complete erosion in 17 feet (100% of this subgroup). A higher deviation of PASA and increased displacement of the sesamoidal apparatus correlated with crista erosion. These findings suggest that the crista fails to adapt with PASA as hallux valgus progresses and undergoes erosion instead. This study suggests that when correcting the PASA, misalignment of the sesamoid apparatus may lead to sub-first metatarsal arthrosis.     

Plate fixation for crescentic metatarsal osteotomy in the treatment of hallux valgus: an eight-year followup study

BACKGROUND: Distal soft tissue realignment and crescentic metatarsal osteotomy is a popular procedure in the treatment of hallux valgus. The traditional technique of screw fixation for crescentic osteotomy is technically demanding, and the inferior stability of this construct has been described. We evaluated the long-term results of a modified fixation method. METHODS: Twenty-six patients (32 feet) undergoing this procedure were retrospectively reviewed. Five patients (six feet) were lost to followup. Mean age of the patients was 47 (14 to 74) years. The osteotomy was fixed with a 2.7 mm AO plate. Assessment of clinical and radiographic results was performed at a mean followup of 2.7 (1.3 to 7.2) years and 8.0 (6.1 to 12.0) years, respectively. RESULTS: The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score improved from 57.9 to 90.5 at 2.7 years of mean followup, whereas the patient satisfaction rate was 96%. The intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and hallux valgus angle (HVA) improved from the mean preoperative values of 16.1 degrees and 34.2 degrees to 9.5 degrees and 16.3 degrees. At eight years of mean followup, the mean AOFAS score and patient satisfaction rate remained at 88.5% and 92%. The mean IMA and mean HVA were 9.7 degrees and 17.0 degrees. Complications included one case of hallux varus (4%) and two cases of recurrence (8%). The osteotomy achieved union in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal plate fixation of crescentic metatarsal osteotomy is a technically easier procedure. Equally good results can be achieved when compared with screw fixation methods, and the results can be maintained long-term.     

Observed Changes in Radiographic Measurements of the First Ray after Frontal and Transverse Plane Rotation of the Hallux: Does the Hallux Drive the Metatarsal in a Bunion Deformity?

It is well known that the pathologic positions of the hallux and the first metatarsal in a bunion deformity are multiplanar. It is not universally understood whether the pathologic changes in the hallux or first metatarsal drive the deformity. We have observed that frontal plane rotation of the hallux can result in concurrent positional changes proximally in the first metatarsal in hallux abducto valgus. In the present study, we observed the changes in common radiographic measurements used to evaluate a bunion deformity in 5 fresh frozen cadaveric limbs. We measured the tibial sesamoid position, 1-2 intermetatarsal angle, and first metatarsal cuneiform angle on anteroposterior radiographs after frontal and transverse plane manipulation of the hallux. When the hallux was moved into an abducted and valgus position, a statistically significant increase was found in the tibial sesamoid position (p = .016). However, we did not observe a significant increase in the intermetatarsal angle (p = .070) or medial cuneiform angle (p = .309). When the hallux was manipulated into an adducted and varus position, a statistically significant decrease in the intermetatarsal angle (p = .02) and a decrease in the tibial sesamoid position (p = .016) was seen, with no significant change in the medial cuneiform angle (p = .360). We also observed a consistent rounding of the lateral aspect of the first metatarsal head and an increase in the concavity of the lateral metatarsal shaft, with valgus rotation of the hallux. From these observations, it is possible that the hallux could drive the proximal changes in the first ray that lead to metatarsus primus adducto valgus deformity.     

The Mitchell bunionectomy: a prospective study of 60 consecutive cases utilizing single K-wire fixation.

The authors prospectively evaluated 45 patients (60 feet) affected by hallux valgus and treated with a distal metatarsal osteotomy. The surgical procedure consisted of a modified Mitchell osteotomy, in which fixation was achieved with a Kirschner wire that was driven into the proximal osteotomy fragment and buttressed the distal one. Early weightbearing was allowed without a cast. Follow-up averaged 25 months. The mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society clinical hallux score increased from 44.6/100 preoperatively to 83.2/100. Radiographic evaluation showed that mean metatarsophalangeal and intermetatarsal angles decreased respectively from 31.7 degrees to 16.9 degrees, and from 15.4 degrees to 8.6 degrees. Short-term loss of correction occurred in three cases (4%). Six feet (10%) had unrelieved metatarsalgia that was related to excessive shortening of the first metatarsal and/or inappropriate orientation of the metatarsal head. Stabilization of the Mitchell osteotomy with a Kirschner wire proved safe and effective for the surgical correction of mild to moderate hallux valgus.     

Importance of postoperative sesamoid reduction on the outcomes of proximal chevron osteotomy for moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes between feet with or without postoperative sesamoid reduction of proximal metatarsal chevron osteotomy for moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity.MethodsAll of 110 feet were allocated into two groups (reduction group; 66 feet, non-reduction group; 44 feet) according to the reduction status of sesamoid at 6 months after surgery. The clinical and radiographic results of the two groups were compared preoperatively, 6 months follow-up, and at last follow-up.ResultsThe overall improvement in clinical outcomes was similar in both groups at average 4-year follow-up. However, the radiographic outcomes and recurrence rate were significantly worse in the sesamoid non-reduction group.ConclusionsOur results suggested that postoperative incomplete reduction of sesamoid may increase a risk for the recurrence of hallux valgus deformity.     

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.     

Plantarflexion opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy for correction of fixed forefoot varus associated with flatfoot deformity

BACKGROUND: Flatfoot presents as a wide spectrum of foot deformities that include varying degrees of hindfoot valgus, forefoot abduction, and forefoot varus. Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, lateral column lengthening, and subtalar fusion can correct heel valgus, but may not adequately correct the fixed forefoot varus component. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of plantarflexion opening wedge medial cuneiform (Cotton) osteotomy in the correction of forefoot varus. METHODS: Sixteen feet (15 patients) had plantarflexion opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomies to correct forefoot varus associated with flatfoot deformities from several etiologies, including congenital flatfoot (six feet, average age 37 years), tarsal coalition (five feet, average age 15 years), overcorrected clubfoot deformity (two feet, ages 17 years and 18 years), skewfoot (one foot, age 15 years), chronic posterior tibial tendon insufficiency (one foot, 41 years), and rheumatoid arthritis (one foot, age 56 years). RESULTS: Standing radiographs showed an average improvement in the anterior-posterior talo-first metatarsal angle of 7 degrees (9 degrees preoperative, 2 degrees postoperative). The talonavicular coverage angle improved an average of 15 degrees (20 degrees preoperative, 5 degrees postoperative). The lateral talo-first metatarsal angle improved an average of 14 degrees (-13 degrees preoperative, 1 degree postoperative). Correcting for radiographic magnification, the distance from the mid-medial cuneiform to the floor on the lateral radiograph averaged 40 mm preoperatively and 47 mm postoperatively (average improvement 7 mm). All patients at followup described mild to no pain with ambulation. There were no nonunions or malunions. CONCLUSIONS: Opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy is an important adjunctive procedure to correct the forefoot varus component of a flatfoot deformity. Advantages of this technique in comparison to first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis include predictable union, preservation of first ray mobility, and the ability to easily vary the amount of correction. Because of the variety of hindfoot procedures done in these patients, the degree of hindfoot correction contributed by the cuneiform osteotomy alone could not be determined. We have had excellent results without major complications using this technique.