Abstract
Aims: The aim of the study is to present later results in the treatment of hallux valgus with Austin corrective metatarsal osteotomy.
Materials and methods: In the period from 1982 to 1991, 238 patients (230 females and 8 males) and 380 feet were operated. The patients were followed up from 11 to 20 years. The age of the patients varied from 40 up to 60 years (the median value of around 46 years of age). Indications for the Austin corrective metatarsal osteotomy were the angle of hallux valgus more than 20 degrees, intermetatarsal angle more than 10 degrees as well as pain due to shoe pressure over the medial side of metatarsophalangeal joint and aesthetic reasons. In this study, 130 patients and 230 feet were evaluated (radiological, clinical and subjective evaluation).
Results: The angle of hallux valgus was 20 to 52 degrees (mean value – 34.5 degrees) before operation, and 8 to 36 degrees after operation (mean value – 16.1 degrees). Intermetatarsal angle was 10 to 25 (mean value – 15 degrees) before operation and 7 to 22 degrees (mean value – 8 degrees) after operation. Shortening of first metatarsal bone was 2 to 6 mm (mean value – 3 mm)
Conclusion: The study shows that Austin corrective metatarsal osteotomy in treatment of hallux valgus is a good method if strict and precise criteria are closely followed in the indication of operative procedure in treating hallux valgus, especially with middle-aged patients.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
