Abstract
Query: In the past few years, chevron osteotomy has become more widespread in the treatment of mild Hallux valgus deformities thanks to its low rate of complications and excellent results. The results in moderate to severe deformities are not as convincing, depending on the surgical procedure used. The objective of this study was to examine the influence which the choice of surgical procedure and thus the osteotomy has on the clinical, radiological and pedobarographic results in the forefoot.
Method: In a prospective study, we examined the surgical results of 140 feet treated between August 2004 and March 2005 in our clinic for moderate Hallux-Valgus deformity. In 70 patients, Ludloff osteotomy and in 70 the Scarf osteotomy was selected as the method. The patients underwent pre- and postoperative clinical, radiological and pedobarographic examination. In addition, patient satisfaction was determined using the Kitaoko Forefoot Score. Indication for performance of the osteotomy was a Hallux-Valgus deformity up to an intermetatarsal angle (IMA) of 17°.
Results: The mean preoperative IMA was 14.5 °, the Hallux-Valgus angle (HVA) 31.3°. The IMA could be improved by Scarf osteomy on average by 7.6°, by Ludloff osteotomy by 8.1°. With suitable plantarisation of the 1st metatarsal head, better and more even pressure distribution in the forefoot could be achieved with both surgical procedures and the load peaks reduced overall. The complication rate was somewhat lower overall in the Scarf osteomy.
Conclusion: Both the Scarf osteotomy, and the Ludloff ostetomy enable achieving of good results in moderate deformity. The extent to which one procedure should be preferred over the other could not be determined. Both procedures have advantages as well as disadvantages. Further attention to this area of Hallux-valgus surgery is definitely needed to meet the higher demands of the patients.
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