This paper tests the null hypothesis that there is no difference in recurrence for mild and moderate hallux valgus treated with Scarf osteotomy in the presence of a disrupted Meary's line compared to an intact line. At a minimum of 3 months follow up we retrospectively analysed radiographs, theatre and clinic notes of 74 consecutive patients treated with Scarf osteotomy for mild and moderate hallux valgus at a single centre. The patients were divided into Group A (n=30) – patients who on pre-operative weight bearing radiographs had a disrupted Meary's line, and Group B (n=44) – those with a normal Meary's line on pre-operative weight bearing radiographs. Our results demonstrate a statistically significant higher recurrence in group A compared to Group B with an odds ratio of 5.2 p = 0.006 [95% CI 1.6–6]. The association between a disrupted Meary's line and increased risk of recurrence for Scarf osteotomy remains valid and strengthened to an odds ratio of 7.1 p = 0.015 [95% CI 1.46 −34.4] when adjusted for confounding variables of age, sex and pre-operative IMA. On this basis we reject the Null hypothesis. In group A two out of 30 patients required revision surgery whilst none of the 44 patients in group B needed revision. In Group A the degree of IMA correction achieved equalled 8.1 degrees with a pre and post IMA of 16.0 and 7.9 degrees respectively. For Group B the degree of correction was 8.0 degrees with a pre and post IMA of 14.3 and 6.3 degrees respectively. Eight complications were reported in Group A and 9 in Group B. Our results demonstrate a statistically significant increased risk of recurrence when scarf osteotomy is performed for mild and moderate hallux valgus in the presence of a disrupted Meary's line

Though there are many techniques utilised in the correction of hallux valgus (HV), no single approach has been reported to be ideal for all patients to date. A great deal of controversy remains concerning the type of osteotomy, method of fixation, and inclusion of soft tissue procedures. Herein, we compared the outcomes of two different operative techniques, the minimally-invasive modified percutaneous technique and the distal chevron osteotomy, used to treat mild to moderate hallux valgus. This study was conducted in line with the CONSORT 2010 guidelines. 41 patients (58 feet) with mild to moderate hallux valgus were randomly assigned by computer to two different groups. The first group containing 24 patients (33 feet) was treated by the modified percutaneous technique, whereas the second group included 17 patients (25 feet) treated by distal chevron osteotomy. In the modified percutaneous group, after a mean follow up of 43 months, the mean correction of hallux valgus angle (HVA) was 26.69° (P=0.00001), the mean correction of intermetatarsal angle (IMA) was 9.45° (P=0.00001), and the mean improvement of AOFAS score was 47.94 points (P=0.00001). In the chevron osteotomy group, after a mean follow up of 44 months, the mean correction of hallux valgus angle was 26.72° (P=0.00001), the mean correction of intermetatarsal angle was 9° (P=0.00001), and the mean improvement of AOFAS score was 44.76 points (P=0.00001). In our study, the modified percutaneous technique proved to be equally effective as the distal chevron osteotomy, but with fewer complications and a higher rate of patient satisfaction

Minimally invasive chevron and akin osteotomy are being used in a few centres in the UK. The purpose of our study was to analyse our early results and present our early experience of minimally invasive chevron and akin osteotomy (MICA) for the correction of mild to moderate hallux valgus. This study assessed the radiological and clinical measurements, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, pain scores and patient satisfaction associated with performance of the MICA, for the treatment of hallux valgus. Between September 2010 and April 2012, 96 consecutive patients (122 feet) who underwent MICA were assessed. The overall satisfaction rate was over 90%. The mean total AOFAS score was 89.7 points. VAS for pain reduced from a mean of 7.4 to less than 1 point. On weight bearing anterior-posterior foot radiographs there was a significant improvement in the mean IMA and HVA. Complications included 2 episodes of superficial infection (1.6%), 1 fracture (0.8%), 4 incidence of nerve injury (3.3%) (Numbness) and 9 patients requiring removal of screw (7.4%). However, these screw removals occurred early on in the study and diminished after a slight modification in surgical technique. Based on our findings we concluded that MICA is an effective procedure with good patient satisfaction in the treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus

Mitchell – Hawkins osteotomy is a widely used technique for correction of mild to moderate hallux valgus. Several authors have recognised that, for a good result, the osteotomy must be stable enough to prevent excessive shortening or displacement of the distal fragment. Several fixation techniques have been proposed: sutures, staples, K-wires and screws. The aim of the study is to define whether the use of a screw could give better results than a single K-wire in the fixation of the osteotomy. We studied prospectively 30 patients with moderate hallux valgus operated on consecutively at our institute using the Mitchell osteotomy. In 15 patients (Group A) fixation was achieved with a single K-wire inserted through the tip of the toe and driven medial to the metatarsal head into the first metatarsal shaft, while in the others (Group B) a Herbert screw was used. All procedures were identical except for the fixation device and were carried out by the same surgeon. Weight bearing was allowed from the first day after surgery with a postoperative shoe. The K-wire was removed at the fifth postoperative week. In Group B the correct position of the great toe was maintained with a dressing, renewed weekly for 8 weeks after surgery. Patients were evaluated clinically with the AOFAS score and radiologically either before surgery and at the follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 10 months. We did not find any difference between the groups in correction of the intermetatarsal angle and of the valgus angle or in the improvement of the AOFAS score. No symptomatic displacement of the distal fragment occurred in either group. Five patients of Group A complained of a pin tract infection of the K-wire, which was treated successfully with oral antibiotics. No deep infection occurred. All the patients were satisfied with the treatment received but the majority of those of Group A (10/15) complained of discomfort in leaving the K-wire in place for such a long time. The Mitchell – Hawkins osteotomy can be fixed either with a K-wire or a screw with similar results in terms of angle correction and clinical scores. Patients felt more comfortable without protruding fixation devices, but for a successful procedure with the use of a screw, repeated dressing of the foot is required, which is time-consuming for both the surgeon and the patient

Background: The chevron osteotomy is a widely accepted method for the correction of mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity that reveals good to excellent results in terms of radiographic correction of hallux valgus deformity as well as functional outcome scores. However, recent pedobarographic studies have shown that there is decreased load of the big toe region and the first metatarsal head region respectively at a short and intermediate-term follow-up Sufficient load of these structures is essential in order to provide physiological gait patterns. The purpose of the present study was to determine if a modification in the postoperative regimen improves the functional outcome of chevron osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus deformity. Methods: 29 patients with an mean age of 58 years who suffered on mild to moderate Hallux valgus deformity without radiographic signs of osteoarthritis of the first MTP joint who underwent chevron osteotomy were included in this prospective study. Postoperatively patients were placed in a forefoot relief shoe for 4 weeks. After this period they received a multimodal rehabilitation program including kryotherapy, lymphatic drainage, mobilisation, manual therapy, strnthening exercises and gait training. The patients received a mean of 4.2 treatment sessions and the sessions took place one time a week for 3 to 6 weeks. Preoperatively and one year after surgery plantar pressure distribution parameters including maximum force, contact area and force-time integral were evaluated. Additionly the AOFAS score, ROM of the first MTP and plain radiographs were assessed. The results were compared using Student’s t-test and level of significane was set at p< 0.05. Results: In the big toe region maximum force increased from 72.2 N presurgically to 106.8 N at one year after surgery, contact area increased from 7.6 cm2 preoperatively to 8.9 cm2 one year postsurgically and force-time integral increased from 20.8 N*sec to 30.5 N*sec. All changes were statistically significant.(p< 0.05) For the first metatarsal head region maximum force increased from 122.5 N presurgically to 144.7 N one year after surgery and force-time integral increased from 42.3 N*sec preoperatively to 52.6 N*sec one year postoperatively. However, those changes were not statistically significant. (p=0.068; p=0.055)The mean AOFAS score increased from 61 points preoperatively to 94 points at follow-up (p< 0.001). The average hallux valgus angle decreased from 31° to 9° and the average first intermetatarsal angle decreased from 14° to 6° respectively.(p< 0.001). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that postoperative physical therapy and gait training help to improve weight-bearing of the big toe and first ray respectively. Therefore, there is a restoration of physiological gait patterns in patients who recieve this postoperative regimen

Numerous procedures have been reported for the hallux valgus correction of the great toe. Scarf osteotomy is a versatile osteotomy to correct varying degrees of mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity. It can also be used for lengthening of the 1st ray as a revision procedure to treat metatarsalgia in patients who had previous shortening osteotomy. We wish to report a patient who had lengthening SCARF osteotomy for the metatarsalgia following previous hallux valgus correction and developed arthritis of the 1st MTPJ in a short term which required fusion. A 49 year old female patient was seen with pain and tenderness over the heads of the 2nd and3rd metatarsal of the right foot. She had hallux valgus correction 10years ago with a shortening osteotomy of the 1st metatarsal. She developed metatarsalgia which failed to conservative management. She had a lengthening SCARF osteotomy for the metatarsalgia in 2004. She had good symptomatic relief for two years and then started having pain over the 1st MTPJ. On examination she had limited movements of the 1st MTPJ and tenderness over the dorsolateral aspects of the 1st MTPJ suggestive of arthritis. Radiographs of the foot showed healed osteotomy with no evidence of AVN of the 1st MT head but features suggestive of osteoarthritis. She had fusion of the 1st MTPJ performed in 2008 for the arthritis following which symptoms resolved. This case highlights that arthritis of the 1st MTPJ can occur in the absence of an AVN of the metatarsal head and patients need to be warned of this potential complaining when having the lengthening SCARF osteotomy for metatarsalgia following a previous shortening osteotomy of the 1st ray

Introduction: Hallux valgus is a common foot deformity. A widely used method for correction of mild and moderate hallux valgus is a distal metatarsal (Chevron) osteotomy. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of a percutaneous chevron osteotomy two years after my first communication in Arcachon. Patients and method: The operation is performed by one senior surgeon. The patient is placed in the supine position. The foot is allowed to overhang the end of the table. No tourniquet is used. The procedure is controlled by fluoroscopy. The chevron osteotomy is undertaken with a Shannon burr of 12 mm and a 20 mm for the last case. The axis of translation is determined preoperatively and adapted to the foot: more or less plantar displacement of the metatarsal head, or, more or less shortening of the metatarsal itself. The translation of the head is controlled by a temporary intramedullary K-wire inserted medially. The fixation is with an absorbable k-wire for one part and by screw for the other part. The medial exostosis is not systematically removed. The procedure is completed by an Akin osteotomy in 90%. A lateral release procedure is performed percutaneously. Results: The mean age of the patients was 55 years at time of operation. At the follow-up of 3 months all patients are examined and X-Ray’s taken. The Kitaoka score increased from 45 to 89. The hallux valgus angle decreases from 37° to 10°. The metatarsus varus is 10°. Three patients need a new surgery for a secondary displacement. Our results are comparable to those published for open chevron osteotomy in terms of correction of the HV and intermetatarsal angles

Introduction: The chevron osteotomy is an accepted method for the correction of mild and moderate hallux valgus and generally advocated for patients younger than the age of sixty years. In the current work the finite element analysis applied to calculate the stress (force per unit area) on different cuts in the metatarsal bone model of the first ray in the human foot. Material and Methods: The cuts have the form of a simple angle with 90 degrees ‘modified chevron osteotomy’, 60 ‘typical chevron osteotomy’ 70, 50 and 30, openings correspondingly, and share a common corner C, which is at the centre of a circle that fits the head of the metatarsal. In order to calculate the maximum stresses on the cuts, the bone is assumed to be with a 150 angle to the floor, which is the angle that it takes during the push-off phase. Results: The calculations show a considerable difference on the stress distribution on the differnt cuts. In particular in the ‘90 degrees cut’ the normal (to the cut) stress is much larger than the shear stress. The opposite is true for the 60 cut. Since shear stresses are the ones that cause material failure, it is predicted that the 90 cut will heal much faster than the 60 cut. The nodes along the cuts where the normal and the shear stress were calculated in different osteotomies. Conclusion: The FEM analysis confirm our clinical results of this modified chevron osteotomy of 90 degrees. The osteotomy site is firmly secured, avoiding early displacement of the lateral fragment and give earlier fusion

Purpose of the study: Different metatarsal osteotomies performed via a percutaneous approach can be used to correct hallux valgus. The purpose of this work was to analyse the clinical and radiographic results of percutaneous treatment of hallux valgus using a distal wedge osteotomy of the metatarsal. Material and methods: This was a consecutive prospective series of 125 cases of hallux valgus treated by the same surgical technique, distal wedge osteotomy of the metatarsal without fixation. Percutaneous lateral arthrolysis and percutaneous varus correction of the first phalanx were associated. The AOFAS function score for the forefoot was determined preoperatively and at last follow-up. Time to normal shoe wearing and to resumption of occupational activities were also noted. Angle correction was determined on the anteroposterior weight-bearing image. All patients were reviewed at mean 20 months (range 12–40). Results: The AOFAS forefoot function score was 46/100 preoperatively and 87/100 at last follow-up. Mean motion of the metatarsophalangeal joint was 95 preoperatively and 80 postoperatively. Mean metatarsophalangeal valgus was 30 preoperatively and 12 at last follow-up. The mean intermetatarsal angle improved from 13 to 8 and the orientation of the joint surface of the first metatarsal (DMAA) improved from 11 to 7. The metatarsophalangeal joint of the first ray was congruent in 45% of the feet preoperatively and in 88% postoperatively. Mean time to wearing normal shoes was seven weeks for the treatment of hallux valgus alone and three months for surgery of the first ray and lateral rays. Discussion: Percutaneous treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus by distal wedge osteotomy of the metatarsal enables good clinical and radiographic improvement. The surgical technique requires experience with percutaneous surgery of the forefoot to avoid the main complications: secondary displacement in elevates and excessive shortening of the first metatarsal. This technique restores metatarsophalangeal congruence of the first ray compared with Isham-Reverdin osteotomy

Introduction. Symptomatic hallux valgus is a common clinical problem, current trends is towards minimally invasive procedures. The goal of this study is to evaluate the outcome of minimally invasive chevron ostoetomy, comparing it with a matched group who had open chevron osteotomy. Methods. Prospective study, 54 patients. MIS group 25 patients between October 2009 and November 2010. Open group 29 patients between Feb 2008 and October 2010. Inclusion criteria included, mild to moderate hallux valgus, no previous history of foot surgery, no history of inflammatory arthritis, or MTPJ arthritis. All the operations were performed by the senior author. Functional outcome and pain were evaluated using pre and post operative Manchester Oxford Foot and ankle questionnaire (MOXFQ). IMA and HVA, avascular necrosis and union were assessed. Complications and satisfaction were recorded. Results. The MIS group with mean age at operation of 55, showed significant improvement in all the domains of the MOXFQ. Walking (p <0.018), foot pain (p = <0.013), social interaction (p = <0.001). The mean HVA and IMA corrections were 11.8° and 6.3°, (p < 0.001). The open group with mean age at operation of 55 years showed significant improvement in all domains of the MOXFQ, walking (p = <0.0001), foot pain (p = <0.002), social interaction (p = <0.0001). The HVA and IMA corrections were 10.5 and 5.9 degrees respectively (p = <0.001). The improvement in MOXFQ and HVA and IMA corrections were not statistically significant between the MIS and open groups. Discussion and Conclusion. Our results showed that the MIS chevron osteotomy is an effective procedure with minimal complications and satisfactory functional outcome, comparable to the open standard chevron osteotomy. Larger sample size is required to confirm our findings

Introduction: In most areas of surgery there has been a move in recent years towards less invasive operative techniques. However, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is not automatically ‘better’ surgery. Several MIS techniques for correcting hallux valgus have been described. We present our experience with an MIS chevron type osteotomy, Akin osteotomy and distal soft tissue release. This technique utilises rigid internal screw fixation (without the need for k wire fixation). This is the first such series to be reported in the United Kingdom. Patients & Methods: A consecutive series of twenty three patients (30 feet) with mild to moderate HV deformity were included in the study and were independently assessed clinically and radiographically and scored using the AOFAS scoring system, visual analogue score for pain and a subjective outcome score. All surgery was performed by a single surgeon (DR) using a high-speed burr to create the osteotomies. The osteotomy was fixed with a rigid screw. The mean age was 59 (24–75), and 90% were female. All patients had minimum follow-up of three months (mean 7.5, range 5–12). Results: The mean AOFAS score improved from 39.3 (median 44, range 25–57) preoperatively to 89.9 (median 92, range 77–100) postoperatively. The mean visual analogue score improved from 7 to 1. 82% of patients were very satisfied / satisfied with the procedure. There were no cases of infection, two cases of type 1 complex regional pain syndrome and two screws required removal. Conclusion: This small series represents the senior author’s learning curve with this new technique and as such, these early MIS results compare well with outcomes reported with modern open techniques for mild to moderate hallux valgus deformities. A randomised study to compare open and closed techniques is now being undertaken

Purpose of the study: When it became popular in the 1980s, the wedge osteotomy proposed by Kenneth John-son of the Mayo Clinic was not advocated for patients over 50 years of age. We wanted to known whether it could work in patients over 60. Material and methods: Between January 1987 and December 1988, 62 patients underwent surgery for moderate hallux valgus. Wedge osteotomy was performed in all cases associated with phalangeal osteotomy and lateral release of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTJ). Mean patient age was 60.2 years. Patients were followed ten years on average. Results: Thirty-nine patients (48 feet) were reviewed. Radiological recurrence was noted in nine feet. The average hallux valgus M1P1 angle was 35° preoperatively and 9.8° postoperatively. The average M1M2 angle was 11.4° preoperatively and 4.6° postoperatively. Joint motion was good for the first MPJ, with average 51° dorsiflexion, and 14° plantar flexion. These results were obtained despite the opinion that wedge osteotomy stiffens the MTJ after 50 years. Patient satisfaction was very good, especially for shoe wearing, the esthetic result, and pain relief. Most recurrences involved non-correction of the distal articular angle, an observation which would be rather surprising in older patients. There were no cases of necrosis of the metatarsal head and the degenerative changes observed radiographically had little clinical impact. Conclusion: This series has enabled us to conclude that the risk of wedge osteotomy of the metatarsal is not greater after the age of 60 years and that it provides very satisfactory long-term results

Introduction There is no consensus on the superiority of either Chevron or Mitchell osteotomy in the treatment of hallux valgus. In the literature Chevron osteotomy is recommended for the mild and Mitchell’s for the moderate hallux valgus (HV) deformities. We reviewed outcomes of two of the most common distal first metatarsal osteotomies. Aims To compare the results of Chevron vs Mitchell osteotomy in the treatment of HV. To evaluate the co-relation between clinical outcome and radiological correction achieved after the two osteotomies. Method We reviewed clinical notes and pre- and postoperative radiographs of a total of 111 operations including 61 Chevron and 50 Mitchell osteotomies in 90 patients. We designed a patient-focused questionnaire to evaluate clinical outcomes that addressed the main functional outcomes concerning patients after bunion surgery. These included pain, usage of footwear postoperatively, cosmoses, development of transfer metatarsalgia and the repeatability of the procedure they had undergone. These questions were point based and a final clinical score was calculated for comparison with the radiological correction. This was also used as a measure of success of the procedure. Conclusion There is a statistically significant radiological difference in HV angle correction and the loss of first metatarsal height as seen post-operatively between patients treated with Chevron and Mitchell osteotomies for HV correction (p=0.03 and p=0.0004 respectively). There is no statistically significant difference (p=0.6) in the clinical outcomes based on the newly designed patient-focused questionnaire with either Chevron or Mitchell osteotomies at a mean follow-up of 27 months post-operatively. Clinical outcome determined by patient-focused questionnaire remains the same in-spite of radiological differences noticed post-operatively between the two osteotomies

Purpose of the study: Minimally invasive techniques are gaining popularity. We report our experience with the treatment of hallux valgus using a hybrid technique combining wedge osteotomy of M1 and other procedures (arthrolysis, phalangeal osteotomy) performed percutaneously. Material and methods: This was a prospective consecutive series of 172 operated feet in 139 patients, mean age 2005 to 2007. All procedures were performed by the same operator and reviwed by an independent observer at mean maximum follow-up of 18 months. The same operative technique was used; the only variable was Akin osteotomy performed (in 67%) or not, fixed (one out of three) or not. Assessment compared pre and postoperative values for the angles M1M2, M1P1, DMAA and DM2AA, joint range of motion, Kitaoka score and morbidity. Results: At maximum follow-up, the independent observer noted: 40.6% and 71% improvement in M1M2 and M1P1 angles, 42.3% in DMAA and 122% in DM2AA, 32.3% in the P1P2 angle, and 71.8% in the Kitaoka score. Dorsiflexion was diminished 4.2%, plantar flexion 19.6%. Material was removed in 7%, and complication rate was 2.9%; there were no deep infections. The procedure was achieved in an outpatient setting from 57% of patients. Excepting one patient who was disappointed, all other patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their operation. Discussion: Wedge osteotomy is an attractive first-intention procedure for the treatment of moderate hallux valgus. It is even more so when combined with the academic percutaneous surgery imported in France by GRECMIP indicated in a still limited number of situations. All parameters are significantly improved with a perfectly controlled morbidity. The absence of deep infection despite (or thanks to) refection 15 days after the first dressing is particularly noteworthy. This method has the approval of nearly 100% of patients and presents many advantages: absence of pain related to unwonted mobilization during wound care, maximal protection of the operated foot in the dressing which is humid at first then hardens forming a shock absorber without extra cost for the postoperative care. Conclusion: We validate this concept which constitutes a fundamental progress in forefoot surgery, particularly in phase with the current concern for cost containment

Introduction: A retrospective review was conducted on individuals who have undergone Mitchell osteotomy for mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity. Hallux valgus leads to altered load bearing function of the foot and correction of deformity might result in shortening of the first metatarsal. Transfer metatarsalgia is one of the common postoperative complication. This study aims to look at the restoration of load bearing function of the foot post deformity correction. Methods: Patients with preoperative intermetatarsal angle of less than 14 degrees were included. Clinical records and radiographs were reviewed. Clinical evaluation done with AOFAS scores and plantar pressures recorded using musgrave system. The foot was divided into 7 regions: first metatarsal head, 2nd & 3rd metatarsal heads, 4th & 5th metatarsal heads, midfoot, heel, hallux and lesser toes. Average pressure, peak pressure distribution and contact time of all seven regions were analysed. A control group of 15 individuals with twenty normal feet were included for comparison. Statistical analysis was done with analysis of variance of the means and Pearson correlation tests. Results: Seventeen mitchell osteotomy was performed on 13 patients with follow up ranging from 14 to 66 months, a mean of 34 months. Most of our study group were females with an age range of 25 to 71 years, a mean of 53 years. The mean postoperative AOFAS scores were 87 and a median of 90 out of 100. Pedobarograph findings: Statistically significant reduced average pressure, peak pressure and contact time were noted under hallux when compared to the normal control group. The peak pressures were reduced at all forefoot regions but statistically insignificant. Otherwise, the pressure distribution, contact time and center of pressure progression were similar to the normal feet. On analysis of correlation between the parameters observed, reduced pressure distribution under first metatarsal head lead to increased pressures under 4th, 5th metatarsal heads and lesser toes. Significant correlation found between the pressure distribution under hallux and the AOFAS scores, which reveals the outcome of procedure, depends on the load bearing characteristics of hallux and not the first MT head. Conclusion: Mitchell osteotomy restores the load bearing function of the feet to near normal except hallux, which may affect the outcome of the procedure

Introduction: The modified Lapidus-arthrodesis with standard AO screw-fixation is well known for the treatment of severe metatarsus primus varus deformity respectively a hypermobile or an arthrotic first tarso-metatarsal joint. High rates of non-union and malunion (range 3 to 12%) due to improper or poor fixation despite the postoperative course of nonweightbearing were reported in literature. The immediate postoperative weightbearing protocol varies from 2 to 6 weeks of cast immobilization. To our knowledge, this prospective investigation comprises the largest cohort of patients undergoing the Lapidus-arthrodesis, fixed with the Lapidus-Orthner locking plate. Methods: 130 feet with an average patient’s age of 52 years (range 23 – 83 years), underwent the Lapidus fusion with the locking Orthner-plate. Indications were severe hallux valgus deformities respectively moderate hallux valgus deformities with a hypermobile first TMT 1- joint or an arthrotic first tarsometatarsal joint. The surgical technique was standardized, and the operations were performed by the inventor of the plate. All patients had a failed trial of nonoperative management (shoe-wear modification). The 130 feet were divided into 2 groups. Group I was without TMT 1 – compression screw (n= 60) and group II with an additional compression-screw (n=70). Average age of group I was 54-years. The average age of group II was 50-years. The American-Orthopaedic-Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Forefoot-Score, Visual-analog-pain-scale and foot radiographs were assessed preoperatively and after a mean of 23 months for group I and 39 months for group II. All 130 feet were treated immediately postoperative with a postoperative Darco orthowedge ® shoe. Results: The average AOFAS score improved significantly from preoperative to follow up time-point in both groups. AOFAS pain-subscore significantly improved in both groups. The intermetatarsal-angle (IMA) of all 130 feet decreased significantly from 14° to 6° after surgery. At time of follow-up 9 % of non-unions were seen in group I whereas 0% were seen in group II with proximal compression screw, the difference is significant (p=0,024). The mean immobilisation with the Darco-Ortho® wedge shoe was 7,2 weeks (range 6 to 14 weeks) in group I and 6,3 weeks (range 5 to 12 weeks) in group II. Conclusion: The prospective mid-term results from this study show that the locking Lapidus-Orthner plate is a very good and promising technique for the Lapidus-arthrodesis. The modified technique with compression screw has shown none non-union, despite of immediate weight-bearing in a post-op shoe after surgery. The procedure significantly reduced pain, the hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angle and increased the patient’s ambulatory capacity and patient satisfaction

The June 2015 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Syndesmosis and outcomes in ankle fracture; Ankle arthrodesis or arthroplasty: a complications-based analysis; Crosslinked polyethylene and ankle arthroplasty; Reducing screw removal in calcaneal osteotomies; Revisiting infection control policies; Chevron osteotomy: proximal or distal?; Ankle distraction for osteoarthritis