Purpose: For patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus with increased intermetatarsal angle, correction with a proximal first metatarsal osteotomy is indicated. The purpose of this study is to compare the opening-wedge osteotomy of the proximal first metatarsal the proximal chevron osteotomy in the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus with increased intermetatarsal angle. Method: This prospective, randomized, multi-centered study is being conducted at three centers in Canada. Approximately 75 adult patients with hallux valgus are being randomized to either the proximal metatarsal opening-wedge osteotomy with plate fixation or the proximal chevron osteotomy. Patient functional scores using the SF-36, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot metatarsophalangeal inter-phalangeal score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, activity & patient satisfaction, are assessed prior to surgery and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Surgeon preference is being evaluated based on a questionnaire and actual surgical times. Radiologic measurements (inter-metatarsal angle correction, hallux valgus angle correction, sagital talus-first metatarsal (Meary’s) angle, metatarsal length and union) will also be assessed. Results: Preliminary results demonstrate that patients who undergo the opening-wedge osteotomy have less pain at 3 months (ave. VAS pain reduction 2.9, SE±1.0) than those with the chevron (ave. VAS pain reduction 2.4, SE±1.2). VAS for activity demonstrates greater improvements with the chevron osteotomy at 3 months (0.8, SE±0.8) versus the opening-wedge (0.1, SE±1.0). AOFAS scores improve on average 18.3 (SE±8.6) with the opening wedge compared to 20.8 (SE±7.4) with the chevron at 3 months. Average hallux valgus angle correction for opening-wedge and chevron osteotomies are 11.0 degrees (SE±2.5) and 19.0 degrees (SE±3.1) respectfully. Average intermetatarsal angle correction for opening-wedge and chevron osteotomies are 6.5 (SE±1.3) and 4.3 (SE±1.7) respectfully. Both procedures are effective at maintaining metatarsal length. The opening-wedge osteotomy takes on average 60.9 minutes (SE±3.9) to complete compared to 69.1 minutes (SE±5.1) for the chevron ostetotomy. Surgeon response to the new opening-wedge osteotomy is favorable. Conclusion: Opening-wedge and proximal chevron osteotomies have comparable pain, function and radiographic outcomes. Opening wedge osteotomy is technically less demanding and requires less surgical time

Introduction: Standard arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalageal joint (MTPJ) is often carried out for degenerative disease in the presence of a hallux valgus without a first metatarsal corrective osteotomy. Despite this there is an improvement in the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) as well as the position of the tibial sesamoid. We attempt to quantify the amount of correction in this study. Method: A cohort of 30 (35 feet) consecutive patients (10 males, 20 females) treated from May 2006 to May 2007 were reviewed. The mean age was 61.6 years (39 to 78 years). All patients underwent a standard primary fusion of the first MTPJ with a low profile plate and compression screw. There was no attempt to free the sesamoids, perform a lateral release or medial reefing of the medial capsule. We measured the hallux valgus angle (HVA), IMA as well as the position of the tibial sesamoid pre and postoperatively using a digital radiology imaging system. Result: The mean improvement in IMA was 3.38° (p< 0.001) with a mean correction of 2.5° (p=0.02), 6.5° (p=0.02) and 5.8° (p=0.06) in the mild, moderate and severe groups respectively. A greater correction is expected with a more severe initial IMA (r=0.688). A similar trend is seen with the severity of the initial HVA (r=0.640). The tibial sesamoid position also tends to improve by one station (spearman correlation 0.861) post operatively. Conclusion: There is an improvement in the IMA when the first MTPJ is fused. This improvement is proportional to the severity of the initial HVA and IMA. There is also an improvement in the resting position of the tibial sesamoid. We conclude that with a mobile first metatarsal medial cuneiform joint, the IMA corrects spontaneously when the first MTPJ is arthrodesed negating the need for a separate corrective osteotomy of the first metatarsal

Aim When first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint fusion is performed in the presence of a high first intermeta-tarsal angle (IMA), an important question to arise is whether the first metatarsal varus will correct with MTP fusion alone or whether an additional basal osteotomy is necessary. We compared the pre-operative IMAs to the post-operative angles to answer this question.

Method Twenty patients had a first MTP fusion for severe hallux valgus deformity performed by the senior author over a 2-year period. All were female. Mean age was 54.2 years (range 42–78). Seven patients had rheumatoid arthritis. Their IMAs were retrospectively measured on weight bearing X-rays taken pre-operatively and 6 weeks post-operatively. They were recalled for an additional measurement at a mean of 13.72 months (range 6–30).

Results Pre-operatively the mean hallux valgus angle was 46.55 degrees and the mean IMA was 16.65 degrees (range 12–26). The mean 6 week post-operative IMA was 10.35 degrees (range 6–15) with a mean improvement of 6.3 degrees (range 0–12). The mean IMA at final follow-up was 8.67 degrees (range 5–12). The mean final improvement was 8.22 degrees (range 4–14). In eight patients with a pre-operative IMA of 15 degrees or less the mean improvement was 6.13 degrees. In 10 patients with an pre-operative IMA of 16 degrees or more, the mean improvement was 9.9 degrees.

Significance First MTP joint fusion in hallux valgus deformity permanently reduces the IMA. As the pre-operative IMA increases from moderate to severe, there is a significant increase in post-operative correction. An additional basal osteotomy is not indicated.

Aims. The mainstay of surgical correction of hallux valgus is first metatarsal osteotomy, either proximally or distally. We present a technique of combining a distal chevron osteotomy with a proximal opening wedge osteotomy, for the correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus. Patients and Methods. We reviewed 45 patients (49 feet) who had undergone double osteotomy. Outcome was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and the Short Form (SF) -36 Health Survey scores. Radiological measurements were undertaken to assess the correction. The mean age of the patients was 60.8 years (44.2 to 75.3). The mean follow-up was 35.4 months (24 to 51). Results. The mean AOFAS score improved from 54.7 to 92.3 (p < 0.001) and the mean SF-36 score from 59 to 86 (p < 0.001). The mean hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles were improved from 41.6. o. to 12.8. o. (p < 0.001) and from 22.1. o. to 7.1. o. , respectively (p < 0.001). The mean distal metatarsal articular angle improved from 23. o. to 9.7. o. The mean sesamoid position, as described by Hardy and Clapham, improved from 6.8 to 3.5. The mean length of the first metatarsal was unchanged. The overall rate of complications was 4.1% (two patients). Conclusion. These results suggest that a double osteotomy of the first metatarsal is a reliable, safe technique which, when compared with other metatarsal osteotomies, provides strong angular correction and excellent outcomes with a low rate of complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1202–7

Aims. The first metatarsal pronation deformity of hallux valgus feet is widely recognized. However, its assessment relies mostly on 3D standing CT scans. Two radiological signs, the first metatarsal round head (RH) and inferior tuberosity position (ITP), have been described, but are seldom used to aid in diagnosis. This study was undertaken to determine the reliability and validity of these two signs for a more convenient and affordable preoperative assessment and postoperative comparison. Methods. A total of 200 feet were randomly selected from the radiograph archives of a foot and ankle clinic. An anteroposterior view of both feet was taken while standing on the same x-ray platform. The intermetatarsal angle (IMA), metatarsophalangeal angle (MPA), medial sesamoid position, RH, and ITP signs were assessed for statistical analysis. Results. There were 127 feet with an IMA > 9°. Both RH and ITP severities correlated significantly with IMA severity. RH and ITP were also significantly associated with each other, and the pronation deformities of these feet are probably related to extrinsic factors. There were also feet with discrepancies between their RH and ITP severities, possibly due to intrinsic torsion of the first metatarsal. Conclusion. Both RH and ITP are reliable first metatarsal pronation signs correlating to the metatarsus primus varus deformity of hallux valgus feet. They should be used more for preoperative and postoperative assessment. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(11):1037–1040

Aims. The purpose of this study is to examine the adductus impact on the second metatarsal by the nonosteotomy nonarthrodesis syndesmosis procedure for the hallux valgus deformity correction, and how it would affect the mechanical function of the forefoot in walking. For correcting the metatarsus primus varus deformity of hallux valgus feet, the syndesmosis procedure binds first metatarsal to the second metatarsal with intermetatarsal cerclage sutures. Methods. We reviewed clinical records of a single surgical practice from its entire 2014 calendar year. In total, 71 patients (121 surgical feet) qualified for the study with a mean follow-up of 20.3 months (SD 6.2). We measured their metatarsus adductus angle with the Sgarlato’s method (SMAA), and the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and metatarsophalangeal angle (MPA) with Hardy’s mid axial method. We also assessed their American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical scale score, and photographic and pedobarographic images for clinical function results. Results. SMAA increased from preoperative 15.9° (SD 4.9°) to 17.2° (5.0°) (p < 0.001). IMA and MPA corrected from 14.6° (SD 3.3°) and 31.9° (SD 8.0°) to 7.2° (SD 2.2°) and 18.8° (SD 6.4°) (p < 0.001), respectively. AOFAS score improved from 66.8 (SD 12.0) to 96.1 (SD 8.0) points (p < 0.001). Overall, 98% (119/121) of feet with preoperative plantar calluses had them disappeared or noticeably subsided, and 93% (113/121) of feet demonstrated pedobarographic medialization of forefoot force in walking. We reported all complications. Conclusion. This study, for the first time, reported the previously unknown metatarsus adductus side-effect of the syndesmosis procedure. However, it did not compromise function restoration of the forefoot by evidence of our patients' plantar callus and pedobarographic findings. Level of Clinical Evidence: III. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(3):174–180

Background. There are many different procedures described for the correction of hallux valgus deformity. Minimally invasive surgery has become increasingly popular, with clinical and radiological outcomes comparable to traditional open osteotomy approaches. There is increasing interest in hallux valgus deformity correction using third-generation minimally invasive chevron akin osteotomy (MICA) technique. Objective. To assess the radiographic correction and 2 year clinical outcomes of third-generation MICA using validated outcome measures. Methods. This is a prospective single-surgeon case series of 420 consecutive feet undergoing MICA surgery between July 2014 and November 2018. Primary clinical outcome measures included the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), EQ-5D, and the Visual Analogue Pain Scale. Secondary outcome measures included radiographic parameters, and complication rates. Results. Pre-operative and 2 year post-operative patient reported outcomes were collected for 334 feet (79.5%). At minimum 2 year follow-up, the MOXFQ scores (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) had improved for each domain: pain; pre-operative 43.9±21.0 reduced to 9.1±15.6 post-operatively (p<0.001), walking and standing; pre-operative 38.2±23.6 reduced to 6.5±14.5 post-operatively (p<0.001) and social interaction; pre-operative 47.6±22.1, reduced to 6.5±13.5 post-operatively (p<0.001). At 2 year follow-up, the VAS Pain score (mean ± SD) improved from a pre-operative of 31.3±22.4 to 8.3±16.2 post-operatively (p<0.001). 1–2 intermetatarsal angle (mean ± SD) reduced from 15.4°±3.5° to 5.8°±3.1° (p<0.001) and hallux valgus angle reduced from 33.1°±10.2° to 9.0°±5.0° post-operatively (p<0.001). Conclusion. Third-generation MICA showed significant improvement in clinical outcomes at 2 year follow-up and can be successfully used for correction of a wide range of hallux valgus deformities

Background. Recent large studies of third-generation minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery (MIS) have demonstrated significant improvement in clinical and radiological outcomes. It remains unknown whether these clinical and radiological outcomes are maintained in the medium to long-term. The aim of this study was to investigate the five-year clinical and radiological outcomes following third-generation MIS hallux valgus surgery. Methods. A retrospective observational single surgeon case series of consecutive patients undergoing primary isolated third-generation percutaneous Chevron and Akin osteotomies (PECA) for hallux valgus with a minimum 60 month clinical and radiographic follow up. Primary outcome was radiographic assessment of the hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) pre-operatively, 6 months and ≥60 months following PECA. Secondary outcomes included the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire, patient satisfaction, Euroqol-5D Visual Analogue Scale and Visual Analogue Scale for Pain. Results. Between 2012 and 2014, 126 consecutive feet underwent isolated third-generation PECA. The mean follow up was 68.8±7.3 (range 60–88) months. There was a significant improvement in radiographic deformity correction; IMA improved from 13.0±3.0 to 6.0±2.6, (p < 0.001) and HVA improved from 27.5±7.6 to 7.8±5.1. There was a statistically significant but not clinically relevant increase of 1.2±2.6° in the HVA between 6 month and ≥60 month radiographs. There was an increase in IMA of 0.1±1.6º between 6 month and ≥60 month radiographs which was not statistically or clinically significant. MOXFQ Index score at ≥follow up was 10.1±17.0. The radiographic recurrence rate was 2.6% at final follow up. The screw removal rate was 4.0%. Conclusion. Radiological deformity correction following third-generation PECA is maintained at a mean follow up of 68.8 months with a radiographic recurrence rate of 2.6%. Clinical PROMs and patient satisfaction levels are high and comparable to other third-generation studies with shorter duration of follow up

Aims. Morton’s neuroma is common condition of the forefoot, but its aetiology remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between the width of the forefoot and the development of a Morton’s neuroma. . Patients and Methods. Between January 2013 and May 2016, a total of 84 consecutive patients (17 men, 67 women) with a unilateral Morton’s neuroma were enrolled into the study. The involved and uninvolved feet of each patient were compared. A control group of patients with symptoms from the foot, but without a neuroma who were matched for age, gender, affected side, and web space location, were enrolled. The first to fifth intermetatarsal distance, intermetatarsal angle and intermetatarsal distance of involved web space on standing radiographs were assessed. Results. The inter- and intra-observer reliability was excellent. The three parameters did not differ significantly between the involved and uninvolved feet. Neither did they differ significantly between the patients and the controls. Conclusion . We conclude that there is no significant relationship between the width of the forefoot and the development of a Morton’s neuroma. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:365–8

Introduction. Recurrence after surgical correction of hallux valgus may be related to coronal rotation of the first metatarsal. The scarf osteotomy is a commonly used procedure for correcting hallux valgus but has limited ability to correct rotation. Using weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT), we aimed to measure the coronal rotation of the first metatarsal before and after a scarf osteotomy, and correlate these to clinical outcome scores. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 16 feet (15 patients) who had a WBCT before and after scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus correction. On both scans, hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle, and anteroposterior/lateral talus-first metatarsal angle were measured using digitally reconstructed radiographs. Metatarsal pronation (MPA), alpha angle, sesamoid rotation angle and sesamoid position was measured on standardized coronal CT slices. Preoperative and postoperative(12 months) clinical outcome scores(MOxFQ and VAS) were captured. Results. Mean HVA was 28.6±10.1 degrees preoperatively and 12.1±7.7 degrees postoperatively. Mean IMA was 13.7±3.8 degrees preoperatively and 7.5±3.0 degrees postoperatively. Before and after surgery, there were no significant differences in MPA (11.4±7.7 and 11.4±9.9 degrees, respectively; p = 0.75) or alpha angle (10.9±8.0 and 10.7±13.1 degrees, respectively; p = 0.83). There were significant improvements in SRA (26.4±10.2 and 15.7±10.2 degrees, respectively; p = 0.03) and sesamoid position (1.4±1.0 and 0.6±0.6, respectively; p = 0.04) after a scarf osteotomy. There were significant improvements in all outcome scores after surgery. Poorer outcome scores correlated with greater postoperative MPA and alpha angles (r= 0.76 (p = 0.02) and 0.67 (p = 0.03), respectively). Conclusion. A scarf osteotomy does not correct first metatarsal coronal rotation, and worse outcomes are linked to greater metatarsal rotation. Rotation of the metatarsal needs to be measured and considered when planning hallux valgus surgery. Further work is needed to compare postoperative outcomes with rotational osteotomies and modified Lapidus procedures when addressing rotation

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results after hallux valgus surgery by transar-ticular adductor tenotomy, distal Chevron metatarsal osteotomy and Akin phalangeal osteotomy using medial one incision. Materials and Methods: From June 2004 to June 2007, eighty feet of 54 patients were included in this study. During the same period, other cases of hallux valgus correction were excluded. Thirty seven patients underwent both feet operation at the same time and 17 patients underwent single foot operation. Among the 37 patients who underwent both feet operation, proximal metatarsal osteotomy was performed for contralateral 11 feet at same time, and these cases with proximal metatarsal osteotomy were excluded from this study. Postoperatively, all patients were allowed immediate full weight bearing walking. Patients were evaluated according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interpha-langeal scale, VAS(visual analogue scale), post-operative complications and radiologic parameters such as hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, T-test was used to evaluate the degree of hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles. The mean follow up period was 25.9 months. Results: At the last follow up, the mean AOFAS hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale increased from 48.7 to 91.9. The Mean VAS score decreased from 7.1 to 0.8 post-operatively. The mean hallux valgus angle of 31.4° (range, 22° to 46°) improved to 5.3 ° (range, 0° to 20°) after the operation. The mean intermetatarsal angle also showed improvement from 12.3° (range, 7° to 16°) to 5.5 ° (range, 2° to 11°). Comparison between preoperative and postoperative hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles was done by T test in dependent groups, which showed statistical significance (p< 0.05). There were three cases of mild hallux varus and three cases of recurred valgus deormity. No avascular necrosis or union problem was observed on the radiographs in any of the patients. Conclusion: Hallux valgus deformity correction by transarticular adductor tenotomy, distal Chevron metatarsal osteotomy and Akin phalangeal osteotomy using medial one incision has the advantages of lower morbidity and less scar without avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head

For hallux valgus correction, distal first metatarsal osteotomy is generally used for minor to moderate deformities, diaphyseal osteotomy for moderate deformities and basal osteotomy or fusion for severe deformities. With the advent of locking plates, there has been renewed interest in opening wedge basal osteotomy. As little has been written about its geometry, we undertook this study in order to understand its power and limitations. Proximal opening wedge osteotomies were performed on saw bone models in four orientations, with three different wedge sizes: 1. Perpendicular to the ground (PG); 2. Perpendicular to the shaft (PS); 3. Perpendicular to shaft with 30° declination (DEC); 4. 30° oblique (OB). Pre- and post-osteotomy measurements were made of axial and plantar translation and intermetatarsal angle. Plantar translation and intermetatarsal angle correction increased with increasing wedge size. The DEC osteotomy produced the greatest increase in length of metatarsal shaft, while the PS osteotomy gave the least. The most plantar translation was achieved with the DEC osteotomy. Overall, the PS osteotomy gave the largest correction of the intermetatarsal angle. Although there are several published clinical case series of the proximal opening wedge osteotomy, this is the first study to fully evaluate its geometry

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

A survey of this type cannot be used to point to any definite factor or factors predisposing to the development of hallux valgus. Nevertheless, a comparison of measurements in the morbid and control groups shows several outstanding differences:. 1) There was a high degree of correlation between valgus and intermetatarsal angle in the two groups combined (coefficient, 0·7) but the correlation was higher in those cases with a degree of valgus greater than 25 degrees than in the remainder (coefficients, 0·36 and 0·53). 2) In the control group the first metatarsal was longer than tile second by a mean measure of 2 millimetres; in the morbid group by a mean measure of 4 millimetres. For a high degree of valgus and a low intermetatarsal angle the first metatarsal tends to be longer than the second by a significantly greater amount than when the high valgus is associated with iligh intermetatarsal angle. 3) In 90 per cent of the control cases there was a lateral displacement of the medial sesamoid of the first metatarsal of 3 degrees or less, whereas 88 per cent of the morbid group showed a displacement of 4 degrees or more. There was very little overlap in the distributions of this observation in the two groups. There was a high correlation between the degree of this displacement and the severity of hallux valgus. 4) Rotation of the hallux was not observed among the controls; in the morbid group those cases showing rotation had an average degree of valgus of 36 degrees while the rest had an average of 19 degrees. The mean degree of valgus in the morbid group was 32·0 degrees and that of the controls 15·5 degrees. The mean angle between the axes of the first and second metatarsals was 13·0 degrees in the morbid group and 8·5 degrees in the controls. Since tile morbid group consisted largely of women (98 per cent) it is important to know that in the control group the only measure showing a statistically significant sex difference is that of intermetatarsal angle, but that, even so, the mean difference is only 1·3 degrees. Thus tile sex difference between the two groups is probably only of minor importance. The role of age in influencing the observations cannot be clearly elucidated from the data at present available. It can only be stated that there is no positive indication that age is a controlling factor in the departure observed in the morbid group from the control observations

Moderate to severe hallux valgus is conventionally treated by proximal metatarsal osteotomy. Several recent studies have shown that the indications for distal metatarsal osteotomy with a distal soft-tissue procedure could be extended to include moderate to severe hallux valgus. The purpose of this prospective randomised controlled trial was to compare the outcome of proximal and distal Chevron osteotomy in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus. The original study cohort consisted of 50 female patients (100 feet). Of these, four (8 feet) were excluded for lack of adequate follow-up, leaving 46 female patients (92 feet) in the study. The mean age of the patients was 53.8 years (30.1 to 62.1) and the mean duration of follow-up 40.2 months (24.1 to 80.5). After randomisation, patients underwent a proximal Chevron osteotomy on one foot and a distal Chevron osteotomy on the other. At follow-up, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal (MTP-IP) score, patient satisfaction, post-operative complications, hallux valgus angle, first-second intermetatarsal angle, and tibial sesamoid position were similar in each group. Both procedures gave similar good clinical and radiological outcomes. This study suggests that distal Chevron osteotomy with a distal soft-tissue procedure is as effective and reliable a means of correcting moderate to severe hallux valgus as proximal Chevron osteotomy with a distal soft-tissue procedure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:202–7

The intermetatarsal angle is widely used to determine whether a basal or distal metatarsal osteotomy should be used to correct a hallux valgus deformity. We have noticed that the point of intersection of the long axes of the first and second metatarsals on standard pre-operative weight-bearing AP radiographs consistently predicts the type of osteotomy required. A basal osteotomy is generally recommended if the inter-metatarsal angle is ≥14°, whereas a distal osteotomy is usually sufficient if the angle is less than 14°. Sixty standardised pre-operative AP weight bearing in-patients undergoing hallux valgus correction were included in our study. The intermetatarsal angle was measured in a standard fashion. The point of intersection in the foot was recorded in terms of the distance from the talonavicular joint. Using a Pearson’s Correlation coefficient, our study revealed that an intermetatarsal angle of 14° or more consistently intersected either within the talar head or distal to thetalonavicular joint. We propose that this as an accurate and simple method of pre-operatively determining the choice of metatarsal osteotomy

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of proximal and distal chevron osteotomy in patients with moderate hallux valgus. We retrospectively reviewed 34 proximal chevron osteotomies without lateral release (PCO group) and 33 distal chevron osteotomies (DCO group) performed sequentially by a single surgeon. There were no differences between the groups with regard to age, length of follow-up, demographic or radiological parameters. The clinical results were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system and the radiological results were compared between the groups. At a mean follow-up of 14.6 months (14 to 32) there were no significant differences in the mean AOFAS scores between the DCO and PCO groups (93.9 (82 to 100) and 91.8 (77 to 100), respectively; p = 0.176). The mean hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle and sesamoid position were the same in both groups. The metatarsal declination angle decreased significantly in the PCO group (p = 0.005) and the mean shortening of the first metatarsal was significantly greater in the DCO group (p < 0.001). We conclude that the clinical and radiological outcome after a DCO is comparable with that after a PCO; longer follow-up would be needed to assess the risk of avascular necrosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:649–56

Scarf osteotomy improves hallux valgus and can be used for deformities with large intermetatarsal angles. It is designed to minimise shortening of the first ray. The aim of this radiographic analysis was to assess the outcome of patients undergoing Scarf osteotomy at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. The initial 18 consecutive cases performed by the senior author were analysed using the guidelines recommended by the American Foot and Ankle Society. Standardised anterior-posterior radiographs of the foot were compared pre-operatively and at 6 weeks postoperatively. Measurements of the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), joint congruency angle (JCA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), sesamoid position and metatarsal length were used to assess any improvement. The results showed a significant median reduction of the IMA of 70, HVA of 180, JCA of 50, and the DMAA of 30 (all p values < 0.001). The medial sesamoid position in relation to the first metatarsal also improved from a mean value of 2.28 to 1 using the American Foot and Ankle Society grading system. There was no shortening of metatarsal length as measured using the Hardy and Clapham method. This study shows that the radiographic outcome of Scarf osteotomy at the Royal Cornwall Hospital compares favourably with that found in the literature. It provides effective correction of moderate to large intermetatarsal angles

Aims: The aim of the study is to present later results in the treatment of hallux valgus with Mitchell corrective metatarsal osteotomy. Materials and methods: In the period from 1982 to 1991, 238 patients (230 females and 8 males) and 380 foots were operated. The patients were followed from 11 to 20 years. The age of the patients varied from 13 up to 55 years (the median value of around 36 years). Indications for the Mitchell corrective metatarsal osteotomy were, in the þrst place, the angel of hallux valgus bigger then 20 degrease, intermetatarsal angle bigger then 10 degrease, pain due to shoe pressure over the medial side of metatarsophalangeal joint, cosmetics appearance. In this study 130 patients with 230 foots were evaluated (radiological, clinical and subjective evaluation). Results: The angel of hallux valgus was 20 to 52 degrease (mean- 34,5 degres) before operation and was 8 to 36 (mean Ð 16,1 degrease) after operation. Intermetatarsal angle was 10 to 25 (median Ð 15 degrease) before operation and was 7 to 22 degrease (mean Ð 8 degrease) after operation. Shortening of þrst metatarsal bone was 2 to 6 mm (mean Ð 3 mm)Conclusion: The study shows that Mitchell corrective metatarsal osteotomy in treatment of hallux valgus is method of selection in younger patients and with distinctive intermetatarsal angle

Severe hallux valgus deformity is conventionally treated with proximal metatarsal osteotomy. Distal metatarsal osteotomy with an associated soft-tissue procedure can also be used in moderate to severe deformity. We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of proximal and distal chevron osteotomy in severe hallux valgus deformity with a soft-tissue release in both. A total of 110 consecutive female patients (110 feet) were included in a prospective randomised controlled study. A total of 56 patients underwent a proximal procedure and 54 a distal operation. The mean follow-up was 39 months (24 to 54) in the proximal group and 38 months (24 to 52) in the distal group. At follow-up the hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, tibial sesamoid position, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score, patient satisfaction level, and complications were similar in each group. Both methods showed significant post-operative improvement and high levels of patient satisfaction. Our results suggest that the distal chevron osteotomy with an associated distal soft-tissue procedure provides a satisfactory method for correcting severe hallux valgus deformity. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:510–16