Clinical results of modified Mitchell's osteotomy for hallux valgus augmented with oblique lesser metatarsal osteotomy

Correction method for moderate and severe degrees of hallux valgus associated with transfer metatarsalgia

BACKGROUND

Hallux valgus (HV) is a common foot deformity that manifests with increasing age, especially in women. The associated foot pain causes impaired gait and decreases quality of life. Moderate and severe HV is a deformity that is characterized by the involvement of lesser rays and requires complex surgical treatment. In this study, we attempted to develop a procedure for this condition.

AIM

To analyse the treatment results of patients who underwent simultaneous surgical correction of all parts of a static forefoot deformity.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective clinical trial between 2016 and 2021 in which 30 feet with moderate or severe HV associated with Tailor's bunion and metatarsalgia were surgically treated via a new method involving surgical correction of all associated problems. This method included a modified Lapidus procedure, M2M3 tarsometatarsal arthrodesis, intermetatarsal fusion of the M4 and M5 bases, and the use of an original external fixation apparatus to enhance correction power. Preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up radiographic data and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were compared, and P values < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

The study included 28 females (93.3%) and 2 males feet (6.7%), 20 (66.7%) of whom had a moderate degree of HV and 10 (33.3%) of whom had severe deformity. M2 and M3 metatarsalgia was observed in 21 feet, and 9 feet experienced pain only at M2. The mean follow-up duration was 11 months. All patients had good correction of the HV angle [preoperative median, 36.5 degrees, interquartile range (IQR): 30-45; postoperative median, 10 degrees, IQR: 8.8-10; follow-up median, 11.5 degrees, IQR: 10-14; P < 0.01]. At follow-up, metatarsalgia was resolved in most patients (30 vs 5). There was a clinically negligible decrease in the corrected angles at the final follow-up, and the overall AOFAS score was significantly better (median, 65 points, IQR: 53.8-70; vs 80 points, IQR: 75-85; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The developed method showed good sustainability of correction power in a small sample of patients at the one-year follow-up. Randomized clinical trials with larger samples, as well as long-term outcome assessments, are needed in the future.

Comparison of triplanar chevron osteotomy with chevron osteotomy in hallux valgus treatment for the prevention of transfer metatarsalgia

Hallux valgus (HV) is often accompanied by metatarsalgia. This study compared the radiological and clinical outcomes of new triplanar chevron osteotomy (TCO) and chevron osteotomy (CO) in the treatment of HV, especially for patients with plantar callosities and metatarsalgia. In this retrospective analysis, 90 patients (45 patients per group) with mild to moderate HV and plantar callosities were treated with TCO and CO from July 2020 to January 2022. In both procedures, the apex was located in the center of the head of the first metatarsal bone, and the CO was oriented towards the fourth MTPJ at a 60° angle. Plantar-oblique chevron osteotomy was defined as chevron osteotomy and a 20° plantar tilt; TCO was defined as plantar-oblique chevron osteotomy-based metatarsal osteotomy with a 10° tilt towards the metatarsal head. Primary outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative hallux valgus angle, 1 to 2 intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), first metatarsal length (FML), and second metatarsal head height X-ray images; clinical measurements, including visual analogue scale and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores; changes in callosity grade and area; and changes in the number of people with metatarsalgia. Secondary outcomes included complications, recurrence rates, and cosmetic appearance. The hallux valgus angle, IMA, and DMAA were significantly lower after surgery (P  < .001) in all patients. In the TCO group, the mean FML and second metatarsal head height increased significantly postoperatively (P < .001). The AOFAS and visual analogue scale scores improved postoperatively in both groups (P < .001). All patients experienced satisfactory pain relief and acceptable cosmesis. The plantar callosity areas were smaller postoperatively in both the TCO and CO groups, but the change in the area (Δarea) in the TCO group significantly differed from that in the CO group (P < .001). The number of postoperative patients with metatarsalgia and the plantar callosity grade were both significantly lower in the TCO group than in the CO group after osteotomy (P < .05). TCO prevents dorsal shift of the metatarsal head and preserves and even increases FML, thereby preventing future metatarsalgia in patients. Therefore, compared with CO, TCO has better orthopedic outcomes and is an effective method for treating mild to moderate HV and preventing transfer metatarsalgia.

Severe hallux valgus can be treated using a distal metatarsal osteotomy: Results of 144 cases treated with the SERI technique

PURPOSE

Aim of this study is to analyze the clinical and radiographic results of the simple, effective, rapid and inexpensive (SERI) technique, a linear distal metatarsal osteotomy, for treating severe hallux valgus (HV).

METHODS

Clinical outcomes were assessed pre- and postoperatively using the AOFAS, MOxFQ and VAS score. Pre and postoperative HV angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were measured.

RESULTS

117 consecutive patients for a total of 144 feet were included. Pre and postoperatively, mean AOFAS changed from 44.8 ± 16.7 to 89 ± 10.3 (p < .001), mean MOxFQ changed from 76.2 ± 15.8 to 23.4 ± 7.9 (p < .001) and mean VAS score improved from 6.7 ± 2.1 to 1.5 ± 1.5 (p < .001). HVA diminished from 40.6° ± 6.9 preoperatively to 16.0° ± 7.3 postoperatively (p < .001). IMA decreased from 15.1° ± 2.8 preoperatively to 6.5° ± 2.4 postoperatively (p < .001). The main complication reported was stiffness (10.4 %).

CONCLUSION

SERI technique applied to severe HV showed positive clinical and radiological outcomes. A careful patient selection and a low grade first MTPJ arthritis are essential to obtain favorable results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Recurrence Rates With Longer-Term Follow-up After Hallux Valgus Surgical Treatment With Distal Metatarsal Osteotomies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recurrence of hallux valgus (HV) following corrective surgery is a frequent concern. A recent systematic review estimated recurrence of HV in only 4.9%, which may be an underestimation, as most included studies had short- to mid-term follow-up. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess long-term outcomes of distal osteotomies of the first metatarsal (M1) to treat HV without inflammatory disease or degenerative arthritis, and to assess HV recurrence rates reported in studies that had a minimum follow-up of 5 years.

METHODS

This systematic review conforms to the PRISMA guidelines. The authors conducted a search using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Studies that report outcomes of distal osteotomies of the M1 for noninflammatory and nondegenerative HV at a minimum follow-up of 5 years.

RESULTS

We found 17 eligible studies comprising 18 data sets, reporting outcomes of 4 categories of osteotomies: Chevron, Mitchell, Bösch, and "others." The HV recurrence rate was 64% considering the threshold of >15 degrees hallux valgus angle (HVA), 10% having >20 degrees, and 5% having >25 degrees.

CONCLUSION

At a minimum of 5 years following distal osteotomies of the M1, the mean weighted postoperative HVA was significantly higher for Mitchell osteotomies compared with the 3 other osteotomies reviewed. There were otherwise no significant differences in recurrence rates using the 3 HVA thresholds, or intermetatarsal angle among any of the surgical techniques reported in 2 or more studies. The pooled HV recurrence rates considering the various thresholds of HVA were as follows: 64% having >15 degrees, 10% having >20 degrees, and 5% having >25 degrees. The recurrence rates in the long term for all categories of surgical procedures suggest that better understanding of pathogenesis and prognosis of HV is required before modifying or introducing new surgical techniques.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, meta-analysis.

The Combination of Modified Mitchell's Osteotomy and Shortening Oblique Osteotomy for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Analysis of Changes in Plantar Pressure Distribution

The present study aims to evaluate changes in plantar pressure distribution after joint-preserving surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformity. A retrospective study was performed on 26 feet of 23 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who underwent the following surgical combination: modified Mitchell's osteotomy (mMO) of the first metatarsal and shortening oblique osteotomy of the lateral four metatarsals. Plantar pressure distribution and clinical background parameters were evaluated preoperatively and one year postoperatively. A comparison of preoperative and postoperative values indicated a significant improvement in the visual analog scale, Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot scale, and radiographic parameters, such as the hallux valgus angle. A significant increase in peak pressure was observed at the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) (0.045 vs. 0.082 kg/cm²; p < 0.05) and a significant decrease at the second and third MTPJs (0.081 vs. 0.048 kg/cm²; p < 0.05, 0.097 vs. 0.054 kg/cm²; p < 0.05). While overloading at the lateral metatarsal heads following mMO has been reported in previous studies, no increase in peak pressure at the lateral MTPJs was observed in our study. The results of our study show that this surgical combination can be an effective and beneficial surgical combination for RA patients with mild to moderate joint deformity.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of modified Mitchell's osteotomy using three-point fixation for hallux valgus

PURPOSE

This study examined the clinical and radiographic outcomes of modified Mitchell's osteotomy using three-point fixation with a full-thread headless screw. This technique was described to resolve the problem of excessive shortening and overshifting of the metatarsal.

METHODS

A total of 33 feet of 26 patients underwent modified Mitchell's osteotomy with three-point fixation for hallux valgus. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at specific time points of follow-up by using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale, hallux valgus angle (HVA), and intermetatarsal angle (IMA).

RESULTS

The global AOFAS scale score (0-100) significantly improved from 50.7 ± 9.9 preoperatively to 84.4 ± 8.7 at the final follow-up. The HVA significantly improved from 30.2 [Formula: see text]± 6.0 [Formula: see text] to 9.0 [Formula: see text] ± 5.0 [Formula: see text], and the IMA significantly improved from 14.2 [Formula: see text] ± 2.6 [Formula: see text] to 5.1 [Formula: see text] ± 2.0 [Formula: see text]. None of the patients experienced nonunion and transfer metatarsalgia. Complications were observed in two feet, and one foot had recurrence of hallux valgus.

CONCLUSION

Modified Mitchell's osteotomy using three-point fixation with a full-thread headless screw is a reliable alternative treatment for hallux valgus, even in patients with severe deformities.

Modified Mitchell technique for treating hallux valgus: Retrospective case series on a Middle-Eastern population and literature review

Introduction

The hallux valgus deformity is a complex deformity of the first ray of the foot, with more than 100 procedures developed for its treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a modified Mitchell's technique.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2018, 75 patients underwent the procedure. Clinical results were assessed by the AOFAS score. Radiological studies were evaluated by measuring pre-operative and post-operative HVA and IMA angles as well as the relative shortening of the first metatarsal.

Results

Of the initial 75 patients, 42 patients remained eligible with a total of 67 feet. The mean age and follow-up were 47.8 and 5.2 years respectively. Global AOFAS score improved from 45.3 to 88.8 (p < 0.01). Mean HVA and IMA improved from 37.0 to 10.2 (p < 0,01) and 12.1 to 5.6 (p < 0.01), respectively. The mean metatarsal shortening was 3.0 mm (p < 0.01). The statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between preoperative HVA and IMA angles with postoperative shortening, metatarsalgia, AOFAS scores nor the difference between the preoperative and postoperative AOFAS scores.

Conclusion

Short- and long-term outcomes of this modified Mitchell's osteotomy have been reported. Compared to other studies, these modifications proved to result in very good clinical and radiological outcomes even in severe cases with HVA>40. It has shown to be reliable, reproducible, and cost-efficient with low complication rates. We would like to highlight the importance of proper patient selection, limited soft tissue stripping, and adherence to the proposed surgical steps to avoid unwanted complications.

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The Modified Mitchell Technique has been shown to be reliable, reproducible, and cost-efficient with low complication rates.

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The addition of intra-articular lateral soft tissue release, preventing a lateral incision, decreasing wound and soft tissue complications.

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The use of autologous bone graft adjacent to the osteotomy stump helps improve union.

The plantarward oblique Chevron osteotomy: an optional method to treat hallux valgus with painful plantar callosities

Hallux valgus (HV) is a foot deformity that can be treated with Chevron osteotomy, and a modified plantarward oblique osteotomy has been proposed in recent years. However, no research has focused on the correctional power of the osteotomy. The aim of this study was to examine the character of this plantarward oblique Chevron osteotomy (POCO) and to determine the rationale of this method.Radiographs and clinical data from 65 HV patients (77 feet) with painful callosities were evaluated. The intermetatarsal angle, hallux valgus angle, and relative height of the second metatarsal were measured, and a valid width of the first metatarsal was proposed. A visual analogue scale (VAS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux-metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal scale (AOFAS) were used to evaluate the patients’ clinical results.There were significant differences in the HVA and IMA. The decline in the height of the second metatarsal was positively related to the decline in the height of the first metatarsal, but the changes were smaller for the first metatarsal. Painful callosities disappeared in 77 feet, 4 (5.1%) patients had no pain but a remaining plantar callosity, and 2 (2.6%) patient had relieved pain with a plantar callosity after follow-up. The VAS scores improved from 8.58 ± 0.50 to 1.96 ± 0.75 points after the operation (p < 0.001). Significant differences were demonstrated in the AOFAS scores (65.81 ± 4.05 vs 87.88 ± 3.41, p < 0.001). The modified POCO prevents the dorsal migration of the metatarsal head, preserves other lesser metatarsals and provides an opportunity for patients who may possibly need additional future deformity correction. Therefore, POCO is a safe and effective method to treat hallux valgus and offers the superior potential benefits of correction and transfer metatarsalgia.

Outcome of Second-Ray Pathologies Following Weil Osteotomy in Patients Treated for Hallux Valgus

Background: We hypothesized that the cause of second-ray pathology with hallux valgus is excessive relative length of the second metatarsal and performed Weil osteotomy to shorten it, with correction of hallux valgus. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of second-ray pathology after distal chevron osteotomy (DCO) with Weil osteotomy to correct metatarsal parabola. Methods: We performed concomitant Weil osteotomy of the second metatarsal with DCO of the first metatarsal as part of hallux valgus with second-ray pathology correction surgery in 45 feet (40 patients). Second-ray pathologies were claw toe deformity, painful plantar callosity, second metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) dislocation, and osteoarthritis (OA) of the second MTPJ. We measured projection of the second metatarsal (PSM), metatarsal protrusion index (MPI), and metatarsal protrusion distance (MPD). The second-ray surgery outcome was assessed by patient satisfaction. Results: Patient satisfaction was good in claw toe deformity and OA (satisfaction rate: 60% [23 patients] and 71% [7 patients], respectively) and fair in painful plantar callosity and second MTP joint dislocation (satisfaction rate: 44% [9 patients] and 33% [6 patients], respectively). Total patient satisfaction rate was higher when the PSM, MPI, and MPD ranged between 7 and 12 mm, -5 and 0 mm, and 0 and 4 mm, respectively. Conclusions: We concluded that simultaneous performance of hallux valgus correction and Weil osteotomy in patients with second-ray pathologies associated with hallux valgus was safe as well as effective. Correcting the metatarsal parabola within the appropriate range after surgery is associated with second-ray pathology outcome. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic studies, Level VI: Case series.

Is Double Metatarsal Osteotomy Superior to Proximal Chevron Osteotomy in Treatment of Hallux Valgus With Increased Distal Metatarsal Articular Angle?

We compared the results of proximal chevron osteotomy and double metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus with an increased distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). From October 2008 to December 2012, first metatarsal osteotomies were performed in 64 patients (69 feet) with symptomatic hallux valgus associated with an increased DMAA. Proximal chevron with Akin osteotomy and lateral soft tissue release was performed in 46 feet (PCO group); double metatarsal osteotomy and Akin osteotomy without lateral soft tissue release was performed in 23 feet (DMO group). Clinical assessments were performed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale and visual analog scale (VAS). The hallux valgus angles, intermetatarsal angles, sesamoid positions, metatarsus adductus angles, and DMAAs were compared at different postoperative times. Postoperative shortening of first the metatarsal and complications were compared. The mean AOFAS scale and VAS scores showed significant improvement in both groups after surgery; however, no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups. The immediate postoperative hallux valgus angle and sesamoid position were significantly larger in DMO group; however, no intergroup difference was observed at the last follow-up visit, with the hallux valgus angle gradually increasing in the PCO group. The postoperative DMAA was significantly smaller in the DMO group. The mean shortening of the first metatarsal after surgery was significantly larger in the DMO group than in the PCO group. Transfer metatarsalgia developed in 1 foot (2.2%) in the PCO group and 2 feet (8.7%) in the DMO group. Partial avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head with advanced arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint developed in 1 foot (4.3%) in the DMO group. In conclusion, no differences in the clinical and radiographic results were observed between the 2 groups for hallux valgus deformity with an increased DMAA.

Comparison of Postoperative Height Changes of the Second Metatarsal Among 3 Osteotomy Methods for Hallux Valgus Deformity Correction

BACKGROUND

We aimed to compare the postoperative height of the second metatarsal head relative to the first metatarsal head using axial radiographs among 3 different commonly used osteotomy techniques: proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (PCMO), scarf osteotomy, and distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (DCMO).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the radiographs and clinical findings of the patients with painful callosities under the second metatarsal head, complicated by hallux valgus, who underwent isolated PCMO, scarf osteotomy, or DCMO from February 2005 to January 2015. Each osteotomy was performed with 20 degrees of plantar ward obliquity. Along with lateral translation and rotation of the distal fragment to correct the deformity, lowering of the first metatarsal head was made by virtue of the oblique metatarsal osteotomy.

RESULTS

Significant postoperative change in the second metatarsal height was observed on axial radiographs in all groups; this value was greatest in the PCMO group (vs scarf: P = .013; vs DCMO: P = .008) but did not significantly differ between the scarf and DCMO groups ( P = .785). The power for second metatarsal height correction was significantly greater in the PCMO group (vs scarf: P = .0005; vs DCMO: P = .0005) but did not significantly differ between the scarf and DCMO groups ( P = .832).

CONCLUSIONS

Among the 3 osteotomy techniques commonly used to correct hallux valgus deformity, we observed that PCMO yielded the most effective height change of the second metatarsal head.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Association of Metatarsalgia After Hallux Valgus Correction With Relative First Metatarsal Length

BACKGROUND

Metatarsalgia is frequently associated with hallux valgus. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the relative length and position of the first metatarsal head influenced metatarsalgia and plantar callosities beneath the lesser metatarsal heads.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the clinical data and radiographs of 102 cases was performed at a mean follow-up of 16 months after biplane interlocking osteotomies. Clinical evaluation was made using the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) hallux scale. Radiologic evaluation was made with standard weight-bearing anteroposterior radiographs, and the hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal 1-2 angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angulation (DMAA), and the sesamoid position were evaluated. Relative first metatarsal length (RML) was determined according to Nilsonne/Morton's technique.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative HVA decreased from 37 to 3 degrees, and the mean IMA from 17 to 4 degrees. The mean JSSF-hallux score improved from 56 to 96 points. The mean preoperative area of plantar callosities decreased from 3.1 to 1.5 mm(2). Sixty percent of metatarsalgia cases improved, and 85% of painless callosities disappeared postoperatively. Among radiologic parameters, postoperative RML was most significantly associated with JSSF score (P < .0001) and the presence of postoperative metatarsalgia (P < .0001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the RML cut-off point was -3 mm for avoiding metatarsalgia, with an area under the curve of 0.88, a specificity of 88%, and a sensitivity of 85%.

CONCLUSION

Preservation of relative first metatarsal length during first metatarsal osteotomy was important to prevent postoperative metatarsalgia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Modified Mitchell osteotomy alone does not have higher rate of residual metatarsalgia than combined first and lesser metatarsal osteotomy

Transfer metatarsalgia (TM) is a common forefoot disorder secondary to hallux valgus (HV). Some authors suggest that a combined lesser metatarsal osteotomy while undergoing HV surgery improves metatarsalgia, whereas others concluded that isolated HV corrective osteotomy can improve symptomatic metatarsalgia. The main purpose of this retrospective study was to compare clinical outcomes in patients with and without combined lesser metatarsal osteotomy while receiving HV correction surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the patients who underwent osteotomy for HV correction between January 2000 and December 2010. All patients underwent HV correction with modified Mitchell osteotomy. Clinical evaluations including the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score and residual metatarsalgia were assessed, and radiographic measurements were carried out. Sixty-five patients (83 feet) meeting the selection criteria were enrolled. Thirty feet receiving a combined lesser metatarsal osteotomy were classified as the combined surgery (CS) group, and the others were classified as the control (CN) group (53 feet). The overall rate of persistent symptomatic metatarsalgia was 19.28% after operative treatment. There were six feet with residual metatarsalgia in the CS group, and 10 feet in the CN group. There was no significant difference in the rate of persistent symptoms between the two groups (p = 0.9). According to this result, modified Mitchell osteotomy alone did not have a higher rate of residual metatarsalgia than CS. We also found that the average recovery rate of TM was about 80.7% and those patients whose preoperative HV angle was > 30° had the higher risk of residual metatarsalgia after surgery.

The Endolog system for moderate-to-severe hallux valgus

PURPOSE

To report the midterm outcome of the Endolog system for correction of moderate-to-severe hallux valgus.

METHODS

23 women and 2 men (33 feet) aged 35 to 80 (mean, 52) years underwent minimally invasive surgery for moderate (n=25) and severe (n=8) hallux valgus using the Endolog system. The hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and the proximal articular set angle (PASA) were measured on radiographs. The feet were also assessed based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up duration was 18.2 (range, 12-36) months. The mean HVA, IMA, PASA, and the mean AOFAS score improved significantly after surgery (all p<0.0001). Periosteal reaction was noted by week 4, and callus formation after 3 months. There were no delayed or non-union or other complications.

CONCLUSION

The Endolog system achieved good outcome for moderate-to-severe hallux valgus.

Modified Mitchell's osteotomy for moderate to severe hallux valgus--an outcome study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a modified technique of Mitchell's osteotomy for treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity with the aims of reducing first metatarsal shortening and osteonecrosis. Between February 2001 and December 2007, a total of 69 patients (90 feet) underwent Mitchell's corrective osteotomy for moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. Mean duration of follow-up after surgery was 37 months. Clinical outcome was assessed using the AOFAS Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal score preoperatively; at 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months postoperatively; and at annual follow-ups thereafter. Standard weight-bearing radiographs were obtained at each visit. Fifty-nine patients (80/90 feet, 89%) were completely satisfied, whereas 10 patients (10/90 feet, 11%) were satisfied with minor reservations owing to minor complications. Global AOFAS score improved from 43.7 (range, 20 to 77) preoperatively to 85.4 (range, 55 to 100) at final follow-up (P < .01). Eighty-eight (98%) of 90 feet were completely pain free. There was a statistically significant improvement in mean hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, and distal metatarsal articular angle at final follow-up. There were no cases of deep infection, nonunion, or osteonecrosis of first metatarsal head. None of the patients had shortening of the first metatarsal bone by more than 3 mm. In conclusion, our modified surgical technique with a combination of bony correction and adequate capsular reefing is a simple procedure to correct moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity that results in high levels of patient satisfaction, successful deformity correction, and controlled shortening of the first metatarsal, as well as minimal recurrence of deformity.).

Prognosis of painful plantar callosity after hallux valgus correction without lesser metatarsal osteotomy

BACKGROUND

Painful plantar callosities under lesser metatarsal heads are commonly associated with hallux valgus. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prognosis of painful plantar callosities after hallux valgus correction without lesser metatarsal osteotomy in hallux valgus deformity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between September 2004 and June 2007, 31 patients (40 feet) underwent proximal chevron first metatarsal osteotomy with a distal soft tissue procedure, with preoperatively painful plantar callosities under lesser metatarsal heads. Clinical results were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux-metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal scales, and a modified 70-point clinical scale. Radiographic evaluations included hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle.

RESULTS

Thirty-two (80%) of the 40 feet had no pain and callosity and 5 (12.5%) had no pain but residual plantar callosities, and 3 (7.5%) were not improved at final evaluation. The mean VAS and AOFAS scores were improved from 7.8 +/- 1.6 to 1.9 +/- 1.5 points and from 53.8 +/- 14.2 to 92.6 +/- 15.3 points, respectively. In terms of the 70-point clinical scale, overall clinical results were good in 34 feet and fair in 6. The mean hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles were improved from 36.6 +/- 6.2 to 12.5 +/- 5.9 degrees and from 17.5 +/- 3.9 to 8.6 +/- 3.5 degrees, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Painful plantar callosities under the lesser metatarsals in patients with hallux valgus deformity can be improved by hallux valgus correction alone without lesser metatarsal osteotomy.

Mitchell's osteotomy in the management of hallux valgus: An Indian perspective

BACKGROUND

Hallux valgus is a common condition that affects the forefoot. A large number of procedures are described for managing this condition. Mitchell's osteotomy and its modifications are being widely used for treating hallux valgus. However, most of the studies describe the results from the developed world. We present results of the classic Mitchell's osteotomy in hallux valgus in Indian subcontinent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty eight adult patients (including 12 bilateral ones) in the age range of 18-60 years with hallux valgus were managed with the classic Mitchell's osteotomy. Pain over the bunion was the reason for surgery in 53 of 60 feet and cosmesis in the remaining 7 feet. Patients with hallux valgus angle more than 20 degrees and not responding to a trial of conservative treatment were included. Patients having metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (Grade II and higher), hallux rigidus, rheumatoid arthritis, and with subluxation of MTP joint were excluded from the study. Further, patients with first metatarsal more than 3 mm shorter than second metatarsal were also excluded.

RESULTS

The average follow-up period is 3 yrs (range 18months - 6yrs). About 55 feet (83%) were painless after surgery. Forty-two (70%) patients were happy with the cosmetic results of the surgery. Metatarsalgia was the reason for dissatisfaction with the procedure in five patients. The average correction of hallux valgus and the intermetatarsal angles achieved was 19.7 degrees and 6.9 degrees , respectively. Using the Broughton and Winson scoring system, 37 (61.7%) feet had excellent results, 18 (30%) had good, and five (8.3%) feet had a poor results.

CONCLUSION

The classic Mitchell's procedure is a simple procedure and gives good cosmetic and radiological results.

Long-term results of Mitchell's procedure for hallux valgus deformity: a 5- to 20-year followup in 204 cases

BACKGROUND

There are limited studies on the long term outcome of Mitchell's osteotomy for hallux valgus deformity. We present the long term results of 204 cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Postoperative clinical and radiological evaluation with a mean follow up of 12.9 years was performed on patients with preoperative hallux valgus angles (HVA) of up to 50 degrees and intermetatarsal angles (IMA) of up to 20 degrees. Two crossed Kirschner wires were used to fix the capital fragment; lateral soft tissue release performed when deemed necessary. Comparisons were made between the pre- and postoperative measurements using a Mann-Whitney U-test. Statistical significance was defined at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean AOFAS score improved from 49.6 to 87.9 points (p = 0.004). There was significant improvement in the HVA and IMA, 33.8 degrees versus 16.1 degrees (p = 0.002) and 15.2 degrees versus 8.2 degrees (p = 0.004), respectively. Fifty-seven cases (27.9%) had preoperative HVA greater than 40 degrees but only 16 required lateral soft tissue release with no significant difference in the postoperative HVA (21.3 versus 20.8, p = 0.08). There was a significant change in lateral metatarsalgia and symptomatic callosities (18.3% versus 11.8%, p = 0.023). In 97.6% of cases the patients were satisfied with the overall result. Revision surgery was performed in five cases (2.5%).

CONCLUSION

Mitchell's osteotomy was a reliable technique with successful outcome and low complication rate when performed with Kirschner wire fixation and lateral soft tissue release when appropriate. It may also be successfully performed with hallux valgus angles greater than 40 degrees.

The effectiveness of distal soft tissue procedures in hallux valgus

BACKGROUND

Hallux valgus is a common disorder affecting mostly women population. Distal soft tissue procedure in the treatment of hallux valgus is one of the main operative techniques described. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of McBride's distal soft tissue procedure in hallux valgus cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study includes 30 patients (27 women) having 31 hallux valgus, who were treated between 1999 and 2004. Modified McBride's distal soft tissue procedure was carried out in all cases. Pain status of the cases was recorded by using VAS, clinical assessment described by Bonney and Macnab, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's (AOFAS) score at the last follow up.

RESULTS

The mean hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles decreased from 31.4 degrees and 13.8 degrees to 13.5 degrees and 10.5 degrees , respectively, with an average follow-up period of 54.4 months. AOFAS's score displayed significant improvement from 57 to 87. The mean VAS showed a significant decrease from 8.75 preoperatively to 2.1 at the last follow-up. According to Bonney and Macnab criteria, only one case was accepted as poor result due to 5 degrees hallux varus.

CONCLUSIONS

McBride's distal soft tissue procedure yields high rate of satisfaction for mild to moderate hallux valgus with no bony complications related to osteotomy.

The influence of the length of the first metatarsal on transfer metatarsalgia after Wu's osteotomy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate how changes in the length of the first metatarsal, hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal 1-2 angle (IMA), plantar angulation and sesamoid position influence the severity of the postoperative 2-5 metatarsalgia and to determine patient satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome after Wu's osteotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the clinical data and radiographs of 87 cases was performed at a mean followup time of 4.2 years after Wu's subcapital cross osteotomies.

RESULTS

The mean HVA decreased from 42 to 13 degrees, the mean IMA 1-2 from 22 to 10 degrees. The mean first metatarsal lengthening was 0.3 mm. A negative correlation was found between lengthening of the first metatarsal and metatarsalgia at rays 2 and 3. No such pattern was found between the fourth and fifth metatarsal. No correlation was found between the 2-5 metatarsalgia and the decrease in either the HVA or the IMA 1-2. A positive correlation was detected between the HVA decrease and the patients' satisfaction with their postoperative foot alignment; there was no correlation between the perceived postoperative foot alignment and either the first metatarsal lengthening or the IMA 1-2 decrease.

CONCLUSION

Preservation of the length of the first metatarsal during osteotomy seems to prevent the postoperative transfer metatarsalgia on the second and third rays; however, it has no major influence on the satisfaction of the patients with their foot alignment. A greater correction of the HVA angle resulted in a higher level of satisfaction with the foot cosmesis.