Assessment of the efficacy of SERI osteotomy for hallux valgus correction

The Minimally Invasive SERI Osteotomy for Pediatric Hallux Valgus

Hallux valgus (HV), one of the most common forefoot pediatric pathologies, is characterized by lateral deviation of the big toe and medial displacement of the first metatarsal bone. Different surgical techniques have been described to correct the deformity, but no consensus has been reached regarding the best surgical option. The aim of this retrospective study was to report the results of the SERI technique in 58 pediatric HV of 45 consecutive patients. Pre- and postoperative VAS, AOFAS score, HVA, IMA and DMAA were collected. Preoperatively 3 patients (5.2%) had a mild deformity, 52 patients (89.6%) had moderate deformity and 3 patients (5.2%) had severe deformity according to Coughlin et al. Mean VAS score decreased from 5.2 ± 2.2 preoperatively to 0.8 ± 0.4 postoperatively. Mean AOFAS score improved from 68.1 ± 6.8 (range 59−75) preoperatively to 96.3 ± 3.2 (range 88−100) postoperatively, mean HVA reduced from 28.4° preoperatively to 13.2° postoperatively, mean IMA decreased from 15.2° preoperatively to 9.5° postoperatively (p < 0.01); mean DMAA decreased from 13.7° preoperatively to 8.2° postoperatively (p < 0.01). SERI technique showed satisfactory results when treating mild to severe pediatric HV deformity. No major complications were reported.

Radiographic evaluation of congruency of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in hallux valgus

Background

Congruency of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint is extremely important for the selection of surgical methods and prognosis, while radiographic evaluation methods are relatively lacking. The purpose of this article was to explore radiographic indicators for evaluating congruency of the first MTP joint.

Methods

We selected patients with hallux valgus who had a weightbearing X-ray in the outpatient system and measured their hallux valgus angle (HVA). In total, 183 cases of 245 feet with HVA greater than 15° were selected. The distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), metatarsophalangeal joint angle (MTPJA), congruency index (CI) and tibial sesamoid position (TSP) were measured and statistically analysed.

Results

The higher the degree of hallux valgus was, the higher the proportion of incongruency of the first MTP joint. Significant differences were found in the DMAA, MTPJA and CI between the congruency and incongruency groups of patients with moderate-to-severe hallux valgus (P < 0.05). The areas under the curve (AUCs) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for DMAA was 0.554 (P > 0.05). However, the MTPJA and CI were 0.906 and 0.884, the sensitivity values reached 0.791 and 0.949, the specificity values were 0.862 and 0.644, and the critical values were 10.67 and 0.765, respectively. The correlation test indicated that in the congruency group, the DMAA and HVA were positively correlated, but the MTPJA, CI and HVA had low correlation coefficients. The DMAA and HVA were not correlated in the incongruency group; however, the MTPJA and HVA were significantly positively correlated, and the CI and HVA showed a negative correlation (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The MTPJA and CI are indicators that can be used to quantitatively evaluate the congruency of the first MTP joint, taking 10° and 0.765 as the demarcation points, respectively. Clinically, congruency of the MTP joint should be considered when choosing surgical methods for different degrees of hallux valgus, and the MTPJA and CI can be used as quantitative evaluation indicators.

Level of evidence: Level III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

First metatarsal extracapsular osteotomy to treat moderate hallux valgus deformity: the modified Wilson-SERI techinique

From February 2017 to December 2018, 20 patients (a total of 20 feet) had undergone the proposed modified Wilson-SERI osteotomy technique, for moderate hallux valgus. The mean age of patients was 58,25 years (range 19 to 78). The hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal angle between first and second metatarsal bone (IMA) and the distal metatarsal articular angle (D.M.A.A) were measured. The feet were assessed based on the scoring system used by Broughton and Winson and by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale. All twenty one patients were followed up postoperatively for a minimum of 12 months. No patient was lost at follow-up. The mean HVA angle decreased significantly from 31,1° before surgery (range 22.9°-40°SD 5.0) at 11,2° (range 2.5° to 22.0°SD 5.3) at twelve months follow up. The mean IMA angle decreased significantly from 12,5° (range 8.0°-18.6°SD 3.8) before surgery at 7,4° (range 3.4°-14.0°SD 2.5) at twelve months follow up. The mean DMMA angle decreased significantly from 15.1° (range 5.3° to 20.0°SD 4.4) before surgery at 7,4 °(1.5° - 10.7°SD 2.5) at twelve months follow up. The mean score according to the AOFAS forefoot was increased from 22,1 (range 13-30 SD 5.0) to 88,2 (Range 77-96 SD 5.2) (p<0.0001). No complications, like dislocations, avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal and deep venous thrombosis, were observed in the post-operative period. We consider the Wilson-Seri procedure as a low cost minimal invasive and stable technique that could be a valid alternative to the various metatarsal osteotomies in the treatment of moderate hallux valgus deformity. Short term results at twelve months after surgery are quite satisfactory but further studies are necessary, to better comprehend an overall outcome of such approach in the long run.