Percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus. Surgical technique

Anatomical and Micro-CT Assessment of the First Metatarsal Head Vascularization and Soft Tissue Envelope Following Minimally Invasive Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Deformity

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) chevron-type osteotomy for hallux valgus (HV) treatment offers a surgical alternative to open surgery with minimal surgical dissection and a hypothetical decreased risk for soft tissue complications. The objectives of this study were to assess the incidence of injuries to the soft tissue envelope and to the blood supply of the first metatarsal head through gross dissection and, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), to identify the safe position to perform the MIS chevron-type osteotomy of the first metatarsal head based on the anatomical data.

METHODS

Twenty cadaveric specimens with HV were used for the study. Seven specimens were perfused with a low-viscosity radiopaque polymer preoperatively. All specimens underwent MIS chevron-type osteotomy executed using a 20 × 2-mm Shannon burr at the metatarsal neck's flare. Anatomical dissection of all specimens was then performed to assess macroscopic injury to the first metatarsal head complex soft tissue structures and blood supply. The 7 specimens that were preinjected then underwent micro-CT assessment to assess the first metatarsal head blood supply.

RESULTS

Two soft tissue injuries in 2 cadavers were identified, including a 2-mm injury to the flexor hallucis brevis in one specimen and a 1-mm injury to the dorsomedial nerve. No arterial injuries were identified in either the gross dissection or micro-CT imaging. Micro-CT has pinpointed a secure location to complete the chevron-type osteotomy. We found that finalizing the dorsal arm of the MIS chevron-type osteotomy at a median distance of 25.6 mm, and the plantar arm at 23.9 mm from the most distal point of the first metatarsal head, ensured safety in the specimens we used.

CONCLUSION

As tested in this cadaveric study on 20 specimens, the MIS chevron-type osteotomy procedure preserved the soft tissue envelope of the first metatarsal head complex and the blood supply of the first metatarsal head, with a low number of injuries. Completing the dorsal arm of the MIS chevron-type osteotomy at a median distance of 25.6 mm, and the plantar arm at 23.9 mm from the furthest point of the first metatarsal head, while ensuring the Shannon burr does not exceed 3.9 mm dorsolaterally and 4.0 mm plantar-laterally from the cortical bone exit point, appeared crucial to avoid vascular damage.

Utilisation of the minimally invasive chevron akin (mica) osteotomy for severe hallux valgus: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hallux valgus is the most common forefoot disease that can cause pain and be disabling for the patient. Many surgical procedures have been described to correct this deformity; over the last years, the minimally invasive Chevron and Akin osteotomies (MICA) technique has become very popular. The aim of this review was to assess if MICA technique is a reliable procedure for treating severe hallux valgus.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The keywords were searched in PubMed Medline and Cochrane library. To minimise the number of missed studies, no filters were applied to the search strategy. To be considered for this review, the articles needed to comply with the following inclusion criteria: Minimally invasive Chevron and Akin osteotomy (MICA) for severe hallux valgus (HVA > 40°, IMA > 16°), patient age over 18 years and minimum follow-up of 6 months.

RESULTS

Following the PRISMA flow chart 7 studies met the inclusion criteria and were taken into consideration in the review. We reached a population of 582 patients for a total of 676 feet. Males and females were 64 and 518, respectively. The mean age was 54.15 ± 8.25. The mean follow-up was 23.74 ± 9.60 months. All the studies reported an improvement in clinical results, in terms of function and quality of life. Radiological variables, mostly IMA and HVA, assessed pre- and postoperatively showed significant improvement in all studies included.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the limited number of published studies in the literature, the available evidence reveals good clinical outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction. Percutaneous surgery for severe hallux valgus can achieve great deformity correction with reasonable rates of residual deformity. Patient satisfaction and quality of life following third-generation MICA surgery is very high.

First-Ray Distal Metatarsal and Proximal Phalangeal Osteotomies Without Soft Tissue Procedure for Severe Hallux Valgus: A Case Series

Background

This case series reported the outcomes of severe hallux valgus treated with first-ray distal metatarsal and proximal phalangeal osteotomies without soft tissue procedure.

Methods

The medical records of patients who underwent this surgery from February 2018 to December 2021 were reviewed, including patients with a hallux valgus angle (HVA) ≥40 degrees who were followed up for >2 years. The analyzed data included age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index at the surgery, HVA and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) on the weighted anteroposterior radiograph of the affected foot, the Japanese Society for the Surgery of the Foot score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and passive plantarflexion and dorsiflexion angles of the first metatarsophalangeal joint 1 month before surgery and at final follow-up.

Results

The study group included 35 feet in 29 patients (26 females) with a mean age of 67 ± 10.6 years and mean follow-up of 3.5 ± 0.8 years. Average preoperative and final follow-up measures were HVA, 46.8 to 7.7 degrees; IMA, 18.8 to 9.5 degrees; and VAS score, 61.5 ± 29.6 to 2.7 ± 4.6. Range of motion decreased on average: dorsiflexion, 83.6 ± 14.7 to 71.3 ± 12.0 degrees; and plantarflexion, 63.0 ± 14.7 to 53.0 ± 11.8. All changes were statistically significant (P < .001).

Conclusion

This surgery achieved good correction and clinical outcomes for severe hallux valgus, but the postoperative range of motion decreased.Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Role of lateral soft tissues release in percutaneous hallux valgus correction: A medium term retrospective study

BACKGROUND

In the field of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for the treatment of hallux valgus (HV), different techniques have begun to emerge in the literature concerning the distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone, the synthesis or not of the metatarsal head, the possible association with lateral soft tissues release (LSTR) and osteotomy of the base of the first phalanx.

AIM

To evaluate the role of LSTR on percutaneous HV correction, evaluating functional and radiographical results.

METHODS

From January 2012 to May 2016 a total of 396 patients with mild to moderate symptomatic HV treated with the MIS technique were included in this retrospective study. The technique provides no internal fixation (WOS). Patients were divided into the LSTR group and no LSTR group (LSTR N). This surgical procedure (LSTR) was reserved for insufficient HV angle (HVA) correction during fluoroscopic control. Patients were evaluated at each follow-up by two other authors after appropriate training by senior authors (first practitioners). Clinical evaluation was performed before surgery, 6 mo after surgery, and 48 mo follow-up. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate pain and function, and complications were recorded. In addition, the incidence of relapses and the degree of joint range of motion (ROM) with the association with the LSTR (capsule, adductor tendon, phalanx-sesamoid ligament, and the deep transverse metatarsal ligament) were evaluated. Radiological parameters included HVA and intermetatarsal angle (IMA). Patient satisfaction was assessed. Student t-test and Fisher exact test were used to assess statistical analysis.

RESULTS

From our study it is clear that no differences in term of HVA, VAS, IMA correction, rate of complications, and AOFAS score were found between groups, while a significant improvement of the same variables was found in each group between pre and postoperative values. A significant improvement in ROM at 6 mo (P = 0.018) and 48 mo (P = 0.02) of follow-up was found in LSTR N group. Complications were rare in both groups.

CONCLUSION

LSTR procedure on percutaneous HV correction seems to increase postoperative joint stiffness with a comparable incidence of relapse and a low incidence of complications.

Minimally Invasive Chevron-Akin for Correction of Moderate and Severe Hallux Valgus Deformities: Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

The minimally invasive chevron-Akin (MICA) technique has already demonstrated efficacy compared with other known surgical treatments for mild to moderate hallux valgus (HV). MICA combines percutaneous osteotomies with the benefits of modern, rigid internal fixation. The aim of study was to evaluate the radiographic parameters, clinical improvement, and potential complications in moderate to severe HV cases, operated using the MICA technique.

METHODS

Retrospective study including 70 feet with HV operated using the MICA technique. The AOFAS hallux MTP-IP score and radiographics for HV evaluation were applied preoperatively, and after 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years of follow-up. The following radiographic parameters were measured: metatarsophalangeal hallux valgus angle (HVA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), interphalangeal angle (IPA), and intermetatarsal angle (IMA).

RESULTS

The average preoperative VAS pain score was 8.2 ± 1.5, which improved to 1.2 ± 2.2 at 24 months. The mean preoperative IMA was 14.8 ± 3.6 degrees compared with a mean of 7.5 ± 2.1 degrees (P < .01) at 24 months. The preoperative HVA value averaged 30.4 ± 9.8 degrees and at 6 months postoperatively 11.1 ± 6.8 degrees (P < .01), which remained stable until measured at 24 months. The mean preoperative DMAA was 16.3 ± 8.6 degrees and at the 6-month follow-up was 7.8 ± 5.4 degrees (P < .01). The mean preoperative IPA was 7.63 ± 4.4 degrees compared with a mean of 6.28 ± 3.5 degrees (P > .05) at 24 months. Complications included painful hardware (14.28%), neuropathic pain (2.85%), and loss of correction (4.28%).

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective review from a single center, we found the MICA technique to be an effective procedure for correcting moderate to severe HV, with a low rate of recurrence and an acceptable rate of complications. Patients undergoing the surgical procedure in our series showed a significant reduction in radiographic parameters and a significant improvement in clinical scores, maintaining these results over time.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective study.

The effectiveness of shoe modifications and orthotics in the conservative treatment of Civinini-Morton syndrome: state of art

Civinini Morton’s Syndrome (CMS), better known as Morton’s Neuroma, is a benign enlargement that typically affects the third common digital branch of the plantar nerve. It is a common cause of metatarsalgia leading to debilitating pain. It prefers the female gender, with a female to male ratio of 5:1 and an average age of 50 years at time of surgery. Precise aetiology remains under debate, with four etiopathogenetic theories often cited in the literature. Clinical symptoms, physical exam and instrumental evidence are important in assessing and grading the disease. Biomechanics seem to play an important role, especially regarding the usefulness of correct footwear. The first approach in the early stages of this condition usually begins with shoe modifications and orthotics, designed to limit the nerve compression. In order to prevent or delay the development of CMS, shoes should be sufficiently long, comfortable, broad toe-boxed, should bear a flat heel and a sufficiently thick external sole which should not be excessively flexible. Most authors suggested that an insole with medial arch support and a retrocapital bar or pad, just proximal to the metatarsal heads, displaces the pressure sites and can be beneficial to relieve the pain from the pinched nerve. A threshold period of 4.5 months appears to emerge from the results of the analysed studies, indicating that, beyond this period and in neuromas larger than 5-6 mm, orthotics and/or shoes modifications do not seem to give convincing results, proving to be more a palliation for the clinical condition to allow an acceptable life with pain rather than a real treatment. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Hallux Valgus

Hallux valgus is a common condition that results from a complex positional deformity of the first ray. The bunion or medial prominence that results from the lateral deviation and pronation of the hallux is only one component of the 3-dimensional deformity. Hallux valgus can lead to considerable pain and altered joint mechanics. The precise biomechanical etiology remains under debate. Predisposing factors include female sex, age, constricting footwear, and family history. Metatarsus adductus, equinus contracture, hammertoe deformity, and pes planus often coexist with hallux valgus. Nonoperative treatment involves patient education, shoe modifications, toe pads and positioning devices, and activity modifications. Surgery is considered in patients who fail nonoperative treatment with the goal of pain relief, correction of the deformity, improved first ray stability, and improved quality of life. More than 100 different procedures have been described to treat hallux valgus; they include combinations of soft tissue balancing, metatarsal osteotomies, and fusion of either the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) or tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint. The choice of procedures depends on the severity and location of the deformity as well as surgeon preference. Recent advances in operative techniques include minimally invasive surgery and correction of rotational deformity.

Hallux valgus, ankle osteoarthrosis and adult acquired flatfoot deformity: a review of three common foot and ankle pathologies and their treatments

The pathogenesis of hallux valgus deformity is multifactorial. Conservative treatment can alleviate pain but is unable to correct the deformity. Surgical treatment must be adapted to the type and severity of the deformity. Success of surgical treatment ranges from 80% to 95%, and complication rates range from 10% to 30%.Ankle osteoarthrosis most commonly occurs as a consequence of trauma. Ankle arthrodesis and total ankle replacement are the most common surgical treatments of end stage ankle osteoarthrosis. Both types of surgery result in similar clinical improvement at midterm; however, gait analysis has demonstrated the superiority of total ankle replacement over arthrodesis. More recently, conservative surgery (extraarticular alignment osteotomies) around the ankle has gained popularity in treating early- to mid-stage ankle osteoarthrosis.Adult acquired flatfoot deformity is a consequence of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction in 80% of cases. Classification is based upon the function of the tibialis posterior tendon, the reducibility of the deformity, and the condition of the ankle joint. Conservative treatment includes orthotics and eccentric muscle training. Functional surgery is indicated for treatment in the early stages. In case of fixed deformity, corrective and stabilising surgery is performed. Cite this article: Crevoisier X, Assal M, Stanekova K. Hallux valgus, ankle osteoarthrosis and adult acquired flatfoot deformity: a review of three common foot and ankle pathologies and their treatments. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:58-64. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000015.

Functional and radiographic outcomes of hallux valgus correction by mini-invasive surgery with Reverdin-Isham and Akin percutaneous osteotomies: a longitudinal prospective study with a 48-month follow-up

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) represents one of the most innovative surgical treatments of hallux valgus (HV). However, long-term outcomes still remain a matter of discussion within the orthopaedic community. The purpose of this longitudinal prospective study was to evaluate radiographic and functional outcomes in patients with mild-to-severe HV who underwent Reverdin-Isham and Akin percutaneous osteotomy, following exostosectomy and lateral release.

METHODS

Eighty patients with mild-to-severe symptomatic HV were treated by MIS. Clinical evaluation was assessed preoperatively, as well as at 3 and 12 months after surgery and at final follow-up of 48 months, using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux grading system. Patient satisfaction and complications were recorded. Computer-assisted measurement of antero-posterior radiographs was taken preoperatively, as well as at 3 and 12 months after surgery and at 48-month follow-up, analysing the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) and the tibial sesamoid position. Also, the bridging bone/callus formation was evaluated at the different radiographic follow-ups, while the articular surface congruency and the metatarsal index were calculated only preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the visual analogue score (VAS). Statistical analysis was carried out using the paired t test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean AOFAS score was 87.15 points at the final follow-up of 48 months, and the VAS score was 8.35/10. The post-operative radiographic assessments showed a statistically significant improvement compared with preoperative values. The mean corrections of each angular value at the last follow-up were as follows: IMA 3.90°, HVA 12.50°, DMAA 4.72° and a tibial sesamoid position of 1.10. The articular surface was congruent in 77 (96.25%) cases and incongruent only in 3 (3.75%). The complete healing of the osteotomies was achieved in all series at 3-month follow-up. However, the results obtained in the correction of the severe HV deformities were less encouraging.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive surgery with Reverdin-Isham and Akin percutaneous osteotomy, in combination with previous exostosectomy and subsequent lateral soft-tissue release, is a safe, effective and reliable procedure for correction of mild-to-moderate HV. However, it requires a long learning curve because of the inherent difficulty of the mixed different surgical procedures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov PRS Protocol Registration and Results System: NCT02886221.

Geometric analysis of indications for minimally invasive distal metatarsal osteotomy in treatment of hallux valgus

Background

Minimally invasive distal metatarsal osteotomy (MIDMO) is to be indicated for all patients with angles of IMA <20° and HV <40°, but many authors doubt whether this procedure is capable of correcting all types of hallux valgus deformities. The aims of this study were to perform a geometric analysis of MIDMO indications and to show which preoperative radiological parameters are necessary to achieve sufficient contact between bone fragments and sufficient correction with this operative technique.

Methods

A geometric mathematical model in AP and lateral radiographic plane was created based on preoperative measurements of the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), subcapital metatarsal width, medial bunion eminence, and metatarsal length. MIDMO was simulated with possible dorsal/plantar fragment displacement in order to assess postoperative contact between fragments (either 4–5 mm or half of the metatarsal width) and sufficient correction (postoperative IMA 8°).

Results

The metatarsal neck should be at least 8 mm wider from the bunion eminence to achieve the minimally required contact between fragments. For sufficient correction, the metatarsal head translation should be at least 0.018 of the metatarsal length for every degree of IMA reduction. The medial bunion eminence, in comparison with metatarsal width/length size, determines whether MIDMO is a suitable procedure for a given patient.

Conclusions

MIDMO cannot sufficiently correct all deformations within the boundaries of IMA angle <20° and HV angle <40°. In patients with large eminences and narrow metatarsals, complications related to insufficient postoperative fragment contact can be expected, while sufficient hallux valgus correction in patients with small eminences and long metatarsals is questionable.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13018-015-0304-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Bösch technique for hallux valgus surgery in a tropical setting

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the early clinical and radiological results using the Bösch technique to treat hallux valgus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively four patients with 6 feet undergoing the Bösch technique for mild and moderate hallux valgus from 2009 to 2012 with an average follow-up of 10.8 months. All patients complained of pain around the first metatarsophalangeal joint. They had cosmetic concerns, and difficulty in wearing shoes. At final follow-up patients were asked about the improvement of pain, cosmetic appearance of the foot, problems with wearing shoes, the ability to walk, and their satisfaction with the operation. Complications encountered were also recorded. The radiographic evaluation considered osteotomy site union, the hallux valgus angle, and the intermetatarsal angle.

RESULTS

All patients complained of mild or no pain. They had a satisfactory cosmetic result, wore normal shoes without problems with no limitation of walking ability. They were satisfied with the procedure. One case of superficial infection was noticed. All osteotomies healed primarily within three months. The average hallux valgus angle improved from 32.7° preoperatively to 14.8° at final follow-up and the average intermetatarsal angle from 17.5° to 9.2°.

CONCLUSION

The Bösch technique is a cost effective procedure that yields good clinical and radiological results while correcting mild and moderate symptomatic hallux valgus with reduced risk of surgery related complications.

Percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy versus distal chevron osteotomy for correction of mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity

PURPOSE

A lot of procedures were described for managing hallux valgus deformity. Percutaneous metatarsal osteotomies have received increasing recognition in the previous decade. The proposed benefits revolve primarily around the shorter surgical time, lower incidence of complications, and higher patient satisfaction. However, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether this technique is comparable to traditional open approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 64 consecutive feet (53 patients) with mild-to-moderate symptomatic hallux valgus were randomly assigned into two groups to compare the results of percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy (group I, 31 feet) and distal chevron osteotomy (group II, 33 feet). All patients were clinically assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system. Radiographical assessment was done using the hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA).

RESULTS

The mean correction of HVA and IMA achieved in group I was 14.4° and 4.8°, respectively, while in group II, it was 13.1° and 3.9°, respectively. The mean AOFAS score improved from a pre-operative of 44.6 points to 90.2 points in group I, and from 47.5 points to 87.7 points in group II. In group I, 26/29 patients (89.6 %) were happy with the cosmetic results of the surgery, compared to 20/31 patients (64.5 %) in group II.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study support the idea that percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy yields good functional and radiological result and is associated with a high degree of postoperative patient satisfaction.

Percutaneous Distal Osteotomy of the Fifth Metatarsal for Correction of Bunionette

Introduction

Percutaneous distal metaphyseal osteotomy, a subcapital linear osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal performed through a minimally invasive percutaneous approach and stabilized with a single Kirschner wire, without soft-tissue procedures, enables the surgeon to achieve consistently good correction of a fifth metatarsal bunionette deformity.

Step 1 Wire Insertion

It is mandatory to place the wire in a parosteal position to allow medial displacement of the metatarsal head at the osteotomy site.

Step 2 Skin Incision

Make a short skin incision directly to the bone on the lateral side of the distal metaphysis of the fifth metatarsal.

Step 3 Periosteal Detachment

Detach the periosteum surrounding the bone at the site of the planned osteotomy with a small scissors inserted percutaneously, dorsally initially and then plantarly.

Step 4 Osteotomy

Perform the osteotomy with a micromotorized Lindemann bone cutter, avoiding damage to the surrounding structures by drilling the lateral cortex first and then the medial cortex, keeping the bone cutter in the same lateral entry hole and its tip inside the medullary canal.

Step 5 Correction

The correction is usually satisfactory when contact between the lateral aspect of the metatarsal head and the medial cortex of the metatarsal neck is achieved in the frontal plane.

Step 6 Stabilization

Stabilize the osteotomy site with the 2-mm Kirschner wire, driven distal to proximal into the medullary canal of the fifth metatarsal as far as its base.

Step 7 Postoperative Care

Apply adhesive tape with a plantar, kidney-shaped pad.

Results

In our study of this technique²⁴, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score improved from a mean and standard deviation of 51.9 ± 10.2 points preoperatively to 98.4 ± 2.6 points at the time of final follow-up. In 73% of the feet, there was complete resolution of pain at the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint without any functional limitation (AOFAS score of 100). In 20% of the cases, the AOFAS score was 95 points with some decrease in function and a need to use comfortable shoes. In the remaining 7% of the patients, the AOFAS score was 93 points with mild asymptomatic malalignment. No nonunions or recurrences were observed.

What to Watch For

IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.

Hallux valgus: effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive surgery. A systematic review

Minimally invasive techniques for hallux valgus correction include arthroscopy, percutaneous and minimum incision surgery. In the last few decades, several techniques have been increasingly used. We performed a comprehensive search of CINAHL, Embase, Medline, HealthSTAR and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, from inception of the database to 4 January 2010, using various combinations of the keywords terms 'Bosch', 'PDO', 'percutaneous distal osteotomy', 'SERI', 'percutaneous', 'minimal incision', 'minimum incision', 'minimally invasive', 'less invasive', 'mini-invasive', 'hallux valgus', 'bunion', 'surgery', 'arthroscopy', 'metatarsal' 'forefoot'. Only articles published in peer reviewed journals were included in this systematic review. Several new techniques are available for minimally invasive correction of the hallux valgus. Minimally invasive correction of the hallux valgus may provide better outcome for patients who would not recover well from traditional open approaches, because of decreasing recovery and rehabilitation times, as surgical exposure and deep tissue dissection are smaller and gentler to the soft tissues. Data are lacking to allow definitive conclusions on the use of these techniques for routine management of patients with hallux valgus. Given the limitations of the current case series, especially the extensive clinical heterogeneity, it is not possible to determine clear recommendations regarding the systematic use of minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus correction, even though preliminary results are encouraging. Studies of higher levels of evidence, concentrating on large adequately powered randomized trials, should be conducted to help answer these questions.

Mid-term results of Scarf osteotomy in hallux valgus

We performed a retrospective study on 178 Scarf osteotomies with a mean follow-up of 44.9 months (range 15-83 months). Clinical rating was based on the forefoot score of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Weight bearing X-rays were used to perform angular measurements and assess the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP 1). At follow-up the mean AOFAS score had improved significantly (p < 0.001), but only 55% of the feet showed a perfect realignment of the first ray. Patients with a hallux valgus angle exceeding 30° and pre-existing degenerative changes at the MTP 1 joint displayed inferior clinical results (p < 0.05). Nearly 20% of the patients suffered from pain at the MTP 1 joint. This was clearly attributed to an onset or worsening of distinct radiographic signs of arthritis (p < 0.05) resulting in painfully decreased joint motion. Comparing radiographic appearance three months postoperatively and at follow-up, we found that radiographic criteria (hallux valgus, first intermetatarsal angle, hallux valgus interphalangeus, MTP 1 joint congruency, arthritic lesions at MTP 1) worsened with time.

Minimally invasive hallux valgus correction

The most common complication following minimally invasive surgery (MIS) foot procedures is recurrence of the deformity, likely a direct consequence of incorrect selection of the procedure, incorrect surgical technique, or underestimated healing time of the osteotomy. This article describes our surgical MIS for hallux valgus correction, including the postoperative management, and reviews the literature on MIS for hallux valgus correction. The reports on such techniques are few, and mainly case series are reported. More adequately planned and executed randomized prospective clinical trials are needed. Historical attempts, indications, preferred surgical techniques, and complications are discussed.

Percutaneous hallux valgus surgery: a prospective multicenter study of 189 cases

Distal first metatarsal osteotomies have been indicated for the correction of mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic results of the distal Reverdin-Isham first metatarsal osteotomy with use of a percutaneous procedure after a minimum 1-year followup. One hundred eighty-nine feet in 168 consecutive subjects were included in the present prospective multicenter study. A radiographic and clinical assessment using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's (AOFAS) hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale was performed for all the subjects with a minimum 1-year follow-up. One hundred fifty six subjects (87%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. The median postoperative AOFAS score was 93 points. Subjects averaged a loss 17% of first metatarsophalangeal joint motion. The median hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle improved from 28 degrees and 13 degrees preoperatively, to 14 degrees and 10 degrees postoperatively, respectively. Percutaneous correction of mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity with the Reverdin-Isham osteotomy of the first metatarsal enables us to achieve clinical and radiographic results comparable to other percutaneous or open distal metatarsal osteotomies after 1-year follow-up.

Bosch osteotomy and scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus correction

Minimally invasive distal metatarsal osteotomies are becoming broadly accepted for correction of hallux valgus. We compared the duration of surgery, the length of hospital stay, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) in 36 patients who underwent a minimal incision subcapital osteotomy of the first metatarsal with 36 matched patients who had hallux valgus corrected by a scarf technique. The minimum follow-up was 2.1 years (mean, 2.5 years; range, 2.1-3.2 years). Patients having the osteotomy had similar AOFAS and FAOS scores with less operating time and earlier discharge. Less operative time may benefit the patients, and earlier discharge has financial implications for the hospital.

Clinical outcome after percutaneous flexor tenotomy in forefoot surgery

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of the percutaneous flexor tenotomy. We compared the results of two groups. The first group included 23 patients who underwent forefoot surgery without percutaneous flexor tenotomy, and the second group included 50 patients who underwent the same procedure combined with percutaneous flexor tenotomy for claw toe deformities, secondary to shortening metatarsal Scarf osteotomy. The average follow-up was 11.6 months. Three algoneurodystrophies were noted. No delayed wound healing was observed. Functional dissatisfaction rate (18% vs.17.4%) and toe pulp contact defect (12% vs. 8.7%) were not significantly different in the two groups. Toe grasping defect rate (10% vs. 4.3%) was superior in the tenotomy group. Five recurring claw toe deformities of the second toe were noted in the tenotomy group. Percutaneous flexor tenotomy is a simple, rapid, and efficient method to correct reducible secondary claw toe deformities. However, despite a significant postoperative loss of toe grasping function, no patient reported major dissatisfaction.

Minimum-incision metatarsal osteotomies

This article focuses on minimal-incision metatarsal osteotomies for treating ulcerative lesions related to hallux valgus deformities and central and fifth metatarsal plantar ulcerations to correct the structural deformity responsible for the ulceration. The authors presented a structured review of the literature regarding complications associated with the use of minimum-incision surgical techniques available for the first, central, and fifth metatarsals and techniques to avoid them. Although a steep learning curve exists with these procedures, the advantage of performing minimum- incision metatarsal osteotomies in high-risk populations allows for rapid and predictable resolution of recalcitrant or recurrent ulcerations through correction of the underlying structural deformity with minimal complications.

Arthroscopy-assisted correction of hallux valgus deformity

PURPOSE

Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of arthroscopy-assisted hallux valgus deformity correction with percutaneous screw fixation.

METHODS

Ninety-four feet underwent arthroscopy-assisted hallux valgus deformity correction. Patients in whom the 1,2-intermetatarsal angle could be reduced manually and who had no significant abnormality of the distal metatarsal articular angle were included, and an endoscopic distal soft tissue procedure was performed. Those patients with first tarsometatarsal hypermobility, in whom the 1,2-intermetatarsal angle cannot be reduced manually, or those who had a significantly abnormal distal metatarsal articular angle were excluded. Patients were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale. The pre- and postoperative hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, and sesamoid position were measured.

RESULTS

The mean score on the AOFAS scale was 93 +/- 8 out of 100 points. The hallux valgus angle improved from 33 degrees +/- 7 degrees (range, 20 degrees to 58 degrees ) to 14 degrees +/- 5 degrees (range, 4 degrees to 30 degrees ). The intermetatarsal angle improved from 14 degrees +/- 3 degrees (range, 10 degrees to 26 degrees ) to 9 degrees +/- 2 degrees (range, 5 degrees to 18 degrees ). Complications of hallux varus, skin impingement, screw breakage, and first metatarsophalangeal stiffness were experienced. Two patients with symptomatic recurrence had revision operation performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that arthroscopic correction of the hallux valgus deformity can achieve good clinical and radiologic results, provided that careful preoperative clinico-radiologic assessment is made to exclude patients contraindicated for the procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.