IS Oh, MK Kim, SH Lee
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inha University College of Medicine, Inchon, Korea

PURPOSE. To improve the technique of osteotomy for hallux valgus (bunion).

METHODS. 38 cases of a new modified osteotomy procedure for hallux valgus were performed for 22 patients (21 women and one man). During a 3-year (range, 2­5 years) follow-up, the patients underwent physical examination; and their American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux-metatarso-phalangeal-interphalangeal scale scores and standard foot radiographic measurements were recorded.

RESULTS. 20 of the 22 patients (38 cases) had no pain, achieved good cosmesis, and were completely satisfied with the results of the operation. The remaining 2 patients had occasional mild discomfort. The mean hallux-metatarso-phalangeal-interphalangeal scale score was 93 points (range, 78­100 points). The mean preoperative and postoperative metatarsophalangeal angles were 34 degrees and 11 degrees, respectively. The mean postoperative reduction of the intermetatarsal angle and metatarsophalangeal angle were 6 degrees and 23 degrees, respectively.

CONCLUSION. The new technique of osteotomy achieved even greater stability and accurate correction of the deformity in our 38 cases. Furthermore, it was more effective than conventional ‘chevron’ osteotomy in terms of correction of the deformity. Therefore, it should be used more widely.