Correction of hallux valgus. Metatarsal osteotomy versus excision arthroplasty

The long-term retrospective results (followup range, 10-22 years) of an uncontrolled series of basal metatarsal closing wedge osteotomies and Keller's excision arthroplasties performed in patients 14 to 40 years of age are analyzed. In the osteotomy group, 34 patients (50 feet) were available for clinical review and 26 patients (37 feet) were available for radiologic review. In the Keller group, 24 patients (37 feet) were reviewed clinically and 23 patients (34 feet) were reviewed radiologically. Patients were assessed using the Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal Scale of the American Foot and Ankle Society, an additional clinical score, weightbearing radiographs, the patient's record, and clinical investigation. Statistical analysis revealed significantly better results of the clinical and radiologic outcomes after osteotomy. In the osteotomy group, the first metatarsal was elevated dorsally in 14 feet (38%). The incidence of varus deformities was higher with basal osteotomy (18% versus 5.4%). Metatarsalgia occurred similarly in both groups (28% versus 27%). It is known that these techniques should be applied to different patient populations. However, they formerly were used for the same indication. This long-term analysis shows that the Keller arthroplasty should be abandoned for the treatment of hallux valgus in young and active patients. The basal metatarsal closing wedge osteotomy is conceptually the correct treatment for hallux valgus deformity for the younger patient; nevertheless, it is technically demanding and is associated with a higher risk of failure. The long-term results of both procedures are unacceptable for the patient and the surgeon. The short and middle-term results of the newer basal type osteotomies, such as the proximal crescentic osteotomy, the proximal chevron osteotomy, or the proximal oblique osteotomy combined with distal soft tissue releases, suggest a more satisfying long-term outcome.