Hallux valgus correction by the method of Bösch: a clinical evaluation

Between December 1996 and February 1999, 197 operations for the correction of hallux valgus by the percutaneous technique of Bösch were performed in 156 patients (41 bilateral) at the Cardinal G. Panico Hospital (Tricase, Italy). Most operations were performed using local anesthesia. Unsupported weight bearing was nearly always allowed on the first postoperative day and a simple functional bandage was used for six weeks. One hundred forty three patients (39 bilateral) were available for follow-up evaluation (182 feet) at an average follow-up of 16.4 months. Clinical results and radiographic evaluation of these patients showed that 89% were fully satisfied with their result. Thus, it appears that the distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal using the technique of Bösch, combined, if necessary, with other procedures on the lateral metatarsals, is a satisfactory operation. Important features of this procedure include short operating time, low incidence of complications, and high patient compliance.