Large displacement distal chevron osteotomy for the correction of hallux valgus deformity

In order to assess outcomes and complications, a retrospective study of 38 bunionectomy cases with large displacement distal chevron osteotomy (greater than or equal to 40% lateral translation) for hallux valgus was performed. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 130 months (average, 31 months). Subjective analysis consisting of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale was performed. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic intermetatarsal (IM) angles and hallux abductus angles were measured and compared. The average postoperative AOFAS score was 93.5. The average preoperative IM angle was 15.03 degrees (range 8 degrees-24 degrees) and the average postoperative IM angle was 4.84 degrees (range, -1 degree-11 degrees). The average preoperative hallux abductus angle was 29.39 degrees (range, 16 degrees-53 degrees) compared to the average postoperative hallux abductus angle of 11.39 degrees (range, 2 degrees-28 degrees). It was found that an average lateral translation of 9.8 mm was able to achieve a relative change of the IM angle of 10 degrees. Evidence is presented that supports the fact that large displacement distal chevron osteotomies can be safely performed for the correction of metatarsus primus varus greater than 15 degrees associated with hallux valgus.