Follow-up of the isolated medial approach to hallux abducto valgus correction without interspace release

A retrospective radiographic review was performed of 29 patients (37 feet) who underwent an isolated medial approach for correction of hallux abducto valgus deformity from March 1993 to November 1998. Only those patients who had a traditional Austin-type osteotomy with a reducible first metatarsophalangeal joint and flexible first ray were included in the study. The average follow-up period for the entire study group was 18.4 months, with 13 patients (44.83%; 17 feet) having a follow-up period of longer than 2 years. The average decrease in the intermetatarsal angle was 9.89 degrees, and the average decrease in the hallux abductus angle was 14.0 degrees, results that correlated well with those of other studies on correction of hallux abducto valgus. No clinical or radiographic recurrence of hallux abducto valgus was noted throughout the follow-up period. The authors believe that an isolated medial approach to hallux abducto valgus correction without a lateral interspace release yields predictable results when performed in appropriately selected patients.