McBride's operation for hallux valgus can be used in patients older than 30 years

Over a 10-year period, 46 feet with hallux valgus in 36 patients were treated with the McBride procedure. The median age was 35 years. At follow-up of 2 to 11 years after operation, a reduction in the hallux valgus angles, the intermetatarsal angles and the width of the forefeet was found. In patients older than 30 years there were significant reductions. In patients younger than 30 years, the reduction was not significant. The rate of problems with daily footwear was reduced from 36 of 46 feet to 13 of 38 feet. The authors noted few problems and a high rate of satisfied patients, despite the age. In 37 of 46 feet the overall result was found satisfactory by the patients. The authors find that McBride's operation can be used for hallux valgus, also in patients above 30 years, in spite of the generally accepted restriction to younger individuals.