[The effect of micro-trauma technic with small incision on treating hallux valgus]

To explore an effective micro-trauma technic with small incision for hallux valgus.

From August 2002 to June 2004, 136 cases (263 feet) with hallux valgus were treated with micro-trauma technic with small incision and postoperative external elastic fixation. Of all the cases, 7 were males and 129 were females. Their ages ranged from 19 to 84 years. According to Coughlin classification, there were 24 gentle cases, 63 medium cases, and 49 severe cases. All the feet were with some degree of pain and flatfoot. Symptom, sign and the results of X-ray were evaluated.

Wound healed at stage I. All cases were followed up for 8 to 26 months, 19 months on average. Hallux valgus of the 263 feet were completely healed, feet pain disappeared, and no nonunion or osteonecrosis was observed. X-ray examination indicated that 105 feet's hallux valgus angle was less than 12 degrees, inter metatarsal angle less than 9 degrees, and remedy subluxation of the tibial sesamoid less than 50%. Evaluation on the result indicated that there were 84 cases of excellent result, 48 cases of good result, 3 cases of fair result, and 1 case of poor result. The rate of excellent and good was 97%.

With less injury, less pain, complete restoration, and fewer possibility of relapse, micro-trauma technic with small incision is effective in treating hallux valgus.