Wilson bunionectomy with internal fixation: a ten-year experience

One hundred fifteen feet that underwent a Wilson (lateral, transpositional, shortening) osteotomy for the correction of hallux valgus between 1979 and 1989 were retrospectively reviewed. All osteotomies were stabilized either with a single cortical or cancellous screw, or with crossed Kirschner wires. The Wilson procedure is not technically difficult and can allow for tri-plane correction. Of the 115 feet on which this surgical procedure was performed, 92 (80%) were graded in long-term postoperative recovery as excellent or good. Only one complication of hallux varus occurred, which required additional surgery. Survey of the results of the 10-year experience in utilization of this operative procedure has shown a high patient satisfaction with minimum of postoperative complications and a low failure rate.