Increased displacement maximizes the utility of the distal chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus deformity correction

Correction of hallux valgus deformity with distal chevron osteotomy is limited by the amount of lateral translation achieved. Since 1999, the senior author has performed a modified technique referred to as increased displacement distal chevron osteotomy in which the distal fragment is translated laterally as far as necessary to obtain correction. This technique can be applied to a deformity with an intermetatarsal angle of up to 18 degrees. The surgical technique and results of this modified procedure are reported.

The senior author's (JLB) database was searched for correction of hallux valgus deformity by distal chevron osteotomy performed over a 2-year period. Patients having undergone lateral displacement greater than 50% of the width of the head were studied. At a minimum of two years after surgery, patients were invited to participate in a telephone interview and a final followup office visit.

Sixty-two patients underwent 72 procedures during the investigation period. Thirty-three patients having undergone 39 procedures completed comprehensive followup at an average of 34 (range, 24 to 47) months. No patients were dissatisfied and all patients would have surgery again under similar circumstances. AOFAS score averaged 93 with a standard deviation of 8.7 (range, 65 to 100). Radiographic union occurred in all 39 feet. Lateral translation averaged 8.2 mm (60%). No cases of radiographic avascular necrosis or advancement of degenerative joint disease were noted. Correction of the hallux valgus angle (HVA) averaged 22.2 degrees, intermetatarsal angle (IMA) 7.9 degrees, and sesamoid position 1.6 stages. Nine complications were identified in nine feet, two of which required additional surgery.

Increasing the displacement achieved with distal chevron osteotomy resulted in reliable correction including moderate to severe deformity. At 2 years, patients displayed a high rate of satisfaction, good clinical outcomes scores, and a complication rate similar to other techniques.