Modified chevron osteotomy fixed with stofella pin for hallux valgus

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Hallux valgus (bunion) is a common foot deformity.
• Current surgical treatments aim to correct alignment and alleviate pain.
• Assessing mid-term outcomes of novel surgical techniques is crucial for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of hallux valgus patients treated with a modified chevron osteotomy.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of Stoffella pin fixation in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 56 patients (73 feet) with mild to moderate hallux valgus.
• Surgical procedure: modified chevron osteotomy with Stoffella pin fixation.
• Clinical assessment using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score.
• Radiographic evaluation of hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, and sesamoid position.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in AOFAS scores (44.8 points).
• Substantial correction of hallux valgus angle (17.4 degrees) and intermetatarsal angle (5.3 degrees).
• Positive changes in sesamoid position.
• Low complication rates: superficial skin infection (3), transient hypoesthesia (2), screw irritation bursitis (4).

Conclusions:

• Modified chevron osteotomy with Stoffella pins provides stable and rigid fixation for hallux valgus.
• This technique permits early mobilization and weight-bearing without the need for casting.
• Early joint mobilization appears to enhance functional outcomes and minimize complications compared to other fixation methods.