Arthroscopic lateral release and percutaneous distal osteotomy for hallux valgus: a preliminary report

Distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal is frequently used for the treatment of hallux valgus deformity. The great toe arthroscopy is a safe procedure to perform a distal soft tissue release and a complete evaluation of the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the arthroscopic distal soft tissue release with a distal percutaneous osteotomy in the treatment of hallux valgus deformity. From January 1, 2003, to August 1, 2006, 59 consecutive procedures were performed in 49 patients. Clinical evaluation was calculated using the hallux score of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). The mean follow up was 31.48 (range, 12 to 48) months and the AOFAS score improved from 45 (range, 30 to 65) points to 90.61 (range, 75 to 100). The excellent results obtained encourage the authors to go on treat the hallux valgus deformity with this combination of two minimal invasive procedures.