Stabilization of chevron bunionectomy with a capsuloperiosteal flap

Distal chevron osteotomy (DCO) for mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity is inherently more stable than the other forms of distal metatarsal osteotomy, but complications such as loss of correction, infection, joint stiffness, delayed union, malunion and nonunion can occur. In this study, we evaluated the use of a capsuloperiosteal flap for stabilization of DCO in the treatment of hallux valgus.

A retrospective study was conducted on 59 patients (88 feet) that underwent distal Chevron osteotomy stabilized only with a capsuloperiosteal flap for mild and moderate hallux valgus deformity with a mean followup of 11.3 years. Clinical evaluation was calculated using the hallux score of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS).

The score improved from a preoperative mean of 52 to a mean of 91.5 points at last followup. Average hallux valgus angle changed from 30.3 degrees preoperatively to 14.2 degrees postoperatively at the last followup. Intermetatarsal angle 1-2 changed from 13.6 degrees preoperatively to 10.2 degrees postoperatively. The correction proved to be consistent with only an average of 3.4-degree correction loss and 4.9-degree loss in the range of motion. Eighty-six feet (97.7%) were pain free. Discomfort with shoewear was absent in 84 feet (95.5%) postoperatively and 24 of 25 (96%) patients were satisfied cosmetically.

Capsuloperiosteal flap stabilization of distal chevron osteotomy for mild-moderate hallux valgus yielded excellent clinical results at long-term followup.