Bösch technique for hallux valgus surgery in a tropical setting

To evaluate the early clinical and radiological results using the Bösch technique to treat hallux valgus.

We reviewed retrospectively four patients with 6 feet undergoing the Bösch technique for mild and moderate hallux valgus from 2009 to 2012 with an average follow-up of 10.8 months. All patients complained of pain around the first metatarsophalangeal joint. They had cosmetic concerns, and difficulty in wearing shoes. At final follow-up patients were asked about the improvement of pain, cosmetic appearance of the foot, problems with wearing shoes, the ability to walk, and their satisfaction with the operation. Complications encountered were also recorded. The radiographic evaluation considered osteotomy site union, the hallux valgus angle, and the intermetatarsal angle.

All patients complained of mild or no pain. They had a satisfactory cosmetic result, wore normal shoes without problems with no limitation of walking ability. They were satisfied with the procedure. One case of superficial infection was noticed. All osteotomies healed primarily within three months. The average hallux valgus angle improved from 32.7° preoperatively to 14.8° at final follow-up and the average intermetatarsal angle from 17.5° to 9.2°.

The Bösch technique is a cost effective procedure that yields good clinical and radiological results while correcting mild and moderate symptomatic hallux valgus with reduced risk of surgery related complications.