Percutaneous Hallux Valgus Surgery Without Distal Metatarsal Articular Angle Correction

Many factors are considered predictors of recurrence after hallux valgus (HV) surgery, including preoperative distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). The restoration of the bone and joint alignment would be more important than realigning the cartilaginous surface of the metatarsal head. Therefore, is DMAA correction essential for a good clinical and radiological results after HV surgery? This study aims to illustrate the results of percutaneous forefoot surgery (PFS) for correction of HV deformity without DMAA correction.

A prospective single-center study of 74 patients (89 feet), with mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity, who underwent PFS. The mean latest follow-up was 57.3 months.

Preoperative median visual analog scale was 7 points and AOFAS scores were 52 points. At the mean latest follow up both scores improved to 0 points and 90 points, respectively. Median HV angle and intermetatarsal angle changed from 30° and 12° preoperatively, to 21° and 11° at mean latest follow-up. Overall, 80% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied. Recurrence of medial first metatarsal head pain occurred in 12 cases (13.5%).

PFS, without DMAA correction, is a valid procedure for surgical correction in patients with HV, despite the slightly worse radiographic results in our study.

Level II: Prospective study.