Distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy technique in hallux valgus deformity: Clinical and radiological results

This study aims to evaluate the radiological and functional outcomes of hallux valgus patients treated with distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy technique.

Twenty-six feet of 22 patients (4 males, 18 females; mean age 46.2±18 years; range, 16 to 70 years) who were diagnosed as hallux valgus between March 2013 and April 2016 and who underwent distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy were included in this retrospective study. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society/Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale (AOFAS/HMIS) was used for clinical and functional evaluation. The hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), sesamoid position, first metatarsal length and forefoot bone and soft tissue width were measured for radiological evaluation.

The mean follow-up time was 33.1±9.8 months. The AOFAS/HMIS score increased significantly postoperatively (p=0.001). In the footwear section of the AOFAS/HMIS, the median preoperative score of 5 (range, 0-5) increased to 10 (range, 5-10) at the postoperative period (p=0.001). Hallux valgus angle, IMA, DMAA, and first metatarsal length significantly decreased when compared to preoperative measurements. Forefoot bone width also decreased significantly from 9.3 cm (range, 7.5-11.5 cm) to 8.8 cm (6.8-10.3 cm) (p=0.001).

Distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy is a safe method for hallux valgus deformity. Forefoot width reduction, decrease of soft tissue tension, sesamoid reduction, and plantar fascia relaxation are the crucial benefits of this method.