Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Correction

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Hallux valgus (HV) is a common foot deformity.
• Symptomatic mild to moderate HV deformities are treated with the chevron Akin osteotomy.
• The procedure aims to realign the first ray while minimizing soft-tissue disruption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the minimally invasive chevron Akin osteotomy technique for hallux valgus.
• To highlight the advantages of this approach over traditional open surgery.

Main Methods:

• Preoperative radiographs assess hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA).
• A lateral release of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint capsule is performed.
• Minimally invasive chevron osteotomy of the first metatarsal and Akin osteotomy of the proximal phalanx are completed using burrs and Kirschner wires (K-wires).
• Fixation is achieved with cannulated screws over K-wires, with final assessment via fluoroscopy.

Main Results:

• The technique restores first ray alignment with minimal soft-tissue trauma via small stab incisions.
• Postoperative range of motion is improved, and loss of dorsiflexion is reduced compared to open procedures.
• Outcomes are equivalent to traditional open correction, with high patient satisfaction (>90%) and low recurrence rates (<1%).

Conclusions:

• The minimally invasive chevron Akin technique provides effective hallux valgus correction.
• It offers comparable results to open surgery with the benefits of reduced soft-tissue disruption.
• This approach leads to significant functional improvement and high patient satisfaction.