Treatment of the juvenile bunion by Mitchell osteotomy

Twelve patients who had a total of 18 Mitchell bunionectomies were reviewed to assess the long-term results of the procedure. Although metatarsus varus correction was maintained in all cases, hallux valgus recurred in 11 of the 18 cases. Sixty-seven percent reported complete relief or improvement of preoperative pain. Although lateral metatarsalgia did occur, the most common area of persistent pain remained the first metatarsal. Six of 18 procedures had marked loss of active joint motion, associated with pain and an unsatisfactory result. Of 18 procedures, 11 (61%) were satisfied with the results of their osteotomy. Although the Mitchell osteotomy corrected the metatarsus primus varus in each case, the current series shows a discouraging incidence of later recurrence of hallux valgus and restriction of metatarsophalangeal motion causing the abandonment of this procedure for the management of juvenile bunion.