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Updated: May 13, 2026
An Anatomical Study of Nerves at Risk During Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Surgery
Published on: February 17, 2018
K-wire versus screw fixation in Scarf-Akin osteotomy for hallux valgus: A retrospective cohort study
Yutian Qiu1, Boming Zhao1, Mohamed Lamin Bangura1
1Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China; Department of Orthopaedics, The First People's Hospital of Jingzhou, Jingzhou, China.
Background:
Retention of metal implants after Scarf-Akin osteotomy (SAO) may cause irritation and psychological discomfort, often necessitating a hardware removal procedure. This study aimed to introduce K-wire fixation, allowing for outpatient removal, and to compare it with screw fixation.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 64 patients with hallux valgus, comprising 32 in the K-wire fixation group and 32 in the screw fixation group. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction. Radiographic parameters included hallux valgus angle(HVA), intermetatarsal angle(IMA), and distal metatarsal articular angle(DMAA).
Results:
Both groups showed significant clinical and radiographic improvement (P < 0.01). No significant between-group differences were observed in the other clinical or radiographic outcomes (P > 0.05). Treatment costs were significantly lower in the K-wire group (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
K-wire fixation provides clinical and radiographic outcomes comparable to screw fixation, while avoiding the need for an additional procedure to remove the implant.
Level Of Evidence:
Level III.
