Distal metatarsal osteotomy for adolescent hallux valgus

This is a review of 55 metatarsal osteotomies for hallux valgus and metatarsus primus varus in patients under 15 years of age. The results were analysed after the patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically. Complications of the osteotomies and the factors that caused them are discussed. Poor results, irrespective of the type of osteotomy, were due to excessive shortening of the first metatarsal and/or dorsal tilting of the metatarsal head. In both instances there was persistent metatarsalgia.