Modified distal metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus

Sixty-three feet in 44 patients with a hallux valgus, which had been operated on using a modified distal osteotomy were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 4.6 years. A modification of Mitchell's and Mommsen's osteotomies was used without any fixation material. The mean correction of the intermetatarsal angle was 2.6 degrees and of the hallux valgus angle 5.2 degrees. Good subjective result was achieved in 90% of the feet. In six (9.5%) cases the hallux valgus angle was worse after the operation. The method used seems to be too unreliable to be continued. Patient selection was found to be of great importance. Hallux valgus angle of more than 40 degrees was less suitable for this kind of operation.