Proximal metatarsal osteotomy in hallux valgus correction: a comparison of crescentic and chevron procedures

We retrospectively evaluated the results of 50 hallux valgus reconstructions in 36 patients for moderate to severe deformities, performed by the senior author (F. M. T.). All feet were treated at the metatarsophalangeal joint with a distal soft tissue realignment. The first 25 feet were corrected proximally with a crescentic osteotomy fixed with an AO screw; these cases had an average follow-up of more than 5 years (range, 40-141 months). The second 25 feet underwent a basal osteotomy with a proximally directed chevron osteotomy; these cases had an average follow-up of 21.4 months (range, 12-33 months). The average hallux valgus correction in the crescentic osteotomy group went from 37.6 degrees to 11.4 degrees, and in the chevron osteotomy group, the hallux valgus angle was reduced from 31.3 degrees to 11.6 degrees. The intermetatarsal angle in the crescentic group was corrected from 16.2 degrees to 6 degrees, and in the chevron group the intermetatarsal angle was reduced from 15.1 degrees to 5.4 degrees. The fibular sesamoid subluxation was reduced from 92% to 24% in the crescentic group and from 88% to 18% in the chevron group. All patients were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale, in which 100 points are used to compare pre- and postoperative pain, function and range of motion, shoewear comfort and activity levels, and alignment. In the crescentic group, the score improved from 46.8 points to 93.1 points; in the chevron group, the score changed from 53.4 points to 92.7 points. In all parameters studied, there were no statistically significant differences using the Student's t-test. We conclude that the two operative techniques offer equivalent results, which are excellent and predictable. The proximal chevron osteotomy is technically easier, eliminates the proximal dorsal scar, and does not require postoperative metal removal.