The chevron osteotomy: a clinical and radiographic analysis

This is a retrospective study of the chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus. Subjective and objective postoperative results were evaluated. Differences in the postoperative correction of the intermetatarsal 1-2 angle and the first metatarsophalangeal angle were noted using two accepted measurement methods. Seventeen patients (23 feet) with an average age of 39 years (range, 15-51 years) and an average follow-up of 3 years (range, 1-5 years) were studied. The average preoperative intermetatarsal 1-2 angle was 11 degrees (range, 8 degrees to 14 degrees), and the average hallux valgus angle was 23 degrees (range, 7 degrees to 39 degrees). The apparent postoperative correction differed depending on the method of measurement used. One method consistently indicated a greater amount of correction in both the intermetatarsal and metatarsophalangeal angles. The chevron procedure resulted in an overall satisfactory improvement of symptoms, function, and cosmesis. Four feet exhibited postoperative radiographic changes that could be construed as avascular changes, but there was no collapse noted, nor were there clinical symptoms of avascular necrosis. No nonunions, malunions, or infections developed, and no cases of hallux varus occurred.