Hallux valgus in young patients: long-term results after McBride operation

The development of symptomatic hallux valgus deformities at an early age is rather uncommon and usually treated non-operatively. However, if surgical treatment is indicated, only so-called physiological procedures, especially e.g. McBride's soft-tissue realignment, should be considered. From 1970 to 1990, 11 patients aged 12-20 years underwent McBride's procedure, giving a total of 21 feet. For 9 of these patients (17 feet), the average follow-up was 14 years and consisted of patient's history, radiographs and physical examination. All in all, the outcome was judged as good in 10 of 17 feet, satisfying in 2 of 17 feet and dissatisfying in 5 of 17 feet by both patients and surgeon. This conspicuous variation in success rate will be discussed by means of two examples.