[Mitchell's osteotomy of hallux valgus]

45 patients were included in a prospective study to evaluate the results of Mitchell's osteotomy of hallux valgus. 43 patients complained of pain preoperatively. 44 patients were reviewed after one year, and excellent results were achieved in alleviating pain for 35 of these patients. Four patients developed metatarsalgia after surgery. There was a mean improvement in the hallux valgus angle of eight degrees. The mean shortening of the first metatarsal was 6 mm (1-12 mm). This shortening showed no correlation with postoperative pain. Signs of osteoarthrotic changes in the metatarsophalangeal joint were found in one patient and early signs of osteonecrosis of the first metatarsal head in two. We conclude that in spite of some serious complications this method produces satisfactory results and can be recommended when pain over the medial prominence is the main indication.