Treatment of Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus without Osteotomy or Arthrodesis

CATEGORY: Bunion INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Hallux valgus is a multi-planar deformity that has historically required osteotomies to correct a soft tissue deficiency. We present a novel technique for the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus and subsequent radiographic results of a method to correct the intermetatarsal abnormality without utilizing osteotomies or arthrodesis. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-six patients undergoing primary metatarsal re-alignment with modified McBride for moderate to severe hallux valgus were included. After each patient underwent standard distal soft tissue procedure via modified McBride bunionectomy, the first metatarsal was manually reduced and brought parallel to the second. It was then held temporarily with a K-wire and position assessed to ensure the first and second metatarsal heads are in the same transverse plane to prevent relative plantar or dorsiflexion of the first ray. A bioabsorbable screw was then placed obliquely from the base of the first into the bases of the second and third metatarsals. Patients were assessed pre-operatively, at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months for early clinical outcome, complications, and radiographic evaluation. The hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were recorded and used to monitor any progression or change over time. RESULTS: This procedure allows for significant correction of moderate and severe hallux valgus deformities with little radiographic evidence of loss of reduction in early clinical follow-up. One and two-year follow-up was included for patients where available. Pre-operative assessment of HVA and IMA were 32.3° (95% CI: 31.1-33.5) and 14.8° (95% CI: 14.2-15.3), respectively. Post- operative HVA was significantly improved at 2 weeks (10.4°), 6 weeks (11.1°), and 3 months (12.1°). IMA was improved at 2 weeks (6.0°), 6 weeks (6.8°) and 3 months (7.8°). One (48 patients) and two-year follow-up (20 patients) show maintenance of correction of both HVA (1yr: 12.7°, 2yr: 10.8°) and IMA (1yr: 7.9°, 2yr: 8.0°). Complications were few including iatrogenic hallux varus (2/136, 1.4%), peri-implant fractures at the second metatarsal base (3/136, 2.2%), and valgus relapse, which was the only complication requiring re-operation (3/136, 2.2%). CONCLUSION: When combined with modified McBride bunionectomy, this proximal metatarsal realignment procedure provides a simple and effective method for the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformities. Additionally, there is minimal radiographic evidence of loss of reduction over time. This procedure is simple to perform, easy to learn, and does not 'burn any bridges' with regards to future surgery.