Relationship between Foot Width Reduction and Clinical Outcomes after Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Deformity

BACKGROUND: Radiological correction of hallux valgus deformity is the objective of operation and related to successful outcomes. Nonetheless, footwear problems related to foot width can also affect the clinical outcome. Few studies have analyzed changes in foot width, and data on clinical outcomes after correction of hallux valgus deformity are scarce. METHODS: The study included 159 cases with symptomatic hallux valgus deformity who underwent proximal or distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy and were followed up for a mean of 32.8 months. Radiologically, the hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, first metatarsal head width, bony foot width, and soft-tissue foot width were analyzed. Clinically, the visual analog scale for pain and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score were evaluated. RESULTS: The preoperative hallux valgus was corrected radiologically at the last follow-up. The bony foot width was reduced by 9.4%, and the soft-tissue foot width was reduced by 7.1% (p < 0.001 for all). The mean AOFAS score improved from 51.2 preoperatively to 89.4 at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). In multiple regression, the perioperative changes of bony foot width were associated with final AOFAS score (p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Chevron osteotomy performed for hallux valgus deformity resulted in satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes. Perioperative changes in bony foot width showed a significant correlation with AOFAS score. Therefore, to correct hallux valgus deformity, it is necessary to correct known radiological indicators sufficiently and make efforts simultaneously to reduce the foot width optimally.