Crescentic distal metatarsal osteotomy for the treatment of hallux valgus: a prospective, randomized, controlled study of two different fixation methods

Abstract

This study was designed to draw attention to a distal metatarsal osteotomy technique, which has been somewhat overlooked for the treatment of hallux valgus, and to compare the clinical and radiographic results of two different fixation methods. The study included 16 feet of 13 patients (11 women, 2 men) who were treated with crescentic distal metatarsal osteotomy for mild-to-moderate hallux valgus (<35 degrees ). The patients were randomized to two fixation methods with two cross K-wires (group 1; 7 patients, 8 feet) and a compressive screw (group 2; 6 patients, 8 feet). The results were evaluated using the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) clinical rating scale for hallux, and a visual analog scale for pain. Radiographic measurements included the hallux valgus angle (HVA), first/second intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), before and 12 months after surgery. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to pre- and postoperative AOFAS scores and pain scores, which showed significant improvements in both groups at the end of one-year follow-up (p<0.001). The HVA and IMA significantly decreased from 32 degrees to 19 degrees and from 12 degrees to 6 degrees in group 1, and from 30 degrees to 17 degrees and from 12 degrees to 8 degrees in group 2, respectively (p<0.001). A similar improvement was also seen in the DMAA (p<0.001). Postoperative radiographic improvements were similar in both groups. One patient in group 1 underwent revision surgery with the same technique due to recurrence, and one patient in group 2 had delayed union. Crescentic distal metatarsal osteotomy may be an appropriate technique in the treatment of mild-to-moderate hallux valgus.