Proximal Opening Wedge Research Articles

Arthritis in the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint After Proximal Opening Wedge Osteotomy for Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus Deformity

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Over recent years, a proximal opening wedge osteotomy (POWO) using a novel low-profile plate have gained in popularity for the correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus. However, the proximal opening wedge osteotomy was known to increase the length of the first metatarsal, resulting in tightening of the soft tissues around the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and predisposing to jamming of the joint and subsequent arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the arthritic change of first MTP joint after POWO using a low-profile plate for correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 100 consecutive POWOs using a low-profile plate performed in 87 patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. After excluding 17 cases, 83 cases in 73 patients were included. For clinical assessment, VAS, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were obtained. The hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the relative first metatarsal length which is the first metatarsal length divided by the second metatarsal length and the first MTP joint radiographic arthritic grade by Coughlin and Shurnas were assessed on standard weight bearing radiographs of the foot for radiographic evaluation. Results: Mean follow-up period was 16.1 (12-45) months. The mean VAS, AOFAS score and most of FAOS subscales improved significantly. Significant corrections in the HVA and IMA were obtained and the mean increase in the relative first metatarsal length was 3.8% at last follow-up (P < 0.001). There were 15 (18.1%, 15/83) cases of the first MTP joint arthritis at last follow-up (Radiographic grade I: 5, II: 8, III: 2). Of 62 cases using a large wedge plate (≥5.0 mm), 12 (19.4%, 12/62) cases showed poorer outcomes and a significant progression of the arthritic grade at last follow-up (Fisher's exact test, P=0.031) comparing to using a small wedge plate (< 5.0 mm) (Table 1). Conclusion: The POWO using a low-profile wedge plate is effective and reproducible technique for correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. However, the exacerbation of preexisting first MTP joint arthritis and the subsequent arthritis can occur after POWOs using a large wedge plate (≥5.0 mm) at short to mid-term follow-up. Therefore, POWOs with a low-profile wedge plate should be used judiciously for correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus.

Proximal Opening Wedge Osteotomy Provides Satisfactory Midterm Results With a Low Complication Rate

Hallux valgus is one of the most common foot deformities. Proximal opening wedge osteotomy is used for the treatment of moderate and severe hallux valgus with metatarsus primus varus. However, hypermobility of the first tarsometatarsal joint can compromise the results of the operation, and a paucity of midterm results are available regarding proximal open wedge osteotomy surgery. The aim of the present study was to assess the midterm results of proximal open wedge osteotomy in a consecutive series of patients with severe hallux valgus. Thirty-one consecutive adult patients (35 feet) with severe hallux valgus underwent proximal open wedge osteotomy. Twenty patients (35.5%) and 23 feet (34.3%) were available for the final follow-up examination. The mean follow-up duration was 5.8 (range 4.6 to 7.0) years. The radiologic measurements and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scores were recorded pre- and postoperatively, and subjective questionnaires were completed and foot scan analyses performed at the end of the follow-up period. The mean hallux valgus angle decreased from 38° to 23°, and the mean intermetatarsal angle correction decreased from 17° to 10°. The mean improvement in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score increased from 52 to 84. Two feet (5.7%) required repeat surgery because of recurrent hallux valgus. No nonunions were identified. Proximal open wedge osteotomy provided satisfactory midterm results in the treatment of severe hallux valgus, with a low complication rate. The potential instability of the first tarsometatarsal joint does not seem to jeopardize the midterm results of the operation.

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Different techniques of proximal osteotomies have been introduced to correct severe hallux valgus. The open wedge osteotomy is a newly introduced method for proximal osteotomy. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the radiological and clinical results after operation for severe hallux valgus, comparing the open wedge osteotomy to the crescentic osteotomy which is our traditional treatment.Forty-five patients with severe hallux valgus (hallux valgus angle >35̊, and intermetatarsal angle >15̊) were included in this study. The treatment was proximal open wedge osteotomy and fixation with plate (Hemax), group 1, or operation with proximal crescentic osteotomy and fixation with a 3 mm cannulated screw, group 2. The mean age was 52 years (19–71). Forty-one females and four males were included. Clinical and radiological follow-ups were performed 4 and 12 months after the operation.In group 1 the hallux valgus angle decreased from 39.0̊ to 24.1̊ after 4 months and 27.9̊ after 12 months. In group 2 the angle decreased from 38.3̊ to 21.4̊ after 4 months and 27.0̊ after 12 months. The intermetatarsal angle in group 1 was 19.0̊ preoperatively, 11.6̊ after 4 months and 12.6̊ after 12 months. In group 2 the mean intermetatarsal angle was 18.9̊ preoperatively, 12.0̊ after 4 months and 12.6̊ after 12 months. The AOFAS score improved from 59.3 to 81.5 in group 1 and from 61.8 to 84.8 in group 2 respectively measured 12 months postoperatively. The relative length of the 1 metatarsal compared to 2 metatarsal bone was 0.88 and 0.87 preoperatively and 0.88 and 0.86 for group 1 and 2 respectively measured after 12 months.Crescentic osteotomy and open wedge osteotomy improve AOFAS score and VAS scores on patients operated with severe hallux valgus. No significant difference was found in the two groups looking at the postoperative improvement of HVA and IMA measured 4 and 12 months postoperatively. The postoperative VAS score and AOFAS score were comparable for the two groups with no significant difference. An expected tendency to gain better length of the first metatarsal using the open wedge osteotomy compared to the crescentic osteotomy was not found. Even though the IMA and HVA reduction was only suboptimal the improvement in AOFAS score was comparable to other similar clinical trials.

High Rate of Recurrence Following Proximal Medial Opening Wedge Osteotomy for Correction of Moderate Hallux Valgus.

The proximal medial opening wedge (PMOW) osteotomy has become more popular to treat moderate to severe hallux valgus with the recent development of specifically designed, low-profile modular plates. Despite the promising results previously reported in the literature, we have noted a high incidence of recurrence in patients treated with a PMOW. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical and radiographic outcomes of an initial cohort of patients treated with a PMOW osteotomy for moderate hallux valgus. We retrospectively analyzed prospectively gathered data on a cohort of 17 consecutive patients who were treated by the senior author using a PMOW osteotomy for moderate hallux valgus deformity. Average time to follow-up was 2.4 years (range, 1.0-3.5 years). The intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the hallux valgus angle (HVA), and the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were assessed on standard weightbearing radiographs of the foot preoperatively and at all follow-up visits. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) was collected on all patients preoperatively and at final follow-up. Despite demonstrating good correction of their deformity initially, 11 of the 17 patients (64.7%) had evidence of recurrence of their hallux valgus deformity at final follow-up. Patients who recurred had a greater preoperative HVA (P = .023) and DMAA (P = .049) than patients who maintained their correction. Improvement in the quality-of-life subscale of the FAOS was noted at final follow-up for all patients (P = .05). There was no significant improvement in any of the other FAOS subscales. There was a high rate of recurrence of the hallux valgus deformity in this cohort of patients. Recurrence was associated with greater preoperative deformity and an increased preoperative DMAA. The PMOW without a concomitant distal metatarsal osteotomy may be best reserved for patients with mild hallux valgus deformity without an increased DMAA. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Hallux Valgus Correction with Bunionectomy, Lateral Release, and Proximal Opening Wedge Osteotomy Using Wedge-Plate Fixation

Treatment of hallux valgus with an increased intermetatarsal angle (approximately 12° to 20°) involves surgical correction of the hallux valgus by performing a bunionectomy, lateral release, and proximal opening wedge osteotomy of the first metatarsal. Perform a bunionectomy using a plantar and medial approach over the metatarsophalangeal joint. Release the contracted soft tissues lateral to the metatarsophalangeal joint to allow reduction of the noncongruent metatarsophalangeal joint using a 1 to 2-cm incision in the web space. Make the proximal opening wedge osteotomy through a dorsal medial incision. Close the wounds using nylon sutures, and apply sterile dressings and a cast. Patients are restricted to non-weight-bearing and then are progressed to full weight-bearing. Hallux valgus surgical correction, using a bunionectomy, lateral release, and a proximal opening wedge osteotomy, was performed for the treatment of hallux valgus with an increased intermetatarsal angle in a randomized controlled trial.IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.

Proximal Tibia Medial Biplanar Retrotubercle Open Wedge Osteotomy for Varus Knees with Medial Gonarthrosis

Objectives:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the early results of proximal tibia medial biplanar retrotubercle open wedge osteotomy for varus gonarthrosis and compare the results with the literatüre.Methods:The results of proximal tibia medial biplanar retrotubercle open wedge osteotomy for 23 knees of 22 patients with medial gonarthrosis were evaluated clinically and radiologically.Results:Twenty of the patients were female and two were male. Mean age of the patients was 56.24; mean boy mass index was 31.95 and preoperative HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) score was 68.7. Mean tibiofemoral axis was 186.39° and mean Insall-Salvatti index value was 1.04 preoperatively. Mean follow up period was 30.19 months. Mean HSS score was 86.48, femorotibial anatomic axis angle was 175° and Insall-Salvati index value 1.06 during the last follow-up. The improvement of the HSS score and the femorotibial anatomic axis angle was statistically significant. However, the change in Insall Salvati index values was statistically insignificant. Nonfatal pulmonary embolus in 1 patient, and deep vein thrombosis that occured one year after the procedure in 1 patient, rhabdomyolysis in 1 patient and loss of correction (relapse) in 1 patient were encountered as complications.Conclusion:Our results show that proximal tibia medial biplanar retrotubercle open wedge osteotomy improves the frontal and sagittal plane deformities without changing the patellar tendon length. Hence, possible patellofemoral problems are prevented and the clinical results are improved.

Proximal first metatarsal opening wedge osteotomy: Geometric analysis on saw bone models

BackgroundFor hallux valgus correction, distal first metatarsal osteotomy is generally used for minor to moderate deformities, diaphyseal osteotomy for moderate deformities and basal osteotomy or arthrodesis for severe deformities. With the advent of locking plates, there has been renewed interest in opening wedge basal osteotomy. ObjectiveWe undertook this study in order to understand the power and limitations of this osteotomy. MethodProximal opening wedge osteotomies were performed on saw bone models in four orientations, with three different wedge sizes: (1) perpendicular to the ground (PG); (2) perpendicular to the shaft (PS); (3) perpendicular to shaft with 30° declination (DEC); (4) 30° oblique (OB). Pre- and post-osteotomy measurements were made of axial and plantar translation and inter-metatarsal angle. ResultsPlantar translation and intermetatarsal angle correction increased with increasing wedge size. The DEC osteotomy produced the greatest increase in length of metatarsal shaft, while the PS osteotomy gave the least. The most plantar translation was achieved with the DEC osteotomy. Overall, the PS osteotomy gave the largest correction of the intermetatarsal angle. ConclusionAlthough there are several published clinical case series of the proximal opening wedge osteotomy, this is the first study to fully evaluate its geometry.

Anterolateral Proximal Tibial Opening Wedge Osteotomy to Treat Symptomatic Genu Recurvatum with Valgus Alignment: A Case Report.

Gaskill, Trevor R. MD1; Pierce, Casey M. MD2; James, Evan W. BS2; LaPrade, Robert F. MD, PhD1 Author Information

Comment on Schuh et al.: Angular correction and complications of proximal first metatarsal osteotomies for hallux valgus deformity

To the Editor, In this meta-analysis, Schuh et al. [1] compared correction of intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles and complications of proximal crescentic, Ludloff, proximal opening wedge, proximal closing wedge, proximal chevron and other proximal first metatarsal osteotomies. They found that there was a mean correction of hallux valgus angle of 20.1° [confidence interval (CI) 18.7–21.4] and of intermetatarsal angle of 8.1° (CI 7.7–8.9). The overall complication rate reached 18.7 %. It is a valuable study. Nevertheless, there are some comments we would like to raise related to this article. The authors included 62 primary studies eligible for meta-analysis. However, we found several repeated studies in the meta-analysis (Table 1). Coughlin et al. reported their studies about proximal crescentic osteotomy [2, 3] twice in 2005 and 2007. Lee et al. also reported their studies about proximal chevron osteotomy [4, 5] twice from 2007 to 2008, and Sammarco et al. reported about proximal chevron osteotomy [6, 7] twice in 1993 and 1995. Schuh et al. included all these studies in their meta-analysis. In our opinion, some repeated data might exist among their studies [2–7]. To solve these problems, we suggest that these studies [2, 4, 6] should be excluded from the meta-analysis. Publication language was limited to English and German in the meta-analysis. Therefore, the authors should mention the potential importance of language bias in the limitations of their meta-analysis. The authors described that “funnel plots were drawn to check for publication bias. Inspection of the funnel plots showed no sign of publication bias.” However, we cannot find the funnel plots in the paper. The author should provide us all the funnel plots. We agree with the following conclusions of the authors, i.e. the proximal crescentic osteotomy provided the highest amount of HVA correction. However, regarding angular correction as well as complications, the proximal chevron osteotomy revealed the most favourable results. Rigid fixation is mandatory in order to reduce complications, and further high-quality prospective comparative studies are required and might change the observed effects.

The effect of proximal tibial corrective osteotomy on menisci, tibia and tarsal bones: a finite element model study of tibia vara

Proximal tibial open wedge osteotomy (PTO) is a corrective operation used in the surgery of lower extremities and is applied to patients with varus deformities for sufficient correction. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the PTO can achieve decreased stress-bearing on the tibia and tarsal bones in addition to correcting the mechanical axis of the lower limb in patients with tibia vara. Three-dimensional (3D) solid modelling of the lower extremity was carried out using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR)-containing images of all of the bony elements and non-bony structures. PTO was applied to the obtained deformed model in the computer environment and the correction was carried out. Stress distributions in menisci, tibia and tarsal bones were calculated. With respect to loading on the tarsal bones, the maximum equivalent stresses on all bones decreased except for the navicula in the PTO-simulated model in the current study. These results clearly indicate that PTO can achieve decreased stresses on the tarsal bones in patients with tibia vara.

Proximal opening-wedge osteotomy of the first metatarsal for moderate and severe hallux valgus using low profile plates

To present the results of the treatment of hallux valgus with the proximal metatarsal opening wedge (PMOW) osteotomy using two different screw and plate systems. Forty-one patients with moderate and severe hallux valgus were treated with the PMOW osteotomy between 2005 and 2009. The fixation was obtained by the Darco(®) BOW or by the Arthrex(®) LPS plate. Biplanar chevron and/or Akin osteotomy were associated according to the magnitude of distal angles. Each patient was evaluated with weight-bearing radiographs and AOFAS score. The HV, IM, DMA and IP angles improved by a mean of 14°, 8°, 11°, 7° respectively. The sesamoid position improved in 79% of the feet. AOFAS score improved from a mean of 50 to 82. The PMOW osteotomy is effective to correct high-level hallux valgus deformities. Both systems guarantee the stability and correction of the osteotomy site. The combination with distal procedures is advisable to correct distal angles.

Angular correction and complications of proximal first metatarsal osteotomies for hallux valgus deformity

Proximal first metatarsal osteotomies are recommended for the surgical treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. This study aimed to compare correction of intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles and complications of proximal crescentic, Ludloff, proximal opening wedge, proximal closing wedge, proximal chevron and other proximal first metatarsal osteotomies. A systematic search for the keywords "(bunion OR hallux) AND (proximal OR crescentic OR basilar OR opening OR closing OR shelf OR Ludloff) AND osteotomy" in the online databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed. There was a mean correction of hallux valgus angle of 20.1° [confidence interval (CI) 18.7-21.4] and of intermetatarsal angle of 8.1° (CI 7.7-8.9). The overall complication rate reached 18.7%. The results of this study reveal higher corrective power of proximal osteotomies compared to meta-analysis data on diaphyseal osteotomies.

Proximal opening wedge metatarsal osteotomy for correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity using a locking plate

Hallux valgus is a complex deformity of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, with varus angulation of the first metatarsal, valgus deviation of the great toe and lateral displacement of the sesamoids and the extensor tendons. The aim of the surgery is to achieve correction of the varus deviation of the 1st metatarsal which is considered by some as the primary intrinsic predisposing factor to hallux valgus deformity. We retrospectively reviewed 85 patients (107 feet) who underwent an opening wedge osteotomy of the 1st metatarsal for correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus and metatarsus primus varus. A medially applied anatomic pre-contoured locking plate was used for fixation of the osteotomy. The mean IMA was decreased from 15.8 (range 12-22) degrees to 7.8 (range 0-12) degrees. The mean pre-operative HVA was 39 (range 21-52) degrees and the mean postoperative HVA was 11.8 (6-19) degrees. The pre-operative AOFAS score was 52 (SD 3.1) and the postoperative score was 85 (SD 5.2). The proximal opening wedge metatarsal osteotomy is a safe, effective and reproducible technique for correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. The use of a locking plate provides enough control at the fragments, enhancing healing of osteotomy and maintenance of the correction even with a violated proximal lateral cortex.

Genu Recurvatum after Tibial Tuberosity Fracture

Fractures of the tibial tuberosity are infrequent injuries that occur during adolescence. Displaced tibial tuberosity fractures are typically treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Since these fractures occur at or near skeletal maturity, growth disturbances are not seen. This paper presents a case, the first report to our knowledge, of genu recurvatum deformity after open reduction and internal fixation of a tibial tuberosity fracture. A successful treatment plan of tibial tuberosity osteotomy with proximal tibial opening wedge osteotomy was used for the correction of genu recurvatum deformity and to maintain appropriate patellar height. At eighteen-month followup, the deformity remains corrected with satisfactory functional results. This case highlights the importance of recognition of potential complications of fracture management in adolescence.

Gradual correction of idiopathic genu varum deformity using the Ilizarov technique

Proximal tibial osteotomy is an effective treatment option for genu varum deformity among the many other described techniques. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes and the complications in gradual correction of idiopathic genu varum deformity using Ilizarov frame. Proximal tibial medial opening wedge osteotomy was performed in 21 lower limbs of 11 patients, with whom the Ilizarov external fixator was used for gradual correction of the varus deformity. The mean age of the patients was 24.8 years (SD, 5.3). Deformity measurements of conventional mechanical axis deviation, mechanical medial proximal tibial angle, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, posterior proximal tibial angle, joint conversion angle, tibio-femoral angle and tibial slope were compared. The mean time for removal of the Ilizarov fixator was 24.7 weeks. At the last follow-up, the mean of Hospital for Special Surgery knee score increased, and the mean mechanical medial proximal tibial angle, tibio-femoral angle and conventional mechanical axis deviation improved. The differences between preoperative and postoperative posterior proximal tibial angle, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, joint conversion angle and tibial slope were not significant. Ten complications were observed, of which 8 were minor complications and 2 were minor complications. With a few complications, normal alignment and orientation of lower extremity can be established in patients with idiopathic genu varum deformity through gradual correction using a Ilizarov fixator. Retrospective case series, Level IV.

Prospective Outcomes of Young and Middle-Aged Adults With Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis Treated With a Proximal Tibial Opening Wedge Osteotomy

The purpose of this study was to conduct a prospective outcome analysis of proximal tibial opening wedge osteotomies performed in young and middle-aged patients (aged <55 years) for the treatment of symptomatic medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. A consecutive series of young and middle-aged adults who underwent proximal tibial opening wedge osteotomies for symptomatic medial compartment osteoarthritis and genu varus alignment were prospectively followed up. Patients were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative modified Cincinnati Knee Scores and International Knee Documentation Committee objective knee subscores for knee effusions and the single-leg hop. Calculations were made of the preoperative and postoperative long-leg radiographic mechanical weight-bearing axis, patellar height (Insall-Salvati index), and tibial slope. A separate cohort of asymptomatic patients was used to quantify tibial plateau anatomy to provide an objective description of the lower extremity mechanical axis. There were 47 patients, with a mean age of 40.5 years, with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up, who formed this patient cohort. Modified Cincinnati Knee Scores improved significantly from 42.9 preoperatively to 65.1 at a mean of 3.6 years of follow-up. Radiographic analysis of a separate cohort showed the medial tibial eminence to be located at the 41% point along the tibial plateau from medial (0%) to lateral (100%). There was a significant improvement in malalignment: the mean mechanical axis passed through the tibial plateau at 23% of the distance along the proximal tibia preoperatively versus 54% postoperatively. The Insall-Salvati index decreased from 1.03 to 0.95 (P < .05), and posterior tibial slope increased from 9.4° to 11.7° (P < .05). Of the osteotomies, 3 (6%) were considered failures, defined by revision of the osteotomy or conversion to total knee arthroplasty. Performing proximal tibial opening wedge osteotomies to treat symptomatic medial compartment osteoarthritis in carefully selected patients leads to a significant improvement in subjective and objective clinical outcome scores with correction of malalignment at a mean of 3.6 years postoperatively. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Proximal medial tibial biplanar retrotubercle open wedge osteotomy in medial knee arthrosis

The patellar tendon length changes and patella infera occurs in medial open wedge osteotomies. We hypothesized that patellar tendon length in the sagittal plane would not change in a proximal medial tibial biplanar retrotubercle open wedge osteotomy. Proximal medial tibial biplanar retrotubercle open wedge osteotomies were conducted on 23 knees of 22 patients; the mean patient age was 59±7years (range, 53–69years). The surgical procedure used had some technical distinctions from those used in literature. The mean follow-up was 37±11months (range, 19–58months). Preoperative and postoperative Hospital for Special Surgery Scoring System (HSS) scores, radiological tibial slope, Insall–Salvati, Blackburne–Peel, and Caton indices, femoro-tibial anatomical axis angle, the angle between the femoral condyle and tibial plateau, and the angle between the tibial plateau and tibial axis were measured and compared statistically. Postoperative HSS scores were statistically higher than the preoperative HSS scores. The femoro-tibial axis angle, the angle between the femoral condyle and tibial plateau, and the angle between the tibial plateau and tibial axes decreased significantly. No statistical difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative Insall–Salvati, Blackburne–Peel, or Caton indices. When we performed proximal medial tibial biplanar retrotubercle open wedge osteotomy, clinical and radiological recovery was observed but patellar height did not change.

The Safety and Efficacy of a New Adjustable Plate Used for Proximal Tibial Opening Wedge Osteotomy in the Treatment of Unicompartmental Knee Osteoarthrosis

Twenty opening wedge tibial osteotomies were performed using the Osteotrac plate, which consists of a two-piece plate with a one-way ratcheting mechanism with two degrees of freedom. A variety of concomitant procedures were performed including osteochondral transfer, tibial tubercle medialization, and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The change in tibiofemoral alignment in the coronal plane and the shift in lower extremity mechanical axis were determined. The average lateral shift in the lower extremity mechanical axis was 24% of the tibial plateau width. The average change in the mechanical tibiofemoral angle was 7 degrees of valgus. Union rate at the osteotomy site was 95%. No deep infections, clinical deep venous thrombosis, or device failures occurred. The Osteotrac plate provides safe and effective fixation and intraoperative adjustability to achieve and maintain a lateral shift of the lower extremity mechanical axis and valgus correction of the tibiofemoral alignment in patients with varus knees undergoing proximal tibial opening wedge osteotomy and associated meniscal and chondral procedures.

Opening Wedge Osteotomies for Correction of Hallux Valgus

Osteotomy of the proximal metatarsal for the correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity is commonly performed. The purpose of this study is to review the early results of a technique for the correction of hallux valgus, an opening wedge osteotomy of the proximal first metatarsal with opening wedge plate fixation. A review was performed of the results of 47 patients (49 feet) who underwent correction of hallux valgus with proximal metatarsal opening wedge osteotomy. All osteotomies were secured with plate fixation on the medial side. Evaluation consisted of preoperative and postoperative radiographic as well as clinical evaluations. Mean corrections of 7 degrees were achieved for the 1-2 intermetatarsal angles. Fourteen complications occurred, 6 of which involved mild hardware irritation and did not affect outcome. Four nonunions or delayed unions were identified. The authors find the opening wedge osteotomy of the proximal first metatarsal to be a technically straightforward procedure for correcting moderate to severe hallux valgus. The correction obtained is comparable to other described techniques.

Proximal Opening-Wedge Osteotomy of the First Metatarsal for Hallux Valgus Using a Low Profile Plate

This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the results of the proximal (basal) opening-wedge osteotomy of the first metatarsal for correction of symptomatic hallux valgus deformity, using a low profile plate. The procedure was performed by a single surgeon over an 18-month period. Forty-six patients (64 feet) were treated for symptomatic hallux valgus with an average follow up of 20 months. A proximal opening-wedge osteotomy of the first metatarsal and fixation with a low profile plate in combination with a distal soft tissue release with the same postoperative protocol was used in all the patients. Improvement in the hallux valgus angle (HV) and I---II intermetatarsal angle (IM I---II) as well as the AOFAS forefoot score pre and postoperatively (obtained retrospectively from the medical records), were recorded; in particular, the length of the first metatarsal was noted pre- and postoperatively. The HV and IM I---II angles improved by a mean of 14.7 degrees and 6.4 degrees, respectively. The AOFAS forefoot score improved from a mean of 51.3 to 86.8. The mean increase in the length of the first metatarsal was 2.3 mm. Of the more significant complications, five patients developed a hallux varus (early in the series), one of which was symptomatic, and there was one non-union requiring bone graft. The proximal opening wedge osteotomy of the first metatarsal in combination with a distal soft tissue release and stable fixation of the low profile plate was an effective method for correcting a moderate hallux valgus deformity. Guidance provided by the "First Metatarsal Opening Wedge Angle Reference Chart'' was found to be helpful for the IM I-II angle correction.