Hallux valgus in children: a 5-14-year follow-up study of 30 feet treated with a modified Mitchell osteotomy.

Between 1985 and 1995, 30 modified Mitchell osteotomies were performed in 18 children with hallux valgus, 12 bilateral and 6 unilateral. The mean age at surgery was 15 (10-18) years. The surgical modification consisted of diverging trapezoidal cuts, plantar displacement of the head, release of the lateral collateral ligament and the adductor insertion and Kirschner wire fixation of the osteotomy. At an average follow-up of 8 (5-14) years there were no nonunions, avascular necroses or recurrences. All the patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results, could use regular shoes and had no physical restrictions. Only 2 complained of occasional pain, thought to be secondary to transfer metatarsalgia. The presence of an open physis at the time of surgery did not affect the results.