BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to present the mid-term results of hallux valgus patients who underwent a modified chevron osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients (73 feet) with mild to moderate hallux valgus underwent a modified chevron osteotomy and Stoffella pin fixation between January 1999 and December 2004. Patients were evaluated clinically by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were evaluated for the hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles and sesamoid position. RESULTS: An improvement of 44.8 points in the AOFAS score was found. A change of 17.4 degrees in the hallux valgus angle and by 5.3 degrees in the intermetatarsal angle was achieved (p < 0.05). The change in the sesamoid position was significantly improved. Superficial skin infection in 3 cases, transient hypoesthesia in 2 cases, and bursitis due to screw irritation in 4 cases were the complications. CONCLUSION: Stable and rigid fixation by modified chevron osteotomy using Stoffella pins allows early mobilization and weightbearing without a cast. We believe early mobilization of the joint provides better functional outcomes with fewer complications compared to other fixation techniques.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to present the mid-term results of hallux valguspatients who underwent a modified chevron osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients (73 feet) with mild to moderate hallux valgus underwent a modified chevron osteotomy and Stoffella pin fixation between January 1999 and December 2004. Patients were evaluated clinically by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were evaluated for the hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles and sesamoid position. RESULTS: An improvement of 44.8 points in the AOFAS score was found. A change of 17.4 degrees in the hallux valgus angle and by 5.3 degrees in the intermetatarsal angle was achieved (p < 0.05). The change in the sesamoid position was significantly improved. Superficial skin infection in 3 cases, transient hypoesthesia in 2 cases, and bursitis due to screw irritation in 4 cases were the complications. CONCLUSION: Stable and rigid fixation by modified chevron osteotomy using Stoffella pins allows early mobilization and weightbearing without a cast. We believe early mobilization of the joint provides better functional outcomes with fewer complications compared to other fixation techniques.