Treatment of hallux valgus in adolescents by the chevron osteotomy.

Between 1978 and 1984, 20 adolescent patients underwent 35 chevron osteotomies of the first metatarsal for correction of painful hallux valgus. After an average follow-up of 64 months, 85% of the patients expressed overall satisfaction. The cosmetic effect was the most satisfactory result (90%), followed by relief of pain (85%) and lack of limitations in footwear (65%). Radiographic evaluation did not seem to correlate with the final clinical result. The chevron osteotomy is a reasonable operative procedure for correction of hallux valgus in adolescents.