Gait analysis before and after osteotomy for hallux valgus.

Twenty-one female patients with bunions were treated by Mitchell osteotomy. Nineteen had clinically excellent or good results. This included no pain on walking, normal ambulation, and improved appearance. Two patients were dissatisfied. By using an instrumented treadmill the gait function was tested before and a median of 6 1/2 months after operation. No significant improvements or losses were found in a large series of gait parameters. The benefits of operation were not due to an improved gait function and other factors must have influenced the final result.