Outcomes of proximal chevron osteotomy for moderate versus severe hallux valgus deformities

Background: Proximal chevron osteotomy with a distal soft tissue procedure has been widely used to treat moderate to severe hallux valgus deformities. However, there have been no studies comparing the results of proximal chevron osteotomy between patients with moderate and severe hallux valgus. We compared the results of this procedure among these groups. Methods: A retrospective review of 95 patients (108 feet) that underwent proximal chevron osteotomy and distal soft tissue procedure for moderate and severe hallux valgus was conducted. The 108 feet were divided into two groups: moderate hallux valgus (Group A) and severe hallux valgus (Group B). Group A was composed of 57 feet (52 patients) and Group B of 51 feet (43 patients). Average followup was 45 months. Results: Mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scores were 54.1 points in Group A and 53.0 points in Group B preoperatively, and these improved to 90.8 and 92.6, respectively, at the last followup. Mean hallux valgus angles in Groups A and B reduced from 32.3 and 40.8 degrees, preoperatively to 10.7 and 13.2 degrees, postoperatively. Similarly, mean first intermetatarsal angles in Groups A and B reduced from 15.0 and 19.2 degrees, preoperatively to 9.0 and 9.2 degrees, postoperatively. Conclusion: The clinical and radiographic outcomes of proximal chevron osteotomy with a distal soft tissue procedure were found to be comparable for moderate and severe hallux valgus. Accordingly, our results suggest that this procedure provides an effective and reliable means of correcting hallux valgus regardless of severity of deformity.