Minimally Invasive Transverse Distal Metatarsal Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Correction: Is there a Difference in Outcome Between Moderate and Severe Deformities?

Abstract

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Bunion Introduction/Purpose: We compared the radiological and clinical outcomes of moderate and severe hallux valgus (HV) treated with minimally invasive distal metatarsal transverse osteotomy (MITO) performed by a single surgeon. Methods: Eighty-four patients who underwent MITO between May 2018 and March 2020 were recruited and followed for at least 24 months. The severe group was defined as having a preoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) greater than 40° or preoperative first-to-second intermetatarsal angle (1–2 IMA) greater than 16°; the moderate group was defined as having an HVA less than 40° and a 1–2 IMA less than 16°. Pre- and postoperative measurements of the HVA, 1–2 IMA, distal metatarsal articular angle, and tibial sesamoid position were obtained. The Visual Analogue Scale for pain, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey-36 Physical Component Summary were used to assess clinical outcomes. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all radiologic parameters postoperatively with the degrees of correction greater in the severe group than in the moderate group. All clinical scores improved significantly from the preoperative to the last follow-up visit. Final clinical outcomes and degrees of improvement were comparable in both groups. Conclusion: This study showed that short-term radiographic results for patients with either moderate or severe HV treated with MITO were favorable. Overall clinical outcomes were comparable to those of conventional treatments. MITO with screw fixation is a satisfactory surgical option for patients with HV deformities.