Short-term Results After Minimally Invasive Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Correction

Through a 4-cm-long dorsomedial skin incision the V-shaped osteotomy with the apex 1-2 mm superior to the center of the metatarsal head is performed. The angle of the chevron is 60° to 90°. The direction of the osteotomy is angled toward the center of the third metatarsal head. After shifting the metatarsal head laterally, fixation is achieved by usage of one cannulated screw (3.0 mm or 2.5mm). Prominent bone ridges are resected with a saw. A distal soft tissue procedure is performed in every case through the same skin incision. The adductor hallucis tendon is detached from its insertion at the phalangeal bone and from the lateral border of the fibular sesamoid. The transverse intermetatarsal ligament is released and a T-shaped capsulotomy is performed to allow reposition of the sesamoids. Sesamoid position is controlled by sight. After closing of the medial capsula skin is closed with nylon sutures.

The osteotomy is performed percutaneously through a dorsomedial incision of 3-5 mm. An electric motor-driven machine used for the osteotomy. To prevent overheating the reamer is frequently rinsed with sterile saline. The medial eminence is excised and the V-shaped osteotomy is performed. The apex of the osteotomy is identified by fluoroscopy and centered 1-2 mm superior to the center of the metatarsal head. The angle of the osteotomy amounts to 60-90 degrees as well. Bone debris is washed out with sterile saline. A lateral soft-tissue release is undertaken through a separate lateral incision of 3-5 mm. The distal fragment is shifted laterally and fixed with a canulated screw of 3.5mm. Residual bone ridges are reamed. Position of the metatarsal head and the K-wire is controlled by fluoroscopy. The skin is closed with a nylon sutures.