Radiographic Results After Percutaneous Distal Metatarsal Osteotomy for Correction of Hallux Valgus Deformity

Background: The goal of the study was to evaluate the short-term radiographic results and complications of a percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus. Methods: From June, 2005, until October, 2005, a percutaneous distal first metatarsal osteotomy was performed in 13 consecutive patients. All patients had mild to moderate hallux valgus deformities preoperatively. The mean postoperative followup was 130 (range 50 to 207) days. The radiographs were reviewed for hallux valgus angle, 1-2 intermetatarsal angle, nonunion, malunion, and osteonecrosis. Results: The mean 2 weeks postoperative hallux valgus angle demonstrated a statistically significant ( p < 0.0001) improvement from 25 (16 to 33) degrees preoperatively to 5 (−1 to 12) degrees postoperatively. Nine patients (69%) demonstrated dorsally angulated alignment of the first metatarsal at the first postoperative examination averaging 10.8 (6 to 15) degrees that increased to 15.9 (10 to 22) degrees at final followup. One patient developed cystic changes within the metatarsal head consistent with osteonecrosis. One patient developed a nonunion with no evidence of radiographic healing at most recent followup of 180 days. Five patients (38%) had recurrent hallux valgus defined as a final angle of greater than 15 degrees. Conclusions: Percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus is associated with an unacceptable rate of complications, specifically, osteonecrosis, nonunion, malunion, and recurrence. The intraoperative correction was routinely lost after removal of the intramedullary Kirschner wire, leading to a high rate of recurrence of hallux valgus deformity as well as dorsal elevation of the capital fragment.