Short-term results of the modified Chevron osteotomy with soft-tissue release and guide-wire fixation:: A prospective study.

Aim: A Chevron osteotomy with lateral soft-tissue release was performed at our department in 1993. In 1994 a prospective study to evaluate the temporary Kirschner wire fixation was started. Aim of this prospective study was to analyse the short-term clinical and radiological results with special attention to stability, necroses, and luxation of the first metatarsal head. Method: Between February 1994 and October 1995 45 patients (55 feet) were treated with a Chevron osteotomy combined with a lateral soft-tissue release and temorary Kirschner wire fixation. The average follow-up was 33.9 months. All patients were seen and evaluated preoperatively and at a minimum follow-up of 24 months using a standardized questionnaire based on the Hallux metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal Scale (HMIS) of the American Foot and Ankle Society. Results: Results of the survey of patient satisfaction revealed excellent and good results in 83%, fair in 8%, and poor in 9%. The median HMIS at final follow-up was 86.9 pints of 100 points. The average hallux valgus angle correction was 19.8 (from 28.7 to 8.9) and the average first intermetatarsal angel correction was, 8.2 (from 14.4 to 6.2). No avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head and no loss of correction were noted. In one case a luxation of the metatarsal head was observed. Conclusion: Combining the Chevron osteotomy with an excessive lateral soft-tissue release increases the likelihood of instability of the metatarsal head and consecutive loss of correction. The temporary Kirschner wire fixation increases the stability of the Chevron osteotomy and prevents the loss of correction. The disadvantage of this method is, that the wire has to be removed after 6 weeks.