Results of Bioabsorbable Screws for the Fixation of Chevron Osteotomy in the Treatment of Hallux Valgus Deformities.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the safety and reliability of using bioabsorbable screws for the fixation of chevron osteotomy in the treatment of hallux valgus (HV) deformity.

Methods: Clinical cases of chevron osteotomy in the treatment of HV deformities in our hospital between December 2018 and August 2022 were retrospectively summarized to compare preoperative imaging indices, including HV angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle, and tibial sesamoid position, with those at the final follow-up session. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale, 36-Item Short Form Survey, and European Foot and Ankle Society scale were used to assess therapeutic efficacy. The visual analog scale was used to assess pain relief. Moreover, complications were recorded.

Results: Twenty-six patients (39 feet) were included, and the mean follow-up period was 24.0 months. No infection, delayed healing, or nonhealing was recorded. The osteotomy ends healed well without nonunion or delayed union. Four cases of recurrence (HVA ≥20°), two cases of numbness in the distal toe, one case of necrosis of the first metatarsal head, and one case of osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint occurred. No patients underwent secondary surgery. The HVA, intermetatarsal angle, and tibial sesamoid position significantly reduced at the final follow-up session compared with their preoperative values, and significant improvement was seen in clinical scores.

Conclusions: The use of bioabsorbable screws for the fixation of chevron osteotomy is safe and effective in the treatment of HV deformities.