Preoperative radiological parameters correlated to hallux valgus recurrence after distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy.

Background and study aims: Most foot surgeons recognize the difficulties to define each patient's hallux valgus (HV) deformity and to select the most appropriate surgical treatment to achieve the best long term outcome. The goal of this study was to analyze radiologic outcomes after distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy and to identify specific preoperative radiological parameters correlating with radiological recurrence.

Materials and methods: One hundred twenty patients (134 feet) in patients with symptomatic moderate or severe HV deformity who underwent distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy at our hospital between 2014 and 2019 were included in the present study. Each patient was evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively and at final follow-up by means of radiographs lateral and dorsoplantar views. We examined fourteen radiographic measurements. Data were collected retrospectively.

Results: The mean follow-up time was 23.65 months (range 6-69.4 months). The recurrence rate was 76.1%. Radiologic HV recurrence was defined by a final hallux valgus angle (HVA) equal or greater than 20 degrees.

Conclusions: Greater age at time of surgical treatment and preoperative noncongruent I metatarsophalangeal joint were identified as predictors for HV recurrence.

Level of evidence: Level IV.