Distal chevron osteotomy with intra-articular lateral soft-tissue release for treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity

We retrospectively reviewed the results of 32 patients (38 feet), with hallux valgus angles between 35° and 60°, who were treated by standard distal chevron osteotomy and intra-articular lateral soft tissue release. The average follow-up period was 5.2 years (4-7 years). The preoperative intermetatarsal angle averaged 14.4°, and the postoperative angle averaged 7.7°. The preoperative hallux valgus angle averaged 42.7°, and the postoperative angle averaged 18.8°. Subjectively, the satisfaction rate in terms of symptom improvement, cosmetic appearance and function was over 90%. Avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head was not found in our series, which indicated that additional lateral soft tissue release is not contraindicated in combination with chevron osteotomy. Based on the level of satisfaction in our series, we concluded that the combination of distal chevron osteotomy and intraarticular lateral soft tissue release has broader application than the chevron osteotomy alone for patients with hallux valgus deformity.