A Novel Technique for Moderate Hallux Valgus Correction: The BC Osteotomy

Abstract

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Surgical correction of hallux valgus rebalances the first ray, correcting the various features of the deformity. While several surgical methods are available, consensus regarding the best management has yet to be established. In the last decades, there was an increasing interest in mini-invasive procedures. In this scenario the Bosch technique appears to be a reproducible DMO to achieve proper correction. Theoretically, it allows for fast and safe correction of the deformity, however it was criticized for its unstable nature. We describe a new distal metatarsal osteotomy (DMO) that it is a combination of the (traditional) chevron and the (mini-invasive) Bosch-SERI techniques. The purpose of this investigation is to describe the surgical technique and report the results of this modified procedure at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Methods: Between January 2016 and June 2018, 63 consecutive patients, with mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity underwent corrective surgery using the BC technique. Preoperatively, each patient’s data was recorded and all patients underwent an assessment of functional limitation and pain level as well as a physical examination that included measurement of the passive range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. At final follow up, the patients were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society’s (AOFAS) hallux- metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal scale. Additionally, patients were asked to rate their satisfaction with regard to the overall result of the operation according to the Coughlin overall satisfaction scale. Anteroposterior and lateral weight-bearing radiographs were made preoperatively as well as at the short-term and intermediate-term follow-up evaluations. The HVA, the first IMA, and the congruency of the first metatarsophalangeal joint were measured with the technique recommended by the AOFAS. Results: BC osteotomy was performed in 62 patients, including 33 right feet and 29 left feet, with no bilateral procedures. The patient population consisted of 50 females (79%), with an average age of 50.4 years (range 19 to 75) years. The mean follow-up time was 36.5 months (range 23 to 59). The mean AOFAS score improved from 69.3 preoperatively to 88 postoperatively (p<0.001). IMA and HVA pre and postoperative improved from a median of 30.7 degrees to 11.1 degrees for HVA and 13.9 degrees to 6.5 degrees for the IMA (p<0.001). 82.5% of patients were very satisfied / satisfied with the procedure. There were no cases of infection, however we observed two cases of complex regional pain syndrome and two screws that required removal. Conclusion: We believe this osteotomy has a number of advantages: (1) one mini-invasive approach is used; (2) a large correction can be obtained in all directions including the frontal and sagittal planes; (3) blood supply to the metatarsal head is preserved; and (4) intrinsically stable OT, allowing immediate full weight bearing. The merge, of percutaneous techniques and classic stable fixed approach may seems to offer a stable, effective and reproducible correction of hallux valgus deformity with the advantages of a minimally-invasive technique