Basal osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone in hallux valgus: experiences with the use of AO plate

In young patients with hallux valgus, osteotomy with excision of the exostosis is frequently indicated. The basal, laterally based wedge osteotomy, is relatively seldom used. However this operation may produce a considerable reduction of the metatarsus primus varus. We modified the method by adding a small AO plate to ensure stabilization. The series consisted of 36 patients, in whom 52 feet were operated on. Pain was the most frequent indication for seeking treatment. A followup was performed an average of 1.5 years postoperatively. The subjective results were good in 41 cases, fair in nine, and poor in one. Objectively the results were good in 42 cases and fair in nine. The mean period of work was seven weeks. The metatarsus varus angle was reduced from 14.8 degrees to 9.3 degrees and the hallux valgus angle from 33.2 degrees to 17.7 degrees. The distance between the first and second metatarsal bones was reduced from 13. 7 mm to 10.2 mm. A good functional and cosmetic result was achieved in most of the cases.