Clinical Outcomes after Chevron Procedure are Better than Pedobarographic Results

The distal Chevron or Austin procedure, is arguably the most prominent of the distal metatarsal osteotomies. Recent studies in the literature have shown a trend in recommending this osteotomy or one if it’s modifications for even severe hallux valgus deformities. Therefore we aimed to compare the clinical and pedobarographic results after chevron osteotomy in patients with moderate hallux valgus deformity. We investigated a homogeneous lot of 10 patients undergoing hallux valgus correction using distal chevron technique. In order to quantify the improvement of the gait in these patients, several biomechanical parameters have been measured using a matrix of pressure sensors that provide us the vertical reaction forces when the foot is in physical contact with it. Results show an improvement in patient’s velocity and cadence after the surgery, and also a smaller variability in gait. Nevertheless, optimal clinical outcomes are still found to have altered ground reaction forces on pedobarographic assessment.