Treatment of hallux valgus by oblique osteotomy of the first metatarsal.

This paper describes a simple technique of oblique osteotomy of the first metatarsal for treatment of symptomatic hallux valgus deformity. The osteotomy is performed at a 30 degree angle from the long axis of the metatarsal shaft. The head of the metatarsal is then displaced laterally to provide correction of the hallux valgus. This is an uncomplicated procedure for the treatment of hallux valgus. From 1984 through 1989, 53 feet in 31 patients were treated with an oblique osteotomy of the first metatarsal. A total of 49 feet in 27 patients were followed up more than 2 years. The follow-up x-rays and clinical examinations revealed a good result in 43 feet. In six feet of three patients, all of whom had simultaneous oblique osteotomies of both the first and second metatarsals, a fair or poor result was obtained. It was learned that oblique osteotomy for hallux valgus greater than 40 degrees provided insufficient correction of the valgus angle or limitation of motion at the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe.