Avascular necrosis following chevron distal metatarsal osteotomy: a significant risk?

The authors have shown the chevron osteotomy to be an effective operation for hallux valgus where degenerative changes have not occurred in the metatarsophalangeal joint. Chevron osteotomy is normally restricted to younger patients, yet in this study there has been no upper limit for age and the authors have shown a high rate of patient satisfaction with good mobility and cosmesis. Results are not significantly operator-dependent, and the procedure is simple and reliable. The authors have been unable to verify previous reports in smaller studies of the serious complication of avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head on clinical or radiological grounds.