ABSTRACT
Hallux valgus has been defined as a static subluxation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with lateral deviation of the proximal phalanx on the first metatarsal head from the longitudinal axis of the first metatarsal with medial deviation of the first metatarsal. And first-second metatarsal angle is increased as well as bursal hypertrophy over the medial eminence of the first metatarsal head. Many procedures have been reported for the treatment of the hallux valgus ranging from resection arthroplasty to distal first metatarsal or basal first metatarsal osteotomy. Of these, Johnson and Corless have required sufficiently good results in the modifying Mitchell osteotomy into Chevron osteotomy. The Chevron procedure is an osteotomy involving the distal portion of the first metatarsal, lateral displacement of the metatarsal head with exostosectomy, and tightening of the medial capsular structures. Authors studied 17 cases in 10 patients with the hallux valgus deformity treated by Chevron osteotomy at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Capital Armed Forced General Hospital from September 1987 to September 1989. The results were as follows; 1. Seven patients (12 cases) were male and three patients (5 cases) were female. All patients had bilateral hallux valgus deformity. 2. The average first-second intermetatarsal angle was 11 degrees and average valgus angle was 32 degrees, preoperatively. They were corrected to 9 degrees and 14 degrees respectively. 3. The metatarsalgia of the great toe was subsided in all cases and they were satisfied with the result of their operations in respect to cosmetically and functionally. Avascular necrosis of capital fragment, nonunion, and dorsal angulation were not developed in any case. But, one case had marginal skin necrosis, presumably due to excessive compressive dressing. 4. Chevron osteotomy is a technically easy procedure and it can be obtained early bone healing with less complication.