ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The authors evaluated the differences between K-wires and Cannulated screw, plate for fixing the proximal metatarsal chevron osteotomy of moderate and severe hallux valgus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 62 patients (79 feet) who were moderate and severe degree hallux valgus according to the classification of Mann. They all got the proximal chevron osteotomy when correcting the deformity. We divided the patients into 4 groups, Two K-wire fixed group as A, one cannulated screw fixed group as B. Two cannulated screw fixed group as C, Plate fixed group as D, Group A were patients (26 feet) and Group B were patients (9 feet), Group C were patients (31 feet) and Group D were patients (13 feet). Preoperative, postoperative and follow-up hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were measured for each patient. ANOVA test and Student t-test were done for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean follow up period was 43.8 months (range: 12~82 months). Preoperative mean IMA was 16.4+/-3.5, 17.7+/-11.3, 17.3+/-5.9 and 16.6+/-2.3 degrees in respectively group A, B, C, D. Immediate postoperative mean IMA was 5.6+/-3.4, 7.3+/-4.4, 7.6+/-4.4 and 6.7+/-2.8 degrees in respectively group A, B, C, D. The final mean IMA was 8.9+/-4.5, 15.2+/-7.5, 10.3+/-4.4 and D 7.7+/-3.5 degrees in respectively group A, B, C, D. There were significant statistical increase in final mean IMA of group B and C (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The IMA was significantly increased in the group which used one or two cannulated screw for fixation on follow up, therefore more caution should be needed when using one or two cannulated screw fixation technique after proximal chevron osteotomy.