ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Hallux valgus is a common foot deformity that can lead to significant pain and functional limitations. Minimally invasive corrective surgery is becoming increasingly popular. The aim of this study is to evaluate the radiological outcome of mini-open hallux valgus surgery using an intramedullary plate in Asian patients. METHODS: A series of seven patients (six females, one male) and 10 feet underwent hallux valgus correction surgery. Three of the patients had bilateral surgery. Age ranged from 31 to 54 years old. All patients had severe pain and functional limitations. The cases are mild to moderate in severity, of which the radiological parameters are the hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). A Bosch osteotomy (distal metatarsal osteotomy) is performed, and a locking plate was inserted into the medullary canal with the distal part of the plate displacing the metatarsal head laterally. The rotational deformity was corrected. The plate is fixed to the metatarsal head. Akin's osteotomy was performed in all cases. Patients were allowed to bear weight immediately after surgery and were followed up at regular intervals with serial radiographs. Result: The follow-up period was three months. All patients were full weightbearing with minimal or no pain at three months. Wounds were well healed. Osteotomy sites were united, with significant radiological improvement (mean HVA: 24.1° to 7.2°; mean IMA: 17° to 7.8°; mean DMAA: 13.7° to 4.2°). CONCLUSION: Mini-open hallux valgus surgery using an intramedullary plate is a safe and effective technique that can lead to significant improvement in pain and function for mild to moderate hallux valgus. The modified placement of the plate into the medullary canal allows for a smaller incision while providing correction of the hallux valgus deformity.