Long-term results of the retrocapital metatarsal percutaneous osteotomy for hallux valgus

Purpose The current trend in hallux valgus surgery is directed toward percutaneous procedures. However, no evidence that any of these methods of treatment are superior to the others has been described, excepting studies in the long term. The aim of this study was to analyse a series of patients who had undergone a percutaneous distal retrocapital osteotomy of the first metatarsal, and had been followed up for ten years. Methods We carried out a clinical and radiological evaluation of 115 feet ten years after surgery. Results The AOFAS scale results in the tenth postoperative year remained significantly favourable compared to their corresponding values in the preoperative period, yielding an improvement of 42.2 points overall on average. In relation to radiological findings, the mean hallux angle was maintained below 20 degrees, with a mean intermetatarsal angle of 8.1 degrees. Conclusion Percutaneous retrocapital metatarsal osteotomy for treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus is effective in the long term, with the advantages of a minimally invasive procedure.