Distal Chevron Osteotomy vs The Simple, Effective, Rapid, Inexpensive Technique (SERI) for Mild to Moderate Isolated Hallux Valgus: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background Hallux valgus is a common foot deformity that leads to functional disability with serious sequelae. Minimally invasive surgery is often used to treat hallux valgus in order to reduce wound complications and improve recovery time. The objective of this study was to compare a Simple, Effective, Rapid, Inexpensive (SERI) technique with a simple Chevron technique in patients with minimum of 1-year follow-up. Methods and Materials Between the years 2014-2015, we performed a prospective study comparing the SERI minimally invasive technique to treat symptomatic hallux valgus with a standard chevron osteotomy technique. All procedures were performed by a single fellowship trained foot and ankle surgeon. Twenty-one patients were randomized to the SERI cohort and 15 to the standard Chevron technique. Results The mean preoperative intermetatarsal angle (IMA) of the SERI group was 14.8 +/- 1.9 (11.9-22.9). The mean preoperative IMA of the Chevron control group was 13.3 +/- 2.3 (10.4-18.2) (p = 0.038). The mean IMA two weeks after the surgery was 6.0 +/- 2.3 (2.4-12) in the SERI group, and 6.1 +/- 3 (2.6-13.1) in the control group. At the two-week and 1-year follow-up, there was no significant difference found in the IMA between the two groups (p = 0.871). The mean hallux valgus angle reduction was 11.85 +/- 4.88 (3-20.8) and 11.09 +/- 6.51 (- 1.1 to 22.5) in the SERI and Chevron groups, respectively (p = 0.69). Neither groups reported symptomatic transfer metatarsalgia throughout the follow-up period. The SERI group had increased metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) motion (p < 0.001); however, all other parameters with similar. Conclusion The SERI technique provided comparable outcomes at up to 1-year follow-up when compared with a standard Chevron osteotomy for moderate hallux valgus. This study demonstrated good reproducible results using the SERI technique for moderate hallux valgus. Trial Registration Approved by local IRB at MMC.