Distal metatarsal osteotomy and dorsal neutralization plate in the treatment of hallux valgus

Purpose Hallux valgus is a disease that can be treated with many different surgical procedures. In our study, we aimed to compare patients with and without dorsal neutralization plate after distal metatarsal osteotomy and fixation with compression screws. Methods The files of 59 patients with 89 feet operated with the diagnosis of moderate degree hallux valgus have been examined retrospectively. Hallux valgus angles, AOFAS, VAS and satisfaction scores, time to return to work of both groups were compared. The cases in which only screw fixation was performed were mobilized with the hallux valgus apparatus for 6 weeks postoperatively, while the cases in which dorsal neutralization plate was performed were immediately mobilized full weightbearing without using an additional apparatus. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were included in the study. Result There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of being bilateral (p = 0.457), mean age (p = 0.105) and gender data (p = 0.105). There was no significant difference in the preop and postop second year hallux valgus angles, AOFAS, VAS and satisfaction scores of the patients. There was a significant difference in the time to return to work (p < 0.001) and the 6th week AOFAS (p < 0.001), VAS (p < 0.001) and postop satisfaction (p < 0.001) scores between the two groups. Conclusion The dorsal neutralization plate performed in addition to the compression screw after distal metatarsal osteotomy can cause painless early postoperative results that do not require the use of an additional apparatus, and early good functional results.