MODIFIED DISTAL OSTEOTOMY OF SHORTENING THE FIRST METATARSAL AND FOR TREATMENT OF HALLUX-VALGUS

We evaluated the results of distal osteotomy of shortening the first metatarsal head with internal fixation of shape memory metal compression staple for hallux valgus in 26 feet of 17 women with a mean age of 41.0 years (30-65 years). The time for return to light work averaged 18.2 days, and to full work acid normal walking 40.3 days after the operation. 16 patients (25 feet) had complete pain relief. Only in one foot, the pain was transferred under the 2nd metatarsal head. The appearance of the feet was markedly improved and the width of the forefeet was decreased by a mean of 0.92 cm after the operation. All of the patients were statisfied with the appearance of their feet. Radiographic analysis of feet showed that all osteotomies united, and the average angle of hallux valgus was improved from 30.1 degrees to 16.0 degrees, with the mean intermetatarsal angle of 11.2 degrees -6.5 degrees. No external fixation of plaster splintage was used and the distal fragment during healing of the osteotomy was stable. The time of bone healing was shortened acid patients were allowed to bear weight at early stage.