Radiographic analysis of metatarsus primus varus: 45 feet followed 15 months after distal metatarsal osteotomy and lateral soft-tissue release

Abstract

We analyzed standardized radiographs of 45 feet in 41 patients with symptomatic hallux valgus and an intermetatarsal angle of 17 (15–23) degrees 15 (9–24) months after distal metatarsal osteotomy and lateral soft-tissue releases. A mean reduction in the ll-intermetatarsal angle of 12 degrees and hallux valgus angle of 24° was found. On average, the metatarsus primus varus angle improved by 4 degrees, the l-intermetatarsal angle by 3 degrees and the inclination angle of the first cuneiform by 4 degrees. We conclude that this operation corrects the metatarsus primus varus, without substantially altering the alignment of the long axis of the first metatarsal.