LATE RESULTS OF THE KELLER-BRANDES OPERATION FOR HALLUX-VALGUS

Evaluating the late results of the Keller-Brandes operation for hallux valgus in 100 feet on average 5.5 years after surgery, these were fun ctionally and cosmetically satisfying to the patient in 90% of cases. In 97% pain was relieved completely or partially. On examination, howe ver, 23% of the feet still had a clinical hallux valgus angle of more than 30 degrees. A dorsal extension-contracture which was found togeth er with 50% or more of phalangeal resection was present in 6%. The pow er of plantar flexion of the big toe decreased with the extent of rese ction of the proximal phalanx. Resection of more than half of the prox imal phalanx seems to be disadvantageous and should be avoided.