MODIFIED MITCHELL OSTEOTOMY FOR HALLUX-VALGUS

From 1988 to 1995, 96 patients (161 feet) underwent a modified Mitchel l distal metatarsal osteotomy performed for mild-to-moderate hallux va lgus, On AP x-rays of the standing foot, the average intermetatarsal a ngle was corrected from 15 degrees to 9 degrees, and the first metatar sophalangeal angles were corrected from an average of 41 degrees to 15 degrees. Criteria for evaluation of clinical results included relief of pain, appearance of foot, and shoe wear, After an average follow-up of 38 months, the overall satisfaction rate was 92.5%. Complications included 13 pin tract infections, two delayed unions, and two correcti on losses, The most common late sequela was transfer metatarsalgia of the lesser toes, which occurred in 20 feet (12.4%), leading to some di ssatisfaction. The Mitchell osteotomy can be used on cases with less t han 20 degrees of intermetatarsal angle, offering a stable construct w ith easy postoperative care.