Surgical treatment of hallux valgus in children and adolescents: 46 cases treated with the Mitchell technique

Purpose of the study The aim of this study is to discuss special features of hallux valgus in ch ildren and assess place of a surgical procedure in some patients. Material and method A retrospective study of 40 children (46 feet) operated for hallux valgus w as conducted. An etiology was identified in 10 per cent of cases and 90 per cent were considered as idiopathic. From a clinical and radiological analy sis of 46 feet, we describe the anatomical particularities and the indicati ons of the surgical treatment. The Mitchell's technique is described in det ail. The correction of the metatarsal varus and the metatarsophalangial val gus was obtained without breaking off the growth plate of the first metatar sus. Results Clinically, results were satisfactory in 84 per cent of the cases. Radiolog ically, results were excellents in 45 per cent and good in 35 per cent. Discussion and conclusion Hallux valgus in the child is often underestimated; operative treatment sho uld be proposed in some patients. Mitchell's technique gives good results w ith an early and simply correction.