Early results of the modified Peterson bunion procedure for adolescent hallux valgus

Adolescent hallux valgus has a high recurrence rate after conventional surg ical corrections. Excellent results have been reported with a double osteot omy of the first metatarsal fixed with a 3/16" transarticular pin. The pres ent study reports the early results of using a medial plate and screws with an osteoperiosteal distally based nap to correct metatarsophalangeal joint subluxation, decrease recurrence from laxity in the medial capsular repair , and avoid intra-articular damage. The study included 18 feet in 16 patien ts (8 males, 8 females). All osteotomies healed primarily without complicat ions, though there was recurrence in 3 undercorrected feet (2 patients). Th e average preoperative hallux valgus angle of 34 degrees was reduced to 16 degrees at a minimum 1-year follow-up. The average intermetatarsal angle im proved from 14 degrees (before operation) to 6 degrees. No patient has requ ested plate removal.