Off-axis view radiographs for assessing hallux valgus interphalangeus in hallux valgus deformity: A comparison with the traditional anteroposterior standing radiographs.

BACKGROUND: The newly described anteroposterior "off-axis view" (OAV) radiograph might help detect a hallux valgus interphalangeus (HVI) deformity more precisely compared to anteroposterior standing radiographs. METHODS: A radiographic assessment of HVI angles was performed using preoperative standing anteroposterior and OAV radiographs for 67 ft. Intra- and interobserver agreement for all angles and their correlation with HV severity were analyzed. RESULTS: The proximal-to-distal phalangeal articular angle showed less intra- and interobserver variance (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.825) than did the other angles. OAV radiographs showed less interobserver reliability than did standing radiographs. HVI was underestimated significantly, by up to 5°, on standing radiographs compared to OAV radiographs (p < 0.001). The mean differences between OAV and standing radiographs were 3.7° and 5.0° for the proximal-to-distal phalangeal articular and hallux interphalangeal angles, respectively, and were more pronounced for moderate-to-severe HV deformities. CONCLUSION: Angular measurements of HVI on traditional anteroposterior standing radiographs are significantly smaller than on OAV radiographs. Furthermore, angular measurements on OAV radiographs are associated with higher interobserver reliability. The most precise angle representing an HVI deformity might be the proximal-to-distal phalangeal articular angle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings may facilitate preoperative decision-making for additional akin osteotomy in HV correction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Minimally invasive versus open chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus correction: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare a minimally invasive chevron osteotomy technique (MIS group) and the well-established open chevron technique (OC group) for correction of hallux valgus deformity. METHODS: Patients who were scheduled to undergo a hallux valgus surgery by means of a distal chevron osteotomy were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Pre-operatively, six weeks, 12 weeks, and nine months post-operatively the following outcome parameters were determined: Visual Analog Scores (VAS) of pain, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score, radiographic outcome measures, range of motion (ROM), and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Forty-seven cases were analyzed (25 MIS group; 22 OC group). Both operative techniques achieved significant correction of the hallux deformity. The intermetatarsal angle (IMA) improved from 15.1° to 5.8° in the OC and from 14° to 6.8°in the MIS group, whereas the hallux valgus angle (HVA) improved from 28.3° to 8.5° in the OC versus 26.4° to 6.9° in the MIS group. No significant differences were observed between the groups by any of the determined outcome parameters. Regarding patient satisfaction, statistically significant differences were found between MIS and open surgery 12 weeks post-operatively in favour of the MIS group (p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: With the minimally invasive chevron osteotomy, radiological and clinical outcome is comparable to the open technique.