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Category: Bunion; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: The study objective was to evaluate the long-term results of hallux valgus correction with a distal metatarsal reversed-L (ReveL) osteotomy. Moreover, potential risk factors leading to recurrence and an inferior clinical outcome were assessed. Methods: Eighty-eight patients (131 feet) were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 14.2 (range, 10 – 18) years. Weightbearing foot radiographs were analyzed preoperatively, 6 weeks postoperatively, and at the final follow-up for the following parameters: hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) congruence angle, sesamoid position, presence of round sign, first MTPJ arthritis. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) assessed postoperative pain and function. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified risk factors for hallux valgus recurrence and an inferior clinical outcome. Results: All radiographic parameters significantly improved at the 6-week and the final follow-up (p< 0.001). The recurrence rate (HVA ≥ 20°) was 13.7%. A preoperative HVA > 28° (OR 9.1; p= 0.02) and a 6-week postoperative HVA > 15° (OR 4.6; p= 0.03) were independent risk factors for recurrence. A preoperative BMI > 30 kg/m 2 correlated with lower FAOS quality of life (p= 0.04), and postoperative hallux varus with lower FAOS activities of daily living (p < 0.05). First MTPJ arthritis ≥ grade 2 at the final follow-up significantly correlated with lower FAOS subscales. Recurrence had no impact on the long-term outcome. Disturbing hardware was the main cause of revision (14.5%). 94% were satisfied with the hallux appearance and 92% with pain reduction. Conclusion: Hallux valgus correction with a ReveL osteotomy leads to high long-term satisfaction rates. A preoperative HVA >28° and a 6-week postoperative HVA >15° increased the risk for hallux valgus recurrence. First MTPJ arthritis was the leading cause for an inferior clinical long-term outcome. Radiographic hallux valgus recurrence had no impact on the clinical results.

Background: Metatarsal pronation has been claimed to be a risk factor for hallux valgus recurrence. A rounded shape of the lateral aspect of the first metatarsal head has been identified as a sign of persistent metatarsal pronation after hallux valgus correction. This study investigated the derotational effect of a reversed L-shaped (ReveL) osteotomy combined with a lateral release to correct metatarsal pronation. The primary hypothesis was that most cases showing a positive round sign are corrected by rebalancing the metatarsal-sesamoid complex. We further assumed that the inability to correct the round sign might be a risk factor for hallux valgus recurrence. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 266 cases treated with a ReveL osteotomy for hallux valgus deformity. The radiologic measurements were performed on weightbearing foot radiographs preoperatively, at an early follow-up (median, 6.2 weeks), and the most recent follow-up (median, 13 months). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified risk factors for hallux valgus recurrence (hallux valgus angle [HVA] ≥ 20 degrees). Results: A preoperative positive radiographic round sign was present in 40.2% of the cases, of which 58.9% turned negative after the ReveL osteotomy ( P < .001). Hallux valgus recurred in 8.6%. Risk factors for recurrence were a preoperative HVA >30 degrees (odds ratio [OR] = 5.3, P < .001), metatarsus adductus (OR = 4.0, P = .004), preoperative positive round sign (OR = 3.3, P = .02), postoperative HVA >15 degrees (OR = 74.9; P < .001), and postoperative positive round sign (OR = 5.3, P = .008). Cases with a positive round sign at the most recent follow-up had a significantly higher recurrence rate than those with a negative round sign (22.7% vs 5.9%, P < .001). Conclusion: The ReveL osteotomy corrected a positive round sign in 58.9%, suggesting that not all hallux valgus deformities may need proximal derotation to negate the radiographic appearance of the round sign. A positive round sign was found to be an independent risk factor for hallux valgus recurrence. Further 3-dimensional analyses are necessary to better understand the effects and limitations of distal translational osteotomies to correct metatarsal pronation. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.