Chevron Osteotomy for Mild Hallux Valgus
Surgical technique guide for Chevron Osteotomy for Mild Hallux Valgus - FRCS exam preparation
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CHEVRON OSTEOTOMY FOR MILD HALLUX VALGUS
Medial longitudinal approach to 1st metatarsal head and neck | intermediate
Critical Danger Structures - 5 Anatomical Zones
Danger 1: Dorsomedial Cutaneous Nerve
Location: Multiple branches cross surgical field 3-5mm dorsal to incision line
Protection: Identify under loupe magnification during superficial dissection, retract gently with vessel loop, sharp dissection under direct vision
Danger 2: Medial Plantar Digital Nerve
Location: Runs 8-10mm plantar to MTP joint line, vulnerable during eminence resection
Protection: Keep incision 2-3mm dorsal to joint, limit saw depth during eminence removal, never extend cut >5mm plantar to articular surface
Danger 3: Medial Plantar Sesamoid
Location: 5-6mm plantar to metatarsal head articular surface, attached to flexor hallucis brevis
Protection: Direct osteotomy cuts dorsally, limit plantar eminence resection to 3-4mm, check sesamoid integrity after eminence removal
Danger 4: Lateral Neurovascular Bundle
Location: Runs 5mm lateral to lateral MTP capsule, at risk during lateral release
Protection: If lateral release needed, stay on capsule, blunt dissection only, release adductor from lateral base P1 under direct vision
Danger 5: Metatarsal Head Blood Supply
Location: Dorsal and plantar terminal branches enter at neck level, 3-4mm proximal to articular cartilage
Protection: Minimize periosteal stripping at neck, limit translation to 50% width, apex at dome preserves both vascular territories
C.H.E.V.R.O.N.CHEVRON - Indication Criteria
S.T.A.B.L.E. VSTABLE V - Technical Keys for Chevron Stability
Indications
Primary Indications
- Mild-moderate hallux valgus: HVA 15-30°, IMA 10-13°
- Symptomatic bunion: Pain, difficulty with shoe wear, cosmetic concerns
- Failed conservative management: Orthotics, wider shoes, activity modification tried for 3-6 months
- Congruent 1st MTP joint: Critical requirement - joint surfaces parallel on AP radiograph
- Good soft tissue quality: Adequate skin elasticity, no previous surgery/scarring
Adjunct Procedures
- Akin osteotomy: Add if DASA >10° (interphalangeal valgus) or residual HVA >15° after chevron
- Lateral soft tissue release: If tight lateral structures prevent sesamoid reduction
- Medial capsular reefing: Routine to address soft tissue laxity component
Contraindications
Absolute:
- Severe deformity (HVA >30°, IMA >13°) - use scarf or proximal osteotomy
- Incongruent MTP joint - requires proximal realignment
- Active infection
- Severe peripheral vascular disease
- Neuropathic arthropathy (Charcot)
Relative:
- Rheumatoid arthritis with MTP synovitis (high recurrence)
- Previous failed chevron (consider revision with proximal osteotomy)
- Metatarsus primus elevatus (risk transfer metatarsalgia)
- Hypermobility first ray (consider lapidus fusion)
- Age <16 years (growth plates open)
- Heavy manual labour within 3 months
Preoperative Assessment
Clinical Examination
- Deformity assessment: Flexible vs fixed, sesamoid position
- First MTP ROM: Normal 60-70° dorsiflexion, 20-30° plantarflexion
- Transfer metatarsalgia: Calluses under lesser metatarsal heads
- Neurological: Sensation, motor function, Tinel's signs
- Vascular: Pulses, capillary refill, skin quality
Radiographic Measurements
- HVA: Normal <15°, mild-moderate 15-30°, severe >30°
- IMA: Normal <9°, chevron suitable 10-13°, severe >13°
- DASA: Normal <10°, >10° indicates need for Akin
- MTP joint congruity: Parallel articular surfaces = congruent
- Sesamoid position: Grade 0-3, aim for Grade 0-1 postop
- First metatarsal length: Relative to second metatarsal
- Arthritis: Degenerative changes preclude osteotomy
Patient Counselling
- Success rate: 85-90% satisfaction with appropriate patient selection
- Recurrence: 5-15%, higher if severe deformity or non-compliance
- Recovery timeline: 6-8 weeks protected weight bearing, 3-4 months full activity
- Complications: Stiffness 10-20%, transfer metatarsalgia 5-10%, nerve injury 5-10%
- Footwear: Avoid high heels 6 months, may need wider toe box permanently
Post-operative Care
Immediate Post-operative (0-2 weeks)
- Dressing: Bunion dressing maintains corrected position, change at 48 hours by surgeon or trained nurse
- Elevation: Foot elevated above heart level majority of time for 72 hours to reduce swelling
- Ice: 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours while awake for first 3-5 days
- Weight bearing: Heel weight bearing in postoperative stiff-soled shoe or bunion boot, avoid forefoot loading
- Pain management: Multimodal analgesia (paracetamol, NSAIDs if not contraindicated, opioids short-term if needed)
- Thromboprophylaxis: Low risk procedure, early mobilization usually adequate, consider aspirin 100mg daily if high-risk patient
Early Post-operative (2-6 weeks)
- Suture removal: 10-14 days (if non-absorbable used)
- Dressing: Transition to simple protective dressing, can shower after sutures removed
- Weight bearing: Continue heel weight bearing in postop shoe for 6 weeks total
- ROM exercises: Start gentle MTP dorsiflexion/plantarflexion exercises at 2 weeks, 10 reps 3-4 times daily
- Radiographs: 6-week post-op X-rays to assess union, alignment, hardware position
- Physiotherapy: Consider formal PT if stiff (dorsiflexion <40° at 4 weeks)
Intermediate Post-operative (6-12 weeks)
- Transition to shoes: Gradual transition to supportive athletic/walking shoes at 6-8 weeks
- Weight bearing: Full weight bearing in regular shoes permitted at 6-8 weeks once radiographic healing confirmed
- ROM: Continue ROM exercises daily, add resisted exercises, toe curls
- Activity: Walking for exercise encouraged, avoid impact activities until 3 months
- Swelling: Expect residual swelling for 3-4 months, compression stockings may help
Late Post-operative (3-6 months)
- Return to sport: Impact sports, running permitted at 3-4 months if pain-free and radiographic union
- Footwear: Can return to fashion footwear 3-4 months, avoid high heels >5cm for 6 months
- Final radiographs: 3-month X-rays assess union, alignment, any early complications
- Maximal improvement: Expect continued improvement in swelling, comfort, ROM up to 6-12 months
Long-term (6+ months)
- Footwear education: Permanent lifestyle modification - avoid narrow toe box, excessive heel height (>7cm)
- Orthotic use: If flexible flatfoot or biomechanical factors contributed, continue orthotics
- Activity modification: Can return to all pre-injury activities if pain-free
- Follow-up: Routine follow-up 6 months, 1 year, then as needed for any concerns
Exam Viva Scenarios
Practice these scenarios to excel in your viva examination
"Why is the chevron osteotomy inherently stable and what are the biomechanical principles that allow single screw fixation?"
"What is the maximum lateral translation for a chevron osteotomy and what are the biomechanical and biological consequences of exceeding this limit?"
"Why is the AVN risk lower with distal chevron osteotomy compared to proximal metatarsal osteotomies, and what are the anatomical factors responsible?"
Chevron Osteotomy - Exam Day Summary
High-Yield Exam Summary
References
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Austin DW, Leventen EO. A new osteotomy for hallux valgus: a horizontally directed "V" displacement osteotomy of the metatarsal head for hallux valgus and primus varus. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1981;(157):25-30. [Original description of chevron osteotomy technique and biomechanical principles]
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Schneider W, Knahr K. Surgery for hallux valgus. The expectations of patients and surgeons. Int Orthop. 2001;25(6):382-385. [Patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction following chevron osteotomy for mild-moderate hallux valgus]
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Kaufmann G, Mörtlbauer L, Hofer-Picout P, et al. Five-year follow-up of minimally invasive distal metatarsal chevron osteotomy in comparison with the open technique: a randomized controlled trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2020;102(10):873-879. [RCT comparing open versus minimally invasive chevron with 5-year outcomes data]
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Resch S, Stenstrom A, Jonsson K, Reynisson K. The diagnostic efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography in Morton's neuroma: a radiological-surgical correlation. Foot Ankle Int. 1994;15(2):88-92. [Vascular anatomy of first metatarsal and AVN risk factors in distal osteotomies]
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Trnka HJ, Zettl R, Hungerford M, Mühlbauer M, Ritschl P. Acquired hallux varus and clinical tolerability. Foot Ankle Int. 1997;18(9):593-597. [Hallux varus overcorrection complication, risk factors and management strategies]
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Pochatko DJ, Schlehr FJ, Murphey MD, Hamilton JJ, Lackey JT. Distal chevron osteotomy with lateral release for treatment of hallux valgus deformity. Foot Ankle Int. 1994;15(9):457-461. [Outcomes of chevron with concurrent lateral soft tissue release, sesamoid reduction correlation]
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Jones S, Al Hussainy HA, Ali F, Betts RP, Flowers MJ. Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus. A prospective clinical and pedobarographic study. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2004;86(6):830-836. [Comparison of scarf versus chevron osteotomy for different deformity severities]
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Okuda R, Kinoshita M, Yasuda T, Jotoku T, Kitano N, Shima H. The shape of the lateral edge of the first metatarsal head as a risk factor for recurrence of hallux valgus. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007;89(10):2163-2172. [Anatomical factors predicting recurrence after chevron osteotomy, patient selection criteria]
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Shibuya N, Kyprios EM, Panchani PN, Martin LR, Thordarson DB, Jupiter DC. Factors associated with early loss of hallux valgus correction. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2018;57(2):236-240. [Recurrence risk factors including deformity severity, soft tissue procedures, patient compliance]
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Fraissler L, Konrads C, Hoberg M, Rudert M, Walcher M. Treatment of hallux valgus deformity. EFORT Open Rev. 2016;1(8):295-302. [Comprehensive review of hallux valgus surgical techniques including chevron, indications, outcomes, and complications]