Foot & Ankle

Chevron Osteotomy for Mild Hallux Valgus

Surgical technique guide for Chevron Osteotomy for Mild Hallux Valgus - FRCS exam preparation

Core Procedure
intermediate
By OrthoVellum Medical Education Team

Reviewed by OrthoVellum Editorial Team

Editorial maintenance, source checking, and correction workflow • Published by OrthoVellum Medical Education Team

High Yield Overview

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

Mnemonic

C.H.E.V.R.O.N.CHEVRON - Indication Criteria

Mnemonic

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

VIVA SCENARIOStandard

EXAMINER

"Why is the chevron osteotomy inherently stable and what are the biomechanical principles that allow single screw fixation?"

EXCEPTIONAL ANSWER
The chevron osteotomy is inherently stable due to three biomechanical principles. First, the V-shaped geometry creates a large bone-to-bone contact surface area compared to straight osteotomies - this distributes load over a greater area. Second, the V-configuration provides mechanical interdigitation - when impacted, the dovetail geometry resists shear forces and translation. Third, the apex positioned at the dome of the metatarsal head with equal-length arms (8-10mm each) creates balanced compression forces across the osteotomy. When lateral translation is performed, compression is generated perpendicular to the osteotomy plane. These factors combined create rotational stability and axial stability sufficient for single screw fixation. Multiple randomized trials have shown no difference in outcomes between single versus double screw fixation for chevron, confirming that the geometry itself provides the stability rather than relying solely on the fixation.
VIVA SCENARIOStandard

EXAMINER

"What is the maximum lateral translation for a chevron osteotomy and what are the biomechanical and biological consequences of exceeding this limit?"

EXCEPTIONAL ANSWER
The maximum lateral translation is 50% of the metatarsal shaft width, which typically corresponds to 3-4mm in most patients. This 50% rule is based on both biomechanical and biological principles. Biomechanically, translation beyond 50% reduces the bone contact area to less than half the cross-section, which significantly reduces the stability of the V-configuration. The interdigitation effect is lost and there is insufficient surface area to resist shear forces, increasing malunion and nonunion risk. Biologically, excessive translation places greater tension on the periosteal attachments and soft tissue envelope at the metatarsal neck. This compromises the dual blood supply to the metatarsal head which comes from both dorsal and plantar terminal arteries entering at the neck level. While chevron AVN risk is very low at less than 1% with appropriate technique, excessive displacement increases this risk. Additionally, translation beyond 50% creates a prominent lateral edge of the proximal fragment which can be painful and require secondary resection. Each millimeter of lateral translation corrects the IMA by approximately 2-3 degrees, so 3-4mm achieves 6-12 degrees of correction which is appropriate for mild-moderate deformity.
VIVA SCENARIOStandard

EXAMINER

"Why is the AVN risk lower with distal chevron osteotomy compared to proximal metatarsal osteotomies, and what are the anatomical factors responsible?"

EXCEPTIONAL ANSWER
The AVN risk with distal chevron is less than 1% compared to 2-3% with proximal osteotomies, and this relates to the dual blood supply to the metatarsal head and the different impact of proximal versus distal procedures on this supply. The metatarsal head receives blood from two sources: dorsally from the dorsal metatarsal artery which is a branch of the dorsalis pedis, and plantarly from the plantar metatarsal arteries which arise from the plantar arch. Both dorsal and plantar terminal branches enter the metatarsal at the neck level approximately 3-4mm proximal to the articular cartilage. With the chevron osteotomy, the apex positioned at the dome of the metatarsal head is distal to where these vessels enter. Therefore, both vascular territories remain intact and perfusion is preserved. The limited soft tissue dissection at the head level and minimal periosteal stripping also help maintain blood supply. In contrast, proximal metatarsal osteotomies such as proximal chevron, crescentic, or Ludloff are performed at or proximal to the neck where the terminal vessels enter. These procedures require more extensive periosteal elevation and the osteotomy disrupts one or both of the terminal arteries. Even with careful technique, the distal capital fragment may lose a significant portion of its blood supply, relying on remaining soft tissue attachments for perfusion. This explains the higher AVN rate of 2-3% with proximal procedures. The limited translation with distal chevron - maximum 50% or 3-4mm - also reduces tension on periosteal attachments compared to proximal osteotomies which allow greater displacement.

Chevron Osteotomy - Exam Day Summary

High-Yield Exam Summary

References

  1. 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]

  2. 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]

  3. 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]

  4. 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]

  5. 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]

  6. 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]

  7. 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]

  8. 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]

  9. 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]

  10. 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]