Abstract
We evaluated the result of nine feet of seven patients who underwent V-osteotomy of the head of the first metatarsal bone according to the Austin procedure for treatment of hallux valgus with a mean of twenty-four month follow-up (range, eight months to fifty months).
The average hallux valgus angle was corrected from 28.0±6.5° to 11.7±8.0° and intermetatarsal 1-2 angle from 14.9±4.3° to 10.1±1.9° postoperatively. However, the average hallux valugus angle was developed to 22.3±13.9°. In five of nine feet, the preoperative hallux valgus angle was over 25°. Hallux valgus deformity recurred on four feet in this group. We concluded that the Austin procedure should not be used for a the hallux valgus with a preoperative angle of over 25°.
