Reverdin–Isham procedure for mild or moderate hallux valgus: clinical and radiographic outcomes

Background In the last decade, interests in minimal incision surgery have been growing. Theoretically, this kind of procedure could decrease time to recovery and rehabilitation, with a reduction in morbidity. The present study assessed clinical and radiological outcomes and complications of percutaneous surgery for mild-to-moderate hallux valgus using Reverdin–Isham and Akin osteotomies without fixation after 60 months of follow-up. Methods A series of 48 patients (57 cases) with medium-to-moderate hallux valgus underwent the same percutaneous surgery, between 2003 and 2011. Data collection involved preoperative dorsal flexion, plantar flexion, M1P1, M1M2, DMAA angles, AOFAS scale score, and subjective satisfaction. Results AOFAS scale score rose from a preoperative median of 55.9–89.2/100 postoperatively ( p < 0.001); 51 surgical procedures (89.5%) were considered as satisfactory or very satisfactory by patients at the end of follow-up. Hallux valgus and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were significantly reduced (29.3° and 14.1°–15.4° and 7.7°, p < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant increase in MTPJ 1 stiffness ( p < 0.001). Discussion Percutaneous correction by Reverdin–Isham and Akin osteotomies seems to be effective in isolated medium-to-moderate hallux valgus. Stiffness observed is comparable to other percutaneous and open procedures but needs to be compared in a randomized controlled clinical trial to extra-articular percutaneous procedures without capsule detachment in association with an internal fixation which allows an early mobilization. Level of clinical evidence IV.