Correlation of Loss of Correction With Postoperative Radiological Factors After Distal Chevron Osteotomy in Dependence of Concomitant Akin Osteotomy

Loss of correction is frequently observed following hallux valgus correction and is associated with recurrence of a hallux valgus deformity. The purpose of this study was to correlate loss of correction and radiological parameters following distal chevron (Group C) and combined chevron/akin (Group AC) osteotomy. A total of 859 feet were included for analysis and grouped according to treatment with a distal chevron osteotomy alone or a combined chevron/akin osteotomy. Radiographs were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, after 6 weeks, 3 months and, if available, at long term follow-up with a mean of 34.2 (range 7.5-155.3) months. With the exception of the proximal to distal phalangeal articular angle (PDPAA), preoperative deformity was comparable between both groups. Significant correction of all examined parameters ( p <.001) was seen. Loss of correction at 6 weeks with minor deterioration until follow-up was also detected, with group AC somewhat better than Group C. A strong correlation with loss of correction was found for the postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) ( p <.002), intermetatarsal angle (IMA) ( p <.001), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) ( p <.002), positioning of the sesamoids ( p <.002) and joint congruity ( p <.035) in Group C and for the DMAA ( p <.033) and HVA ( p <.046) in Group AC. Multiple postoperative radiological parameters correlated with loss of correction following distal chevron osteotomy. In Group AC only postoperative HVA and DMAA determined loss of correction. Correction of the deformity in Group AC showed greater stability.