Wilson’s osteotomy for the treatment of Hallux Valgus: a review of 102 cases

• Published in: Foot (Edinburgh, Scotland) Scotland), 2003, Vol.13 (3), p.140-142
• Main Authors: Manjure, S., Singh, S., Koka, R., Rajan, N., D’Arcy, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: First metatarsal; Hallux Valgus; Osteotomy; Wilson’s
• ISSN: 0958-2592; 1532-2963
• DOI: 10.1016/S0958-2592(03)00034-8

Aim: To assess the long-term outcome of Wilson’s osteotomy to correct Hallux Valgus. Method: One hundred and two feet in 70 patients who had surgery for pain were reviewed clinically and radiologically. Results: Age at surgery ranged from 16 to 75 years (mean 44 years) and duration of follow-up ranged from 2 to 16 years (mean 6 years). Using a clinical scoring system of pain, function and alignment, 87% scored more than 80 out of 100 and only 4% had a score of less than 70.6 patients were dissatisfied with their outcome of surgery due to metatarsalgia, restricted first metatarsophalangeal joint motion or loss of correction. Nine patients were dissatisfied with the cosmetic appearance of their feet. There were no cases of avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head. We had one case of non-union at the osteotomy site, which was treated successfully with bone grafting. Metatarsalgia was observed in 18 cases but only in 4 did it necessitate further surgery. Conclusion: Wilson’s osteotomy is a technically straightforward, effective and predictable method of treating the Hallux Valgus. Our 18% incidence of metatarsalgia supports the use of alternative osteotomies in those patients with a short first metatarsal.