Treatment of Hallux Valgus with Three-dimensional Modification of Mitchell’s Osteotomy

Abstract

Mitchell’s osteotomy gives very good results but there are still some cases where the original method, as well as its modification, cannot address all aspects of deformity. We modified the original Mitchell’s method to address pronation and plantar displacement of the first metatarsal. Modification includes formation of lateral and plantar spur with metatarsal displacement and derotation of distal metatarsal fragment in the frontal and horizontal planes with stable screw fixation. We present midterm results of the first 60 patients compared to the original Mitchell method (30 patients). Differences between the groups postoperatively were in declination angle, postoperative metatarsalgia rate, and first metatarsal pronation angle. The technique described eliminated many of the disadvantages of Mitchell’s method. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(2): 162–172, 2009)